The newly released Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is based on the highly successful James Cameron movies, and it is canonical. Though it’s a good idea to watch the movies before jumping into the game, it’s not a prerequisite.
Frontiers of Pandora is an open-world game that will satisfy Avatar fans, giving them the chance to explore the picturesque Pandora. Newcomers won’t be left in the cold, however, and you’ll be able to enjoy this standalone game without being a film buff. Nevertheless, I’d advise you to watch the movies if you want to make the most of your playthrough.
The place of Frontiers of Pandora in the Avatar franchise
The story of Frontiers of Pandora is a standalone one that doesn’t attempt to retell the events of the films. Your adventure begins after waking up from suspended animation on Pandora. A stranger to your home, it’s up to you to explore your environment and learn about being a Na’vi while thwarting the acquisitive RDA.
If you’re an Avatar aficionado, the game will expand your knowledge, as it has been confirmed that all creatures, plants, and clans are part of the IP’s world. As creative director Magnus Jansén explains to IGN, “the Western Frontier is no less a part of the world of Avatar than what’s in the movies.” Jansén also suggests that some of the elements found in the game may appear in future movies.
Film producer Jon Landau echoes the same sentiments to IGN. He shows particular interest in the clans of Frontiers of Pandora as something that will pop up in Avatar 3. The most concrete confirmation comes from the vice president of franchise development, Joshua Izzo, who states that “there are going to be some future sequel elements in Frontiers of Pandora that will pay off when the movie comes out, when Avatar 3 comes out in 2025.”
Is it worth watching the Avatar movies before playing Frontiers of Pandora?
If this is the first time with the franchise, you won’t feel lost at all. You explore a previously unseen region of Pandora, so it’ll be a novel experience for both franchise veterans and newcomers. Furthermore, because you play as a character that’s been in suspended animation for years, you get to learn more about the world with them.
There are some elements you’ll enjoy more if you’ve watched the films. For example, seeing the Ikran and Direhorses is a nice treat, especially because you get to interact with them. It’s also nice to get additional details on the beautiful world of Pandora and the Na’vi.
If you haven’t seen any of the movies, don’t feel apprehensive about trying the game. It’s very accommodating to newcomers and clearly explains the elements of its world.
