Avatar Legends debuts missing key features and promised DLC, sparking player backlash.
Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game launched yesterday, giving players their first taste of an Avatar title with solid gameplay. However, many features surrounding the core combat feel underdeveloped. Several modes that were teased before launch are missing, leading to frustration among players who are likening it to an unannounced Early Access release. Currently, the game holds a 73% Mostly Positive rating on Steam, with reviews highlighting the engaging battles but criticizing nearly everything else.
One of the most significant issues is the absence of a ranked mode, which is crucial in a genre where experienced players can easily dominate newcomers. After diving into the game at launch, it’s clear that many players have either spent extensive time practicing or participated in previous beta tests, resulting in a high skill level in online matches. A thriving online community is essential for the longevity of fighting games, and there are concerns that this harsh introduction could deter new players and jeopardize the game’s future. “It was advertised that there would be a ranked mode. I hate rug pulls, what’s the point,” one player expressed on a forum.
Another major concern is that the additional content promised in the Deluxe Edition, priced at $49.99 compared to the Standard Edition’s $29.99, is currently unavailable. This version was supposed to include unique HUDs, a digital artbook, and the soundtrack. Additionally, the Samurai Appa cosmetic, which was a pre-order bonus, is also missing.
The game also lacks a spectator mode, which is vital for tournaments as it facilitates match streaming. Consequently, events like Avatar Legends’ bracket at Tampa Never Sleeps have been postponed.
As if these issues weren’t enough, there were several known problems leading up to the launch. Just hours before release, the Xbox version was delayed until September, and it was revealed that the Nintendo Switch version would not support crossplay at launch, isolating it from the broader community. Other known issues include several characters missing their final animations and flawed tutorials. Players have also noted that the Nintendo Switch version is behind in updates, while PlayStation 5 users are experiencing performance issues, including controller problems and inadequate keyboard support.
The Avatar Legends team has acknowledged many of these concerns and released a roadmap for improvements. They plan to introduce ranked and spectator modes, a Beginner’s Zone, casual modes, new tutorials, and combo trials. At San Diego Comic-Con, they also announced a free Year One DLC character, Tagah, from the upcoming movie Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender.
It seems the game may have been rushed to coincide with the release of Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender, which is set for July 25. The July 23 launch date was likely chosen to allow for the film crossover announcement at Comic-Con.
It’s a disappointing situation. Avatar Legends’ core gameplay is genuinely impressive, offering layers of strategy that make it enjoyable. Based solely on its one-on-one battles, it could be one of the best entries in the genre in years, with even some newcomers finding enjoyment in its intricate combat. Critics have generally been favorable, though most reviews highlight the numerous shortcomings.
Despite the various missteps, the game launched with a peak of over 12,000 concurrent players on Steam. Typically, such numbers would sustain one-on-one matches for a while, but the rocky rollout could lead to issues. For comparison, another fighting game tie-in, Invincible VS, started with around 8,000 players on Steam but has since plummeted to a recent 24-hour peak of just 88. While Avatar Legends arguably boasts superior gameplay, it’s hoped that these launch troubles won’t result in a similar decline.
Avatar Legends is a fantastic fighting game — unless you’re going it alone.
