Pandora Archives

Winsage

March 3, 2025

A Windows 11 update has tanked performance on some Intel CPUs — Here’s what it means for you

Windows 11 version 24H2 has performance and compatibility issues, particularly affecting Intel 11th Gen processors due to a flaw in the Intel Smart Sound Technology driver, causing blue screen errors. Gaming performance concerns have also been noted but appear to have been addressed. Ubisoft titles like Star Wars Outlaws, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, and Assassin's Creed: Valhalla experienced unresponsiveness, which has been resolved. A new bug affects users with the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K CPU, causing startup errors linked to a recent CPU or microcode update. Affected users report performance throttling when applications are minimized or out of focus, with significant drops in performance during benchmark tests. This issue seems limited to certain Intel CPUs, as other models like the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X and Intel Core i9 12900K are not affected. Users with Intel's Lunar or Arrow Lake CPUs may be vulnerable, and it is recommended to report issues via the Microsoft Feedback Hub.

AppWizard

March 2, 2025

This week’s hot PC gaming Steam deals Feb.23-Mar.1

The Steam Next Fest is currently ongoing, offering significant sales and free game demos. Ubisoft is holding a Big Publisher Sale with discounts on various titles, including: - Star Wars: Outlaws - 50% off - Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown - 50% off - Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag - 70% off - The Rogue Prince of Persia - 25% off - Riders Republic - 80% off - Anno 1800 - 90% off - Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege - 80% off - Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora - 67% off - Rayman Legends - 80% off Sales from indie publishers Annapurna Interactive and New Blood Interactive include: - Neon White - 50% off - Ultrakill - 33% off - What Remains of Edith Finch - 75% off - Blood West - 55% off - Flock - 20% off Notable cultural games on sale are: - Lies of P - 40% off - Cocoon - 40% off - Black Mesa - 75% off - Dredge - 50% off - Unpacking - 50% off Ubisoft's sale ends on March 13, while the indie sales conclude on March 3, 2025.

AppWizard

March 1, 2025

Weekend PC Download Deals for Feb. 28: Indiana Jones and the great sale

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will be released by Bethesda and MachineGames in late 2024 and is currently available at a major discount on Steam. Steam is also offering discounts on Ubisoft titles, including Star Wars Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. Blizzard's Battle.net has released a significant mid-year update for World of Warcraft, and The War Within is available at a discount. Humble Choice subscribers can access games like Immortals of Aveum and Trepang2 for .99 a month, with various pricing tiers for additional bundles. A coupon code FEB15 provides a 15% discount on any PC game from select retailers.

Winsage

December 26, 2024

Windows 11 installation media bug causes security update failures

Microsoft has warned that using media support (CD or USB flash drives) to install Windows 11, version 24H2 may prevent the operating system from accepting security updates released between October 8 and November 12. This issue occurs when the installation media includes security updates from October 2024 or November 2024. It does not affect updates applied through Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog, and installations using the December 2024 security update are not impacted. Microsoft is working on a permanent solution and recommends using the December 2024 security update for media-based installations. Additionally, users have reported various issues with the 24H2 update, including audio problems, application launch failures, game freezes, and performance issues with certain hardware and software configurations.

AppWizard

December 19, 2024

PC VR wizard is gearing up to weave his magic on Ubisoft’s 2023 open-world adventure

Modder Luke Ross has transformed popular PC games into VR experiences, including titles like Elden Ring, Cyberpunk 2077, and Marvel's Spider-Man. His latest project is a VR mod for Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, a game by Ubisoft. The game features visually stunning environments, and Ross noted that it looks incredible in VR and is resource-intensive. He plans to release an updated mod that will significantly enhance image quality without sacrificing performance. Access to his VR mod requires a subscription to his Patreon, starting at £8.50 per month, which includes a ZIP file with the VR framework and conversions of 26 PC games into VR.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

Ubisoft has fixed some of the issues with Avatar, Outlaws and the Windows 11 24H2 update, but the big three Assassin’s Creed are still borked

The Windows 11 24H2 update is causing gaming glitches, particularly affecting five major titles from Ubisoft. Microsoft has blocked the update for PCs with these games installed. Ubisoft has released hotfixes for two titles, but the Assassin's Creed series (Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla) still lacks a fix. Microsoft confirmed that patches for Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora and Star Wars Outlaws address crash issues, but performance problems may persist. Users on Windows 11 24H2 should check their version and either wait for Ubisoft's patches or revert to the previous version, 23H2. Rolling back the update can be complicated if more than ten days have passed since installation, potentially requiring a complete reinstallation of Windows. Users can roll back the update if it was installed recently by navigating through the Settings menu.

Winsage

December 9, 2024

Ubisoft fixes Windows 11 24H2 conflicts causing game crashes

Microsoft has lifted the safeguard hold on upgrades for devices running the Ubisoft games Star Wars Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, which were previously affected by crashes, freezes, and audio glitches after the Windows 24H2 update. This hold was imposed due to user complaints about game performance issues, including immediate crashes and freezing. Ubisoft has released temporary hotfixes to mitigate these problems, although some performance issues may still persist. Users experiencing difficulties exiting the games are advised to use the Task Manager as a workaround. Microsoft has also recommended that gamers avoid upgrading affected PCs using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or Media Creation Tool until a full resolution is achieved. Additionally, Microsoft announced a new compatibility hold affecting systems with outdated Google Workspace Sync installations, which have caused issues with launching Outlook.

Winsage

December 9, 2024

More gamers can install Windows 11 24H2 after Microsoft semi-lifts update block

Windows 11 has faced challenges with the 24H2 update, affecting users, particularly gamers. Microsoft initially blocked updates for users with certain Ubisoft games installed: Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Assassin's Creed Origins, Assassin's Creed Odyssey, Star Wars Outlaws, and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. Recently, Star Wars Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora have been cleared of issues due to hotfixes from Ubisoft, although players may still encounter performance problems. The safeguard hold for these games was lifted on 12/05/2024. The update process may take up to 48 hours after fixes are applied, and restarting the device may expedite it. Challenges with Windows 11 24H2 and update blocks persist, with ongoing efforts from Microsoft and developers to resolve them.

Winsage

December 8, 2024

Microsoft partially lifts the Windows 11 update block after that weird Ubisoft game bug

Ubisoft has addressed compatibility issues with some of its games on Windows 11 following the 24H2 update. Star Wars Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora have received hotfixes that resolve previous Windows-related issues, although some performance hiccups may still occur. However, titles from the Assassin's Creed series, including Valhalla, Origins, and Odyssey, remain problematic, blocking the installation of the 24H2 update if detected on a user's system. Players must wait 48 hours after uninstalling these titles for the update to become available.

AppWizard

December 6, 2024

Avatar: Rites of Passage DLC now live in Minecraft

In the world of the Na’vi, individuals believe they experience life twice: first in Minecraft and then as part of the Na’vi. The new DLC, Avatar: Rites of Passage, is available from Gamemode One and 20th Century Studios, featuring a complimentary Na’vi Kuru item. Players will explore Pandora's landscapes, encountering various creatures and bioluminescent plants. As a young Na’vi, players must complete their Omatikayan Rites of Passage while dealing with their father's illness. The journey involves gathering edible plants, hunting, defending against viperwolves, connecting with Spirit Trees, and taming a direhorse. The final challenge includes bonding with an Ikran atop the Hallelujah Mountains. The DLC can be purchased on the Minecraft Marketplace.