Throughout Avatar’s history, we’ve seen many variations of elements that have proved beneficial for survival and battle. While The Last Airbender features several of these techniques, The Legend of Korra expands previous abilities and introduces some new ones as well. So, without further ado, here is our ranking of the 17 best elements in Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra.
17. Heat Regulation
The Air Nation’s Heat Regulation ability excels in cold environments and allows these benders to withstand extreme weather conditions. When you watch the snowy-based episodes of The Last Airbender, you’ll notice that Aang doesn’t wear any warm clothing thanks to this handy trick. But, of course, we can’t forget about Tenzin and his family in The Legend of Korra since they utilize this technique to stay toasty in high-elevated places.
Compared to Firebenders, Heat Regulation is more efficient in freezing temperatures because it drains pyro powers. For instance, when Zuko travels through the snow in Book 1, Episode 19, he has difficulty keeping himself warm, whereas Aang has no trouble enduring it.
16. Sand-Bending
The art of Sand-Bending is certainly a force to be reckoned with, especially for the people of the Si Wong Desert. Based on what we’ve seen in Avatar: The Last Airbender, this technique was strong enough to beat the great Toph Beifong, an individual who is regarded as one of the best Earthbenders in the world. However, even if it can be deadly in sand-filled areas, this method does have the drawback of being limited to these specific locations.
15. Spiritual Projection
Metaphysical skills are reasonably complex on their own, so being able to produce a Spirit Projection is undoubtedly one of the most challenging methods to master in the Avatar universe. Nonetheless, Jinora performs this elemental talent a few times in The Legend of Korra, where she assists the new Team Avatar on many occasions. In particular, this capability lets her get to remote areas, spy on enemies, and communicate with others from a long distance.
Besides Jinora, an Air Nomad named “Mangal” used Spirit Projection to communicate and resolve issues in the Northern Air Temple during Avatar Kyoshi’s time.
14. Plant-Bending
Plantbenders are extremely powerful in swamps and jungles, in which they can control the water inside the vines. In the first and third seasons of Avatar: The Last Airbender, Huu of the Froggy Swamp Tribe performs this talent effortlessly and can fend off various attackers for an extended amount of time using his monster-like form. Furthermore, unlike Sand-bending, plant wielders aren’t restricted to greenery-filled destinations since they can travel in this condition, as we’ve seen Huu do in the Fire Nation.
The Waterbender, Misu, also practices this style in The Search book series, as well as her freezing capabilities that turn flower petals into deadly weapons.