Conan Exiles: A Brutal Sandbox Where Your Survival Instincts Will Be Tested
Conan Exiles throws you into the unforgiving world of Hyboria, a land steeped in barbaric lore and ruled by powerful gods. Developed by Funcom and published by Tencent Games, this open-world survival game, released in 2017, allows players to forge their own destiny amidst the ruins of ancient civilizations.
Imagine being condemned to death, strapped to the Wheel of Pain, only to break free and survive in a harsh wilderness teeming with danger. This is the starting point for every player in Conan Exiles. Your quest for survival begins with nothing but loincloth and grit, forcing you to scavenge for food and resources, craft basic tools, and build rudimentary shelter against the elements and savage predators.
But Conan Exiles isn’t just about staying alive; it’s about forging your path to power. You can choose to become a lone wolf, ruthlessly carving out your own territory in the unforgiving desert or join forces with other players to form clans and build sprawling cities that rival even the ancient empires of Hyboria.
The World: A Tapestry of Ancient Ruins and Savage Beauty
Conan Exiles transports you to a world steeped in the rich lore of Robert E. Howard’s Conan the Barbarian stories, filled with familiar locales like the haunted ruins of the Black Keep, the treacherous swamps of the Mire, and the volcanic plains of the Volcano region. Each biome boasts unique challenges:
| Region | Threats | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Desert | Sandstorms, starving, hostile tribes | Stone, iron ore |
| Northern Forest | Freezing temperatures, carnivorous beasts | Wood, fur, coal |
| The Mire | Poisonous creatures, hidden traps | Bone, black ice |
| Volcano | Lava flows, extreme heat, fire elementals | Obsidian, sulfur |
The world itself is a canvas for player creativity. Structures can be built anywhere and take on any form, from simple huts to sprawling fortresses and grand temples dedicated to the Hyborian gods. The game’s robust building system allows players to craft elaborate defenses against hostile tribes and creatures, shaping their domain into a testament to their survival prowess.
Gods and Religions: Choosing Your Path to Power
In Conan Exiles, religion plays a vital role in shaping your destiny. Players can choose from various gods inspired by Robert E. Howard’s universe, each offering unique advantages and requiring specific rituals for appeasement.
For instance, worshipping Crom, the god of warriors, grants you increased strength but demands no elaborate shrines or offerings. However, Ymir, the Frost Giant god, requires constant sacrifices to unleash powerful frost magic and summon chilling storms upon your enemies.
Each deity offers unique blessings, perks, and abilities that can significantly impact your gameplay, influencing everything from combat prowess to crafting techniques. Choosing your god wisely is essential for aligning your playstyle with your chosen path.
Survival Mechanics: From Hunger to Crafting Mastery
Conan Exiles demands constant attention to the basic necessities of life. Hunger and thirst are ever-present threats that require you to hunt wildlife, gather berries and fruits, or cultivate crops.
Crafting plays a crucial role in your survival journey. Starting with rudimentary tools like stone axes and wooden spears, you can progress to forge sophisticated weapons and armor, build complex structures, and even brew powerful potions and poisons.
The game boasts a deep crafting system that allows for customization and experimentation, encouraging players to discover new recipes and combinations as they explore the world and unlock hidden knowledge.
Combat: A Brutally Satisfying Experience
Conan Exiles doesn’t shy away from brutality. Combat is visceral and demanding, requiring precise timing, strategic positioning, and a mastery of different weapon types. From brutal swords and axes to powerful bows and exotic magic spells, each weapon offers unique advantages and disadvantages that encourage players to experiment and find their preferred fighting style.
Facing off against savage beasts like giant spiders, undead horrors, and ferocious crocodiles requires skill and cunning. Engaging in PvP battles against other players can be a thrilling but treacherous experience, testing your reflexes and strategic prowess.
Beyond Survival: Exploring the Depths of Conan Exiles
While survival is paramount, Conan Exiles offers much more than just staying alive. The game encourages exploration, discovery, and forging alliances with other players. Unraveling the mysteries of ancient ruins, uncovering lost artifacts, and building thriving communities add depth and meaning to your experience in Hyboria.
The developers continue to expand the world of Conan Exiles through regular updates and content expansions, introducing new regions, challenges, and gameplay mechanics.
Whether you choose to carve out your own destiny as a ruthless conqueror or forge alliances and build empires, Conan Exiles offers an unparalleled sandbox experience that will test your survival instincts, challenge your creativity, and immerse you in the brutal yet captivating world of Hyboria.