
Stepping into the unforgiving desert wasteland of Conan Exiles is akin to being thrown into a gladiatorial arena with nothing but your wits and a loincloth (well, maybe not literally, but close!). This brutal yet compelling survival sandbox, developed by Funcom, thrusts players into the world of Conan the Barbarian, tasking them with overcoming adversity and carving their own legend amidst savage tribes, terrifying beasts, and unforgiving environments.
Conan Exiles offers a potent mix of familiar survival mechanics and unique features that set it apart from its contemporaries. You’ll need to scavenge for resources, craft tools and weapons, build shelters, and cultivate food sources – all while fending off ferocious enemies and the relentless ravages of the desert sun. But what truly elevates Conan Exiles is its emphasis on building sprawling settlements, forming alliances with other players (or engaging in cutthroat betrayal!), and engaging in intense PvP combat where victory is often brutal and satisfying.
The Exile’s Journey: From Shackles to Stronghold
Your adventure begins as a condemned prisoner, chained and left for dead in the harsh Exiled Lands. With nothing but tattered clothes and sheer determination, you must overcome immediate threats – starvation, thirst, and the dangers lurking in the shadows. The initial hours are challenging, requiring meticulous resource management and a relentless pursuit of survival. You’ll scavenge scraps of wood and stone, fashioning rudimentary tools to hunt meager prey and quench your thirst from oasis springs.
As you progress, the world opens up, revealing its secrets and dangers. Explore the ruins of ancient civilizations, uncover powerful artifacts, and encounter diverse factions – some friendly, others ruthlessly hostile. You’ll forge alliances with nomadic tribes or face off against cunning slave masters who seek to reclaim their lost dominion.
Building Empires: From Humble Hut to Majestic Citadel
One of Conan Exiles’ most captivating features is its robust building system. Craft intricate structures from basic huts to sprawling fortresses, adorned with elaborate decorations and towering walls. The game offers a wealth of architectural options – from rustic stone dwellings to majestic temples and opulent palaces. Unleash your creativity and design a fortress worthy of Conan himself!
But it’s not just about aesthetics; your creations serve a practical purpose. Strategically positioned watchtowers grant you vision over vast territories, while defensive structures like walls, arrow slits, and trebuchets protect your settlement from raiders and invaders. As you grow in power, so too will your ambitions – leading to epic siege battles that pit your ingenuity against the cunning of other players.
Gods and Glory: Embracing the Barbaric Pantheon
Conan Exiles introduces a unique religious system, allowing players to choose from a pantheon of gods inspired by Hyborian mythology. Each deity grants distinct advantages and abilities, shaping your playstyle and influencing your interactions with the world.
For example, Crom, the god of strength and solitude, favors those who embrace a brutal, independent path. Followers of Mitra, the god of justice and mercy, find themselves blessed with healing powers. Yog, the demonic serpent god, grants access to powerful necromancy. This intricate system adds depth and replayability, encouraging players to experiment with different ideologies and explore diverse strategies.
The Thralls of Exiles: Mastering Slavery (Ethically Questionable, but Fun!)
A key aspect of Conan Exiles is the ability to capture and enslave non-player characters. Known as “thralls,” these captured individuals can be trained to perform a variety of tasks, from harvesting resources to crafting items and defending your stronghold.
This mechanic has drawn criticism due to its ethical implications. However, it’s crucial to understand that thralldom is presented within the game’s brutal world context, reflecting the harsh realities of Conan’s savage universe. Players have the agency to choose how they treat their thralls – some may opt for a benevolent approach, while others might embrace a more ruthless, tyrannical style.
A Sandbox Playground: Unleashing Creativity and Chaos
Conan Exiles is ultimately a sandbox game that empowers players to forge their own destinies. Whether you strive for peaceful coexistence, ambitious domination, or chaotic mayhem, the game offers a vast canvas upon which to paint your story.
Here’s a closer look at some of the key features that make Conan Exiles so compelling:
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Brutal Sandbox Survival | Scavenge for resources, craft tools and weapons, build shelters, and cultivate food sources in a unforgiving environment. |
Dynamic Weather and Day/Night Cycle | Experience the harsh realities of the desert, from scorching sun to icy nights. |
Diverse Biomes and Environments | Explore lush jungles, treacherous mountains, and desolate deserts, each with unique resources and challenges. |
Extensive Crafting System | Craft a wide range of items, from simple tools to complex siege weapons and elaborate decorations for your settlements. |
Thrall System | Capture and enslave NPCs to perform tasks and defend your stronghold (remember the ethical implications!). |
Religion and Gods | Choose from a pantheon of deities who grant unique abilities and influence your playstyle. |
Is Conan Exiles Right For You?
Conan Exiles is a demanding game that requires patience, resilience, and a thirst for adventure. It’s not for the faint of heart; expect grueling early hours as you struggle to survive. However, the rewards are immense – forging your own legend in a brutal yet captivating world.
If you enjoy sandbox survival games with deep crafting systems, challenging combat, and the freedom to forge your own path, then Conan Exiles might just be your next obsession. Just remember to pack plenty of water, a sturdy loincloth (optional), and prepare for a wild ride through the unforgiving lands of Conan!