Conan Exiles: A Brutal Yet Beautiful Sandbox Survival Game!

Stepping into the unforgiving world of Conan Exiles can be likened to waking up hungover after a night of revelry with a very temperamental god. You find yourself stripped naked, facing scorching sun and ravenous wildlife in a harsh desert landscape. Welcome to the Exiled Lands, a realm ruled by brutality where survival is paramount.

Conan Exiles isn’t your typical cozy crafting simulator; it’s a hardcore experience that demands respect for its unforgiving nature. Developed by Funcom, this open-world sandbox survival game draws heavily on the lore of Conan the Barbarian, immersing players in a world filled with ancient gods, monstrous creatures, and savage tribes vying for power.

While the base building and crafting mechanics are similar to other survival games like Ark: Survival Evolved or Rust, Conan Exiles stands apart through its rich atmosphere, brutal combat system, and unique progression path.

Building Your Empire from the Sand Up

Upon spawning in this harsh land, your immediate priority is simply to survive. Gathering food, finding water sources, and crafting basic tools are crucial for overcoming those initial hurdles. But Conan Exiles doesn’t stop at mere subsistence; it encourages you to build a thriving civilization from scratch.

You can start by constructing simple shelters, then gradually progress to elaborate fortresses complete with walls, towers, and even opulent decorations. This isn’t just about aesthetics; your base design serves as a crucial defense against both player raids and the constant threat of hostile NPCs.

The crafting system in Conan Exiles is incredibly deep, offering hundreds of recipes for weapons, armor, tools, building materials, and even magical artifacts. To unlock these recipes, you’ll need to level up your character through exploration, combat, and crafting, gaining access to new technologies and crafting stations along the way.

A World Teeming with Danger and Wonder

The Exiled Lands are a diverse landscape, ranging from arid deserts and treacherous swamps to snow-capped mountains and lush jungles. Each biome presents unique challenges and opportunities for resource gathering.

But beware! This world is not without its dangers.

Conan Exiles throws hordes of terrifying creatures your way – from ferocious hyenas and giant scorpions to colossal rock giants and undead monstrosities. Facing these beasts head-on in the early game can be a death sentence, but as you progress and craft better weapons and armor, you’ll become a fearsome hunter capable of conquering even the most formidable foes.

Beyond the wildlife, you’ll encounter savage tribes led by powerful warlords. These NPCs are not mere fodder; they are cunning and ruthless adversaries who will actively raid your base if they deem it vulnerable.

Building alliances with these tribes through offerings and diplomatic interactions is a viable strategy for gaining valuable resources and protection. However, betrayal and conflict are always lurking beneath the surface in this brutal world.

The Gods Watch Over You (And They Demand Sacrifice!)

Conan Exiles introduces a unique religious element that deeply integrates into the gameplay experience.

Upon reaching a certain level, you can pledge allegiance to one of several ancient gods, each representing different domains like war, strength, survival, and deception.

This choice isn’t merely cosmetic; it grants access to unique perks and abilities tied to your chosen deity.

For example, pledging to Mitra, the god of wisdom and balance, may enhance crafting efficiency and resource gathering.

However, gods demand sacrifice! To appease them and gain their favor, you must offer up valuable resources and even captured enemies at dedicated altars. This adds a layer of strategic decision-making – should you hoard precious materials for your own benefit or appease the gods to ensure continued blessings?

The Power of Mods: Expanding the Exiled Lands

One of Conan Exiles’ greatest strengths is its vibrant modding community.

Players have created an incredible array of mods that enhance and customize the game experience in countless ways.

From adding new weapons, armor, and building materials to introducing entirely new gameplay mechanics and biomes, these mods breathe fresh life into the already expansive world.

Final Verdict: A Brutal Masterpiece Worth Exploring

Conan Exiles is a survival game that doesn’t shy away from its brutal roots. It’s a challenging experience demanding patience, resilience, and a touch of madness. But for those who crave a truly immersive and unforgiving world, Conan Exiles offers a captivating journey filled with danger, adventure, and the thrill of conquering a harsh and beautiful landscape.

Prepare to be tested, to lose yourself in a world where gods walk among mortals and survival is earned through blood, sweat, and steel.

You may just find yourself craving a “crucifixion” to appease those capricious gods!