Conan Exiles Review: Surviving the Savage Lands of Hyboria

Conan Exiles Review: Surviving the Savage Lands of Hyboria

Introduction Conan Exiles is a survival game that thrusts players into the brutal and unforgiving world of Hyboria, the setting of the Conan the Barbarian series. Developed and published by Funcom, the game was released for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One. It presents a vast, open-world experience where players must gather resources, build shelter, and fend off both monstrous creatures and other players. But does Conan Exiles stand out in the crowded survival genre? Let’s delve into its strengths and weaknesses.

Story and Setting The game begins with a memorable introduction: your character, crucified in the desert, is rescued by Conan himself. From there, you’re left to your own devices in a world teeming with danger. The narrative is largely player-driven, with the story unfolding through exploration and interaction with the environment. Lore enthusiasts will find a lot to discover, but the game doesn’t force-feed its story, allowing players to immerse themselves as much or as little as they want.

The world of Conan Exiles is expansive and diverse, featuring various biomes such as deserts, jungles, and frozen tundras. Each area is distinct, with its own set of challenges, resources, and enemies. The attention to detail in the environment is commendable, making exploration a rewarding experience.

Gameplay At its core, Conan Exiles is about survival. You start with nothing, gathering basic resources like wood, stone, and plant fibers to craft tools, weapons, and shelter. As you progress, the crafting system becomes more complex, allowing you to create elaborate structures, powerful weapons, and even enslave NPCs to do your bidding.

The game’s combat system is straightforward but satisfying. You’ll face off against a variety of enemies, from savage animals to formidable human adversaries. Combat can be unforgiving, especially when facing multiple opponents, making strategy and preparation essential.

One of the standout features of Conan Exiles is its building system. The game allows for extensive customization, letting you construct anything from simple huts to sprawling fortresses. The ability to design and build your own base is one of the game’s most engaging aspects, offering a great sense of accomplishment as you see your creations take shape.

Multiplayer and Community Conan Exiles offers both single-player and multiplayer modes. The multiplayer experience is where the game truly shines, as you can team up with friends to conquer the world or engage in PvP combat with other players. The game’s servers support a variety of playstyles, from cooperative PvE to hardcore PvP, catering to different types of players.

The community in Conan Exiles is generally passionate and helpful, with many players sharing tips and strategies on forums and in-game. However, like any multiplayer game, interactions can vary, and some servers are more welcoming than others.

Graphics and Sound Visually, Conan Exiles is impressive, with detailed character models and environments that capture the harsh beauty of Hyboria. The game’s lighting and weather effects add to the immersion, creating a world that feels alive and dynamic. However, the game isn’t without its technical issues. Some players may encounter graphical glitches or performance hiccups, particularly on older hardware.

The sound design complements the game’s atmosphere, with a stirring soundtrack that evokes the epic nature of the Conan universe. The ambient sounds of the environment, from the rustling of leaves to the distant growls of unseen creatures, further enhance the sense of immersion.

Challenges and Criticisms While Conan Exiles offers a rich and engaging experience, it’s not without its flaws. The game’s difficulty can be a double-edged sword, as the steep learning curve and punishing survival mechanics may deter some players. Additionally, the game’s reliance on grinding for resources can become tedious, especially in the later stages.

Server stability has also been a concern, with some players experiencing connectivity issues or lag during multiplayer sessions. Funcom has made efforts to address these issues with patches and updates, but they can still affect the overall experience.

Conan Exiles FAQ

Q1: What is Conan Exiles?

• A: Conan Exiles is a survival video game set in the world of Conan the Barbarian. Players must gather resources, build shelter, craft weapons, and survive in a harsh open world filled with dangerous creatures, NPCs, and other players.

Q2: What platforms is Conan Exiles available on?

• A: Conan Exiles is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows PC.

Q3: Can I play Conan Exiles solo, or is it multiplayer only?

• A: Conan Exiles can be played solo in single-player mode, but it also features multiplayer modes where you can team up with or compete against other players online.

Q4: What type of game is Conan Exiles?

• A: Conan Exiles is primarily a survival game with elements of exploration, crafting, building, and combat. It also has role-playing elements as you develop your character and explore the game's story and lore.

Q5: How does the crafting system work in Conan Exiles?

• A: The crafting system in Conan Exiles allows players to gather resources from the environment and use them to craft tools, weapons, armor, and structures. As you progress, you can unlock more advanced crafting recipes and create complex items and buildings.

Q6: Is there PvP in Conan Exiles?

• A: Yes, Conan Exiles features PvP (Player vs. Player) combat on certain servers. Players can engage in combat with each other, raid bases, and even capture and enslave other players' thralls (NPCs).

Q7: What are thralls, and how do they work?

• A: Thralls are NPCs that you can capture, break their will at a Wheel of Pain, and then use them to perform various tasks, such as guarding your base, crafting items, or providing special abilities. Thralls add depth to the game's crafting and combat systems.

Q8: Are there any expansions or DLCs for Conan Exiles?

• A: Yes, Conan Exiles has several expansions and DLC packs that add new content, including new building sets, cosmetics, weapons, and even new biomes and areas to explore.

Q9: What are the main challenges in Conan Exiles?

• A: The main challenges in Conan Exiles include managing your character’s survival needs (hunger, thirst, and temperature), defending against hostile creatures and players, and building and maintaining a secure base. The game also has a steep learning curve, especially for new players.

Q10: How is the community in Conan Exiles?

• A: The community in Conan Exiles is active and passionate. Players often share tips, mods, and strategies online, though experiences can vary depending on the server and player interactions.

Q11: What are the system requirements for Conan Exiles on PC?

• A: The minimum and recommended system requirements vary, but generally, you’ll need at least a mid-range gaming PC to run the game smoothly. It’s recommended to check the specific requirements on the official site or platform before purchasing.

Q12: Does Conan Exiles have mod support?

• A: Yes, Conan Exiles has mod support on PC. Players can download and install mods from the Steam Workshop to customize and enhance their gameplay experience.

Q13: How is the building system in Conan Exiles?

• A: The building system in Conan Exiles is highly customizable, allowing players to design and construct structures ranging from simple huts to massive fortresses. The system is intuitive but offers deep customization for players who enjoy creating elaborate bases.

Q14: Can I play Conan Exiles cross-platform?

• A: As of now, Conan Exiles does not support cross-platform play between different consoles and PC.

Q15: Is Conan Exiles worth playing?

• A: If you enjoy survival games, exploring vast open worlds, and the Conan the Barbarian universe, Conan Exiles is definitely worth playing. However, be prepared for a challenging experience that may require time and patience to master.

Conclusion Conan Exiles is a challenging and immersive survival game that successfully captures the essence of the Conan the Barbarian universe. Its expansive world, deep crafting system, and robust multiplayer options make it a standout title in the survival genre. However, its difficulty and technical issues may not be for everyone. For those who relish a tough survival challenge and enjoy building and exploring, Conan Exiles offers a rewarding and memorable experience.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Whether you’re a fan of Conan the Barbarian or simply enjoy survival games, Conan Exiles is worth venturing into. Just be prepared for the harsh and unforgiving world that awaits you.