Conan Exiles drops players into a brutal open world built from the Conan the Barbarian mythos, and it mostly earns its keep through sheer ambition. The game asks a lot of players willing to build, fight, and survive in a harsh sandbox, and it delivers a game that feels bigger than its technical rough edges suggest.
Trailer, via IGDBcom.
Building the Foundation
The core loop is simple: gather resources, craft tools, and build structures to survive. Players can construct almost everything in the game, from simple huts to massive castles. That freedom is the game’s strongest argument. The construction system rewards experimentation, and the ability to shape the world around you gives the game a sense of permanence few other open-world games offer.
But the building systems are not without friction. Some tools feel awkward to place, and the game’s physics engine struggles with large-scale construction projects, causing walls to shift or collapse unexpectedly. These moments are frustrating, but they rarely break the fun.
Combat and Survival
Combat in Conan Exiles is brutal and unforgiving. Enemies hit hard, and the game’s difficulty curve ramps up fast. The combat system is decent, but it lacks the polish found in action-heavy games. Sword swings feel satisfying, but dodging and blocking often feel sluggish. Players who prefer stealth and guerrilla tactics will find the game more forgiving than those who charge in headfirst.
Survival mechanics are also present, though less central than in other sandbox titles. Food, water, and shelter matter, but they rarely become a constant burden. The game’s emphasis on building means players spend more time crafting than scavenging.
The World of Hyboria
The game’s setting is vast and varied. From deserts to snowy mountains, the map offers a wide range of biomes to explore. Each region has its own dangers, from raiders to wild beasts, and the variety keeps exploration fresh. The world feels lived-in, with ruined cities and hidden treasures scattered across the landscape.
However, the world’s scale comes at a cost. Performance dips are frequent, especially on lower-end hardware. Loading times can be lengthy, and the frame rate suffers during busy encounters. These issues are not fatal, but they diminish the experience of exploring a world meant to feel limitless.
Multiplayer and Community
Multiplayer support is a strong feature. Players can team up to build larger settlements, defend against raids, or engage in player-versus-player combat. The game encourages cooperation, and shared builds and defenses make the multiplayer experience more rewarding than playing solo. The community has grown steadily since release, and there is a thriving player base to connect with.
The social systems could use improvement. Communication tools are basic, and the game lacks robust guild management features. Players looking for structured groups may find the tools limited compared to other online games.
Technical Rough Edges
The game’s technical presentation is its biggest weakness. Textures are low-resolution, character models are blocky, and animations are stiff. These issues are most noticeable during combat, where the lack of fluidity can break immersion. The game runs well on high-end machines, but performance problems persist even on mid-range setups.
The game’s audio design is better than its visuals. Sound effects are sharp, and the music score adds a fitting sense of dread. Voice acting is solid, though it is limited to scripted events rather than full dialogue trees.
Key Facts
- Title: Conan Exiles
- Developer: Funcom
- Release Date: May 2018
- Platforms: PS4, PC, Xbox One
- Score: 7.1/10
Conan Exiles is a flawed but ambitious sandbox game. Its building systems are deep, its world is rich, and its multiplayer support is strong. The technical rough edges hold it back from greatness, but the game’s core loop remains compelling. For players willing to put in the time, Conan Exiles offers a rewarding experience.
