Conan Exiles: Age of War – Raids, Sieges and Clan Strategies

With Age of War, the next major chapter in the development of Conan Exiles began in June 2023. After the dark, mystical atmosphere of the Age of Sorcery, Funcom took a completely new direction. Instead of sorcery and corruption, steel, blood and strategy moved into the spotlight. Age of War returns Hyboria to its roots – to war, power and the relentless drive for conquest.

This update is not only thematic but also one of the most far-reaching gameplay expansions in the game’s history. It introduces new systems for raids, sieges, clan management and resource economy. Players no longer fight merely to survive, but for dominion. Entire armies, fortified bases and coordinated assaults now define the action.

Funcom conceived Age of War as the counterpoint to Age of Sorcery. Where magic once shrouded the world in uncertainty, fire, steel and discipline now reign. The developers set out to create an age that emphasises the violence, tactics and honour of war – while redefining social interaction between players.

Conan Exiles Age of War: War for resources and influence

In Age of War, everything revolves around the struggle for resources and influence. The peoples of Hyboria are in open conflict, and the land has become a battlefield. The update introduced a revamped raiding and conquest system that affects both PvE and PvP players.

Hostile camps and factions are now active in the world, defending their territories. Players can attack these camps, plunder them and seize their treasures. Along the way they will encounter mercenaries, generals and elite units that respond strategically.

At the same time, players themselves can become targets. Those who amass too much wealth or provoke powerful foes attract attention. This creates a dynamic balance between offence and defence, giving every decision real weight.

Age of War forces players to secure resources, reinforce bases and forge alliances. Any clan that intends to survive must think like a military.

Fortress building and defence in Conan Exiles: sieges, walls and AI tactics

A central element of the update is the overhauled building and defence mechanics. Bases are no longer just retreats – they are military complexes that must withstand assaults and be defended strategically.

Players can construct fortresses with walls, towers, barricades and gatehouses that are functionally connected. Catapults, ballistae and oil cauldrons make assaults tactical. The physics of siege weapons have been reworked, making them feel more realistic and more destructive.

The attackers’ AI has also been improved. Enemies target weak points, bypass defensive lines and use cover. As a result, sieges feel like real battles where planning is crucial.

Tip: Create choke points, use elevation for ballistae and place decoy structures to control enemy paths.

These systems work in both single-player and on dedicated servers – perfect for large clan battles.

Raids in Age of War: plunder, treasure and economy

The heart of Age of War lies in its new raid mechanics. Players can now strike enemy camps, seize gold, gems and rare materials, and expand their power through wealth.

Looted treasures can be stored in treasuries, which are part of the new economy system. These treasuries are not mere decoration; they have strategic significance: they symbolise a clan’s wealth and, at the same time, make it vulnerable. The more treasure you hoard, the more attractive you become to rivals.

This system brings a new dynamic to the world. It creates goals and risks – success and danger sit closer together than ever.

The developers also ensured the system works for PvE players. NPC factions can be attacked and robbed without other players being involved. This creates a sense of war that both solo and multiplayer players can enjoy equally.

Tip: Scout camps in advance with followers, secure exit routes and move loot in stages to minimise losses.

Weapons and armour in Conan Exiles: war aesthetic and combat feel

With Age of War, dozens of new weapons and armour sets were added to reinforce the update’s martial theme. Swords, spears, maces and bows were revised and visually aligned with the cultures of the Hyborian kingdoms.

The new war armours are imposing. Dark metals, leather strips and engraved helmets define the look. They exude power without appearing overdone. Particularly striking is the Stygian Legion set, whose design is inspired by historical warriors and Roman legionaries.

Weapon handling has also been improved. Strikes feel weightier, animations are smoother, and melee combat carries more heft. The result is a combat system that feels more intense and more tactical.

With this update, Funcom made it clear that war in Hyboria is not merely a means to an end, but a way of life.

Clans, alliances and diplomacy: power and tactics in the Age of War

Age of War places great emphasis on social interaction. Clans now play a central role in the game. The update introduced expanded clan management tools, allowing leaders to manage resources, assign tasks and organise members.

It also enabled temporary alliances. Two clans can join forces to attack a common enemy or withstand a siege. These alliances are not permanent – they rely on trust, tactics and mutual benefit.

This system adds a new dimension to the game: diplomacy. Conflicts can now be resolved politically – through trade, threats or deception. With Age of War, Conan Exiles evolved from a pure survival game into a complex power simulation where psychological tactics are as important as brute force.

Tip: Define clear roles within the clan (defenders, scouts, engineers) and agree on loot distribution to secure loyalty.

Strategy guide: resource management and war planning

Age of War goes beyond pure mechanics. It is an homage to Hyboria’s philosophy of war – the idea that strength makes right, but also carries responsibility.

The new systems force players to think long-term. Resource management, military planning and protecting your wealth become essential. At the same time, the reward structure ensures that success feels tangible.

Through the new Battle Pass and Bazaar, players also gain access to cosmetic items styled after great kingdoms. Banners, statues and trophies serve not only as decoration but as an expression of power. Any base can become a fortress of pride.

World events and battlefields: invasions, armies, expeditions

The update also introduced new world events. Large-scale invasions, roving armies and special battlefields appear randomly on the map. These events alter the environment and offer special rewards for taking part.

In the Maelstrom on the Isle of Siptah or the borderlands of the Exiled Lands, players can embark on expeditions to recover the spoils of war. These events intensify competition and encourage cooperation between players – or rivalry, when multiple groups vie for the same prize.

Every battle tells its own story. Bases burn, resources change hands, and balances of power shift. This creates an ongoing cycle of conquest and rebuilding that gives Age of War its character.

Technical improvements: performance and interface

Funcom used Age of War to further modernise the technical foundations. Lighting, particle effects and AI behaviour have been overhauled. Sieges now run more smoothly, and the destruction of buildings feels more realistic.

The interface for clan management, treasure handling and build planning has also been improved. It is clearer and more functional than before.

The visual portrayal of war received special attention. Sparks fly, armour gleams and explosions light up the night sky. The soundscape – the thunder of catapults, the clash of steel, the cries of warriors – creates deep immersion.

Conclusion on Conan Exiles: Age of War – the Age of Steel

Age of War is the counterpoint to Age of Sorcery. Where the previous age showed the allure of magic, this one reveals the unvarnished reality of power. It is a chapter of blood, discipline and strategy – one that celebrates the brutal beauty of war without glorifying it.

Here, Funcom has created not only a new combat framework but a social dynamic that keeps Conan Exiles vibrant in the long term. War is no longer mere happenstance; it is a system with rules, honour and consequences.

For players seeking the thrill of conquest, Age of War is the ultimate expansion. And on your own Conan Exiles server from 4Netplayers, this era unfolds in all its glory. Here you can organise clans, stage sieges and execute real war strategies – without technical constraints, but with all the drama Hyboria deserves.

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