Conan Exiles: Blood and Sand – Arena, Armour & PvP

On 3 September 2019, the Blood and Sand Pack launched, a DLC that expanded Conan Exiles with a new dimension of conflict and spectacle. While earlier expansions focused on cultural variety, architecture or atmosphere, this pack puts the heart of the game front and centre: combat, honour and bloodshed. The name says it all – Blood and Sand stands for gladiators, arena battles and the unflinching will to survive in the harsh world of Hyboria.

With new armour, weapons, walls and arena pieces, Funcom created a toolkit for anyone who wants to elevate war to an art form. Whether a PvP arena, ceremonial fighting ground or underground colosseum complex – the DLC turns simple strongholds into stages of glory and death. Blood and Sand is a statement: Conan Exiles is not just a game about survival, but about triumph.

This DLC was no accident. By 2019, Conan Exiles had firmly established itself as a leading survival title, and the community wanted more PvP content and ways to showcase their strength. The Blood and Sand Pack was Funcom’s answer – a cry for freedom and combat, forged in stone and steel.

Arena build set in Conan Exiles: arenas, fortresses & gates

The core of the DLC is the arena build set. It extends the existing building system with massive walls, archways, stands, grilles and decorative elements for constructing impressive arenas. The style is raw, martial and yet majestic – dark stone, iron bracing and open structures dominate.

These pieces are highly versatile. They work not only for arenas but also for fortresses, prisons and temple complexes. The new gates and portcullises, in particular, give structures a realistic, functional look. Players can create combat venues where clans face off or stage beast fights.

The material design follows a clear goal: hardness and awe. Whereas earlier DLCs emphasised sheen or ornamentation, the arena set feels raw and utilitarian. Every piece speaks of violence and survival – of a world where strength is the only law.

Gladiator armour in the Blood and Sand DLC

With Blood and Sand, Funcom introduced some of the most visually striking armour in the game. Inspired by ancient gladiators, desert warriors and tribal fighters, it blends symbolism with function.

The armour comes in light, medium and heavy variants, letting you tailor it to your preferred combat style. Particularly eye-catching is the Gladiator set, whose chains, leather straps and distinctive helmets immediately stand out. This gear looks as if it has been proven in countless arena fights.

Another highlight is the Sand-Reaper armour. It combines dark fabrics, metallic plating and insectoid shapes – perfect for players who favour a menacing aesthetic. The mix of style and effectiveness makes it one of the most-used armour sets on PvP servers.

Each set embodies the DLC’s motto: strength through blood, glory through survival.

Arena weapons in Conan Exiles: swords, spears & axes

No fight is complete without the right weapons. The Blood and Sand Pack adds a variety of new weapon sets that are both functional and visually aligned with the theme.

These weapons are rugged, unrefined and built for effectiveness. Swords, spears, daggers and axes feature serrated edges, dark metal and blood-caked finishes. They look like tools from a time when survival mattered more than elegance.

The Arena Sword is a prime example of this philosophy – a weapon designed with brutal directness. Equally impressive is the Sandstorm Maul, a two-hander with a distinctive silhouette that became popular among heavy hitters.

These weapons aren’t the strongest in the game, but they have character. They express an attitude – uncompromising, determined, deadly.

Decor elements for arenas: banners, cages & atmosphere

Alongside weapons and armour, the DLC brings a range of decorative elements that breathe life into arenas and fighting grounds. Torch brackets, banners, cages, chains and statues create an atmosphere of danger and ritual.

Players can deck spectator stands with banners, add trapdoors for beast fights or build massive fighting rings where clans settle their disputes. A fan favourite is the Blood Banner set, whose red cloth and symbols of glory and death add a striking visual punch.

Practical tips:

• Place torches and braziers along sightlines for dramatic lighting.
• Use portcullises and gates to define combat zones and control entry.
• Separate player areas and spectator stands to keep events clear and organised.

PvP focus: community events, tournaments and clan battles

Blood and Sand was Funcom’s clear commitment to PvP. The DLC arrived at a time when many players wanted more incentives for clan battles and competition. The new building and armour elements made it possible to construct full-scale arenas or theatres of war – without mods or workarounds.

Many community servers went on to organise tournaments, gladiator games and clan competitions. The ability to build spectator areas, mark off combat zones and set up decorative reward rooms gave these events a new level of professionalism.

Blood and Sand was less a classic expansion and more a community catalyst. It showed how willing Funcom was to respond to player wishes and proved that PvP is not just mechanics but also presentation.

Technical implementation: performance, textures and sound design

Technically, the Blood and Sand Pack integrates seamlessly into the base game. The arena build set uses the same modular principles as previous styles but is geared for maximum stability. The textures are dark and detailed, with metallic surfaces realistically reflecting torchlight.

Performance remains stable despite the large, open structures. Funcom ensured the arena elements are rendered efficiently even with multiple players present.

The soundscape enhances the experience further: dull steps on sand, metallic blows and the creak of heavy gates create the illusion of a living arena. This immersion is the DLC’s greatest strength.

Conclusion on the Blood and Sand DLC: glory, blood and honour

The Blood and Sand Pack is a love letter to the fighting spirit of Conan Exiles. It adds no new regions or systems, but deepens the heart of the game – conflict. It gives players the tools to stage their strength, celebrate their glory and endure their defeats.

For PvP enthusiasts, it’s one of the most important DLCs in the series. It gives servers character, offers clans new opportunities for self-expression and delivers unforgettable moments in the dust of the arena.

On your own Conan Exiles server from 4Netplayers, the Blood and Sand Pack comes into its own. With stable performance, flexible settings and space for large events, you can build arenas, run tournaments and write epic stories – in the spirit of Hyboria, where glory and blood are inseparable.

Rent your own Conan Exiles server now