Conan Exiles: Jewel of the West DLC – Aquilonian architecture, weapons & decor

On 2 August 2018, Jewel of the West, the second major culture pack for Conan Exiles, was released. After the elegant, Far Eastern-inspired style of the Khitan, this DLC brought a completely different world to the harsh Exiled Lands: the opulent, classical Aquilonia — a realm reminiscent of ancient Rome and the Greek empires.

While The Imperial East Pack embodied harmony and spiritual order, Jewel of the West stands for power, architecture and civilisation on a grand scale. It is a world of marble and gold, of palaces, arenas and temples, created by a people who see themselves as the crown of humanity.

With this expansion, the feel of Conan Exiles shifted once more. Players stepped out of the shadow of primitive survival and into an age of splendour — one in which civilisation can be as dangerous as the wilds themselves.

Aquilonia in Conan Exiles: lore, power and culture

Aquilonia, in the world of Conan, is a symbol of order, wealth and culture. It is an empire built on discipline and ambition, but also vanity and arrogance. Its cities are magnificent, its citizens proud, and its architecture breathes confidence.

The Jewel of the West pack translates this cultural identity into every detail of its contents. It brings the elegance of the Aquilonians directly into the Exiled Lands — a world where, until then, only barbarian warlords and ruins prevailed.

The new building and decoration elements convey the feel of an advanced, organised society. Marble replaces sandstone, pillars and arches replace primitive walls, and in place of rough wooden platforms rise grand halls and public squares.

Players who once built fortresses began constructing villas, baths and gardens. It marked the beginning of a new phase for Conan Exiles — the aesthetic of power.

Conan Exiles architecture: Aquilonian building pieces and set

As ever, the architectural set is the heart of the DLC. It includes over forty new building pieces — foundations, walls, roofs, pillars, windows and gates — all styled after a classical empire.

The materials appear bright, clean and monumental. Marble, bronze and fine stone ornamentation dominate the design. Particularly striking are the rounded arches and pillars that instantly evoke Roman temples and palaces.

The architecture is not only beautiful but also functional. Clear structures allow generous, symmetrical constructions — perfect for public arenas or luxurious villas. Players who value order and aesthetics found the ideal tools here to transform their bases into true cities.

Many used the pack to create monumental structures reminiscent of ancient civilisations: thermae with pools, open marketplaces, galleries, triumphal arches or amphitheatres. The Exiled Lands turned into stages of imperial elegance.

With Jewel of the West, players gained the opportunity not merely to feel like survivors, but like architects of an empire.

Conan Exiles weapons and armour: Aquilonian legion

In keeping with the architecture, the DLC introduced a range of weapons and armour that embody Aquilonia’s pride and discipline.

The armour sets are richly adorned, with metal plates, leather straps and fabric elements that recall Roman centurions. There is a light, medium and heavy variant, each with distinct designs and properties.

The light armour, often worn as courtly or administrative attire, appears elegant and understated. The medium set evokes Aquilonian gladiator arenas, while the heavy armour is modelled after the soldiers of the imperial legions.

The weapons reflect the same ethos: precise craftsmanship rather than brute force. The Aquilonian sword, spear and mace are not only functional tools but symbols of a culture that views war as an art form.

Their design stands in stark contrast to the barbaric arms of other peoples. Where the Nordheimers or Cimmerians favour simple, heavy blades, the Aquilonians opt for balanced forms and ornate hilts — an expression of civilisation that seeks beauty even in battle.

Aquilonian decor and interiors in the Conan Exiles DLC

A major part of Jewel of the West’s appeal lies in its new decorative elements. The DLC added a wealth of furniture, statues, fountains and wall adornments that brought the Aquilonian way of life into players’ bases.

Interiors feel brighter, airier and more representative than before. Marble tables, upholstered chairs and finely crafted vases lend every room a touch of luxury.

The new statues and fountains are especially popular, perfect for gardens or courtyards. They bring movement to the architecture and reflect the civilisation’s self-conception: art as an expression of power.

Lighting also plays a bigger role. New chandeliers and wall torches cast a warm, golden glow that complements the pale stone surfaces. Buildings thus appear lively and majestic at night — almost temple-like.

Combined with the furniture, Conan Exiles for the first time felt like stepping into a truly lived-in home. It was no longer just a fortress, but a home.

Civilisation and decadence in the Jewel of the West DLC

Jewel of the West is more than a visual update. It is a study in power, beauty and decay.

In Conan’s world, Aquilonia is a realm at the height of its civilisation — and at the brink of its decadence. Its people enjoy luxury and order, yet beneath the surface lurk intrigue, vanity and greed.

This ambivalence is reflected in the architecture. The buildings are splendid, but cold. The gardens are immaculate, yet still. Everything appears perfect, and yet one senses the moral rot behind the façade.

For players, this meant feeling part of a society for the first time — not merely lone survivors or clan members, but citizens of a culture with values and contradictions.

This emotional depth made Jewel of the West one of the most popular early DLCs for Conan Exiles. It is not only beautiful but meaningful.

From survival to building: creative gameplay with Jewel of the West

With the second culture DLC, it became clear where Conan Exiles was headed. The Imperial East opened the door; Jewel of the West stepped through it.

Players began planning entire cities rather than simply erecting bases. RP servers emerged with developed social structures, arenas for gladiatorial combat, taverns, theatres and marketplaces.

This evolution turned Conan Exiles increasingly into a social and creative game. The DLC was the catalyst for this movement — the moment the Exiled Lands came alive.

The blend of classical architecture, intricately crafted objects and detail-rich design inspired players around the world to tell their own stories in this setting.

The significance of the Aquilonians in Conan lore and the Exiled Lands

In the stories by Robert E. Howard, Conan’s creator, Aquilonia is the most powerful realm in the western world. It symbolises the pinnacle of human civilisation — and at the same time the looming downfall brought on by hubris.

The Jewel of the West pack captures this motif perfectly. It portrays a culture that has achieved everything one can achieve, yet forgets what once made it strong.

This symbolism lends the DLC depth. It is not just a collection of new building pieces, but an expansion of the narrative world. Even those who never role-play on a server can feel that the buildings, weapons and armour tell a story.

The Aquilonians stand for pride, beauty and control — values as alluring as they are dangerous in the unforgiving world of Conan Exiles.

Atmosphere and music in the Jewel of the West pack

Jewel of the West also brought a distinct mood to the game. Bright surfaces, golden light and harmonious architecture create a sense of calm that contrasts with the brutal landscapes.

In the midst of this order, combat feels almost surreal. Blood on white marble, steel amid gardens — this is the visual signature of the pack.

The music supports this effect. Aquilonia’s soundscape rests on steady drums, gentle flutes and ceremonial strings. It conveys grandeur but also melancholy — the sense that every civilisation eventually falls.

The result is an atmosphere poised between splendour and transience.

Conclusion on the Conan Exiles DLC Jewel of the West

Jewel of the West was more than the continuation of a successful concept. It was the next stage in Conan Exiles’ evolution — a step from survival towards culture.

With its classical architecture, splendid armour and subtle symbolism around civilisation and decay, this DLC left a lasting mark on the game’s look and mood.

Players received the tools to build not just castles, but empires — places of peace, power and pride in a world of blood and dust.

On a dedicated server from 4Netplayers, Jewel of the West unfolds its full potential. Here, players can raise Roman-style palaces, create arenas for epic battles, or found entire cities in the Aquilonian style. With stable performance, flexible management and boundless room for creativity, a simple building project becomes a legacy — a symbol that even in exile, civilisation never truly dies.