Conan Exiles: Riddle of Steel – Homage, Weapons & Statues

On 9 May 2019, Funcom released the Riddle of Steel Pack, a very special DLC that serves less as a content expansion and more as an homage – a bow to the roots of the entire Conan universe. This pack arrived to mark the 37th anniversary of the legendary film “Conan the Barbarian” (1982) and is aimed at fans who love the raw power, pathos and philosophy of the early Conan era.

The Riddle of Steel is not a typical building or weapons pack. Instead, it introduces iconic items, statues, armour and cosmetic objects taken directly from the film. It is a celebration of the myth – a reminder of the era in which Arnold Schwarzenegger, as Conan, made steel a symbol of fate, strength and survival.

This DLC is a love letter to the brand’s origins and to fans who see Conan Exiles not just as a game, but as a legacy. It blends the philosophy of the old tales with the modern sandbox, lending the world of Hyboria a new, almost mythical depth.

Conan Exiles Riddle of Steel: Meaning and legacy

At the heart of the Riddle of Steel Pack lies the famous question that gives the DLC its name: What is the riddle of steel? This question runs like a thread through the film, symbolising power, will and the indestructibility of the human spirit.

Funcom has brought this concept into the game by integrating items and statues that embody the idea. Players can erect monumental likenesses of Conan, Valeria and Thulsa Doom in their bases – meticulously modelled figures that carry artistic as well as symbolic weight. These statues are more than decoration: they are monuments to an era.

Beyond that, the DLC includes a range of iconic props, including swords, helmets and ornaments that recall scenes from the film. Those who know the film will instantly recognise the cultural references – from the legendary Atlantean Sword to the serpent symbolism of Thulsa Doom.

Riddle of Steel weapons & armour: Atlantean Sword, Thulsa Doom

Although the Riddle of Steel Pack does not introduce new gameplay mechanics, it brings some of the most iconic weapons and armour from film history into the virtual world of Conan Exiles.

The famous Atlantean Sword has been recreated in exquisite detail, from the distinctive guard to the weathered blade. It is intended less as a powerful weapon and more as a collector’s piece for fans – an homage to the symbol that carries the entire myth of steel.

Thulsa Doom’s sword is included as well, adorned with the serpent ornaments of his cult. Both weapons are craftable and usable, allowing players to step into the roles of their favourite characters. They are accompanied by armour pieces inspired by the film’s warriors, including the helmets of the serpent priests and Conan’s heavy barbarian attire.

This gear blends nostalgia with functionality – it is not the strongest in the game, but by far the most iconic.

Conan Exiles décor & architecture in the Riddle of Steel DLC

While earlier packs introduced entire building sets, the Riddle of Steel Pack focuses on additions that enrich existing structures. The new decorative objects are inspired by the film’s sets: stone statues, cult symbols and wall reliefs with serpent motifs.

Players can construct temples, shrines or entire arenas in the style of Thulsa Doom’s serpent cult. The objects are made of dark stone and bronze, some with fine engravings depicting scenes of rituals and combat. This aesthetic adds an archaic, almost religious depth to the game world.

Particularly striking are the monumental statues of Conan, Valeria and Thulsa Doom. They can be placed as totems in settlements, standing as eternal guardians over the world of the game. Together with matching banners and torchbearers, they create a sense of history – as if the world of Conan Exiles itself had become part of the film’s chronicle.

Lore, fans and community events in Riddle of Steel

This DLC differs markedly from other expansions, as it builds a bridge between game and film. For long-time fans, it offers a way to honour the origin of the legend. For new players, it provides a cultural perspective on the importance of strength, faith and willpower in the world of Hyboria.

The philosophy of steel – that true power lies not in the metal but in the will – is reflected in the way players act in Conan Exiles. Surviving in the harsh world demands the same toughness and resolve that Conan himself embodies. This DLC makes that connection tangible.

Many community servers used the Riddle of Steel Pack to stage themed events. Entire temple complexes, film sets and memorials were created that faithfully recreated the film. In doing so, the pack became a social and creative phenomenon within the player community.

Technology, performance and presentation of the Riddle of Steel DLC

Despite its focus on nostalgia, the Riddle of Steel Pack is executed to a high technical standard. The textures of the statues and weapons are highly detailed, and the material system gives them a realistic, aged appearance. The Atlantean Sword in particular gleams in the sunlight with fine reflections reminiscent of polished steel.

The new objects integrate seamlessly into existing structures. Their colour palette – dark greys, bronze and red – harmonises with most of the game’s building styles. The soundscape also enhances the atmosphere: metallic clinks at the forge or the deep rumble of great halls reinforce the feeling of being part of a legend.

Despite the many large objects, performance remains stable. The statues are optimised and add barely any loading time, making them easy to use on multiplayer servers.

Conclusion: Why the Riddle of Steel DLC in Conan Exiles is worth it

The Riddle of Steel is not a DLC in the classic sense – it is a monument. It adds no new systems or mechanics, but it gives Conan Exiles something equally valuable: identity.

For veterans, it is an emotional return to the origins of the legend; for new players, an invitation to discover the history behind the world. The attention to detail, the reverence for the film and the symbolic power of the items make this pack one of the most significant expansions Funcom has ever released.

Anyone who wants to build their base not just as a fortress but as a shrine to strength will find the perfect elements here. And on your own Conan Exiles server from 4Netplayers, you can experience this atmosphere on a grand scale – with room for clans, events and recreations of legendary scenes from the film. Thus, the Riddle of Steel remains more than a DLC: it is the heart of the myth, keeping Conan’s spirit alive to this day.

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