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

With Age of War, the next major chapter in the evolution of Conan Exiles began in June 2023. After the dark, magical atmosphere of Age of Sorcery, Funcom took a completely new direction. Instead of sorcery and corruption, the focus shifted to steel, blood, and strategy. Age of War brings the world of Hyboria back to its roots—war, power, and the relentless drive for conquest.

This update is not only thematic but also one of the most profound gameplay expansions in the game’s history. It introduces new systems for raids, sieges, clan management, and resource economy. Players no longer fight just to survive—they fight 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, now fire, steel, and discipline reign. The developers set out to create an era that emphasizes the brutality, tactics, and honor of war—while redefining social interplay 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 reworked raiding and conquest system that affects both PvE and PvP players.

Enemy 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’ll encounter mercenaries, generals, and elite units that respond strategically.

At the same time, players themselves can become targets. Those who hoard too much wealth or challenge powerful foes draw attention. This creates a dynamic balance between offense and defense, making every decision carry weight.

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

Fortress Building and Defense in Conan Exiles: Sieges, Walls, and AI Tactics

A central element of the update is the overhauled building and defense mechanics. Bases are no longer just safe havens—they’re military complexes that must withstand assaults and be defended strategically.

Players can build fortresses with walls, towers, barricades, and gatehouses that function in unison. Catapults, ballistae, and oil cauldrons make assaults tactical. The physics of siege weapons were reworked, making them feel more realistic and destructive.

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

Tip: Create chokepoints, use elevation for ballistae, and place decoy structures to control enemy routes.

These systems work in 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 the new raid mechanics. Players can assault enemy camps, seize gold, gems, and rare materials, and expand their power through wealth.

Looted treasures can be stored in treasure vaults, which are part of the new economic system. These vaults are not just decoration—they carry strategic weight: they showcase a clan’s wealth while making it a target. The more treasure you stockpile, the more attractive you become to rivals.

This system injects new dynamism into the world. It creates goals and risks—success and danger are 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.

Tip: Scout camps ahead with followers, secure fallback routes, and move loot in stages to minimize losses.

Weapons and Armor in Conan Exiles: War Aesthetics and Combat Feel

With Age of War, dozens of new weapons and armors arrived, underlining the update’s martial theme. Swords, spears, maces, and bows were refined and visually aligned with the culture of the Hyborian kingdoms.

The new war armors are imposing. Dark metals, leather bands, and engraved helms define the look. They radiate power without feeling overdone. Especially striking is the Stygian Legion set, whose design draws from historical warriors and Roman legionaries.

Weapon handling was also improved. Strikes feel heavier, animations are smoother, and melee combat carries more weight. The result is a combat system that feels more intense and tactical.

With this update, Funcom made it clear that war in Hyboria is not just a means to an end—it’s a way of life.

Clans, Alliances, and Diplomacy: Power and Tactics in the Age of War

Age of War puts strong emphasis on social interaction. Clans now play a central role in the game. The update introduced expanded clan management tools that let leaders manage resources, assign tasks, and organize members.

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

This system brought 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 matter as much as raw force.

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

Strategy Guide: Resource Management and War Planning

Age of War goes beyond mechanics. It’s a tribute to Hyboria’s war philosophy—the idea that might makes right, but also brings responsibility.

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

Through the new Battle Pass and Bazaar, players also gained access to cosmetic items inspired by great kingdoms. Banners, statues, and trophies serve not only as decoration but as expressions of power. Any base can become a fortress of pride.

World Events and Battlefields: Invasions, Armies, Expeditions

The update also introduced new world events. Massive invasions, roaming armies, and special battlefields spawn randomly on the map. These events change the environment and offer special rewards for participation.

In the Maelstrom on Siptah or the borderlands of the Exiled Lands, players can embark on expeditions to recover war treasures. These events heighten competition and foster cooperation between players—or rivalry, when multiple groups fight over the same spoils.

Every battle tells its own story. Bases burn, resources change hands, and power dynamics shift. This creates a continuous cycle of conquest and rebuilding that defines Age of War.

Technical Improvements: Performance and Interface

Funcom also used Age of War to modernize technical foundations. Lighting, particle effects, and AI behavior were refined. Sieges run more smoothly, and building destruction feels more realistic.

The interface for clan management, treasure handling, and build planning was improved as well. It’s now clearer and more functional.

The visual depiction of war received special attention. Sparks fly, armor glints, and explosions light up the night sky. The soundscape—the thunder of catapults, the clash of steel, the cries of combatants—creates powerful immersion.

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

Age of War is the counterpoint to Age of Sorcery. Where the previous age showcased the allure of magic, this one reveals the unvarnished reality of power. It’s a chapter full of blood, discipline, and strategy—a phase that honors the brutal beauty of war without glorifying it.

Here, Funcom created not just a new combat system, but a social dynamic that keeps Conan Exiles vibrant over the long term. War is no longer random—it’s a system with rules, honor, 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 full splendor. Organize clans, stage sieges, and execute true war strategies—without technical limits, and with all the drama Hyboria deserves.

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