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

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

With new armor, weapons, walls, and arena pieces, Funcom created a toolkit for anyone who wants to turn war into an art form. Whether a PvP arena, ceremonial battleground, or an underground colosseum complex — this DLC turns simple fortresses into stages of glory and death. Blood and Sand makes a statement: Conan Exiles isn’t just a game about survival, but about triumph.

This DLC didn’t arrive by chance. 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 building set in Conan Exiles: arenas, fortresses & gates

The heart of the DLC is the arena building set. It expands the existing construction system with massive walls, archways, stands, grates, and decorative elements that let you build striking arenas. The style is raw, martial, and yet majestic — dominated by dark stone, iron bracing, and open structures.

These pieces are versatile. They’re not only suitable 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 build combat venues where clans face off or host beast fights.

The material design follows a clear goal: awe-inspiring toughness. While earlier DLCs leaned into polish or ornamentation, the arena set feels raw and utilitarian. Every piece tells a story of violence and survival — of a world where strength is the only law.

Gladiator armor in the Blood and Sand DLC

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

The armor sets come in light, medium, and heavy variants, letting you tailor them to your preferred combat style. The standout is the Gladiator Set, instantly recognizable with its chains, leather straps, and distinctive helmets. It looks like it has been battle-tested in countless arena fights.

Another highlight is the Sand Reaper Armor. It combines dark fabrics, metal plating, and insectoid shapes — perfect for players who favor a menacing aesthetic. The mix of style and effectiveness made it one of the most-used armor 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 battle is complete without the right weapons. The Blood and Sand Pack brings 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 striking is the Sandstorm Maul, a two-hander with a distinctive silhouette that became a favorite among heavy fighters.

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

Arena decor: banners, cages & atmosphere

Alongside weapons and armor, the DLC also introduced a range of decorative elements that bring arenas and battlegrounds to life. Torch holders, banners, cages, chains, and statues create an atmosphere of danger and ritual.

Players can adorn spectator stands with banners, add trapdoors for beast fights, or build massive combat rings where clans settle their disputes. A fan favorite is the Blood Banner Set, its red fabrics and symbols of glory and death making a bold visual statement.

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 organized.

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 competitions. The new building and armor elements made it possible to construct entire arenas or theaters of war — without mods or workarounds.

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

More than a traditional expansion, Blood and Sand acted as a community catalyst. It showed how willing Funcom was to listen to its players and proved that PvP can be not just mechanics, but also presentation.

Technical implementation: performance, textures, and sound design

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

Despite large, open structures, performance remains stable. Funcom ensured the arena elements render efficiently, even with multiple players present.

The soundscape enhances the experience: muffled footsteps on sand, metallic strikes, 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 honor

The Blood and Sand Pack is a love letter to the fighting spirit of Conan Exiles. It doesn’t add new regions or systems, but it deepens the game’s core — 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 entire lineup. It gives servers character, offers clans new avenues for self-expression, and creates unforgettable moments in the dust of the arena.

On your own Conan Exiles server from 4Netplayers, the Blood and Sand Pack truly shines. With stable performance, flexible settings, and room 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