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

On May 9, 2019, Funcom released the Riddle of Steel Pack, a very special DLC that serves less as a content expansion and more as a heartfelt homage to the roots of the entire Conan universe. This package arrived to celebrate 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 isn’t a typical building or weapon pack. Instead, it brings iconic items, statues, armor, and cosmetic objects lifted straight from the film. It’s a celebration of the myth—a reminder of the era when 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 classic tales with a modern sandbox, giving 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 through the film like a thread, symbolizing power, will, and the indestructibility of the human spirit.

Funcom translated 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 modeled figures with both artistic and symbolic weight. These statues are more than decoration: they’re monuments to an era.

The DLC also includes a range of iconic props—swords, helmets, and ornaments—that recall scenes from the film. Anyone familiar with the movie will instantly recognize the cultural references, from the legendary Atlantean Sword to Thulsa Doom’s serpent symbolism.

Riddle of Steel Weapons & Armor: Atlantean Sword, Thulsa Doom

While the Riddle of Steel Pack doesn’t introduce new gameplay mechanics, it brings some of the most iconic weapons and armor in film history into the world of Conan Exiles.

The famous Atlantean Sword has been faithfully recreated, from its distinctive crossguard to its weathered blade. It’s intended less as a powerhouse weapon and more as a collectible for fans—a tribute to the symbol that carries the entire myth of steel.

Thulsa Doom’s sword is also included, adorned with the serpent ornaments of his cult. Both weapons can be crafted and used, letting players step into the roles of their favorite characters. They’re accompanied by armor pieces inspired by the film’s warriors, including the helmets of the serpent priests and Conan’s heavy barbarian attire.

This gear fuses nostalgia with function—far from the strongest in the game, but by far the most iconic.

Conan Exiles Decor & Architecture in the Riddle of Steel DLC

Where previous packs introduced full building sets, the Riddle of Steel Pack focuses on additions that enrich existing structures. The new decorative objects draw inspiration from the film’s sets: stone statues, cult symbols, and wall reliefs with serpent motifs.

Players can build temples, shrines, or entire arenas in the style of Thulsa Doom’s serpent cult. The objects use 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.

Especially impressive are the monumental statues of Conan, Valeria, and Thulsa Doom. They can be placed as totems in settlements, standing as timeless guardians over the world. Paired with matching banners and torch bearers, 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 stands apart from other expansions by bridging game and film. For longtime fans, it’s a way to honor the origin of the legend. For new players, it offers cultural context on the importance of strength, faith, and willpower in Hyboria.

The philosophy of steel—that true power lies not in metal, but in will—also reflects how players act in Conan Exiles. Surviving its harsh world demands the same grit and resolve that Conan embodies. This DLC makes that connection tangible.

Many community servers used the Riddle of Steel Pack to host themed events. Full temple complexes, film sets, and memorials sprang up, recreating the movie in detail. The pack became a social and creative phenomenon within the player community.

Tech, 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 on statues and weapons are highly detailed, and the material system gives them a realistic, weathered look. The Atlantean Sword in particular gleams in sunlight with fine reflections reminiscent of polished steel.

The new objects integrate seamlessly into existing builds. Their palette—dark grays, bronze, and red—harmonizes with most building styles. The soundscape also bolsters the atmosphere: metallic clinks at the forge and the deep rumble of vast halls enhance the feeling of being part of a legend.

Even with the many large objects, performance remains stable. The statues are optimized and add minimal load times, 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 isn’t a DLC in the traditional sense—it’s a monument. It adds no new systems or mechanics, but it gives Conan Exiles something just as valuable: identity.

For veterans, it’s an emotional return to the origin of the legend; for new players, an invitation to learn the story behind the world. The meticulous detail, reverence for the film, and symbolic power of the items make this one of the most significant expansions Funcom has ever released.

If you want your base to be more than a fortress—if you want a shrine to strength—this pack delivers the perfect elements. And on your own Conan Exiles server from 4Netplayers, you can experience that atmosphere on a grand scale—with room for clans, events, and recreations of the film’s legendary scenes. In that way, the Riddle of Steel is more than a DLC: it’s the heart of the myth that keeps Conan’s spirit alive to this day.

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