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 struck out in 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—towards war, power, and an unrelenting hunger 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 merely to survive, but to rule. Whole armies, fortified bases, and coordinated assaults now shape the action.

Funcom envisioned Age of War as the counterpoint to Age of Sorcery. Where magic once shrouded the world in uncertainty, now fire, steel, and discipline prevail. The developers set out to create an age that emphasizes the violence, 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.

Hostile camps and factions now actively defend their territories. Players can attack these camps, plunder them, and claim their treasures. Along the way, they’ll face mercenaries, generals, and elite units that respond strategically.

At the same time, players themselves can become targets. Those who hoard too much wealth or take on powerful enemies attract attention. This creates a dynamic balance between offense and defense, giving every decision real weight.

Age of War forces players to secure resources, fortify bases, and forge alliances. Any clan that wants to survive must think militarily.

Fortress building and defense in Conan Exiles: Sieges, walls, and AI tactics

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

Players can build fortresses with walls, towers, barricades, and gates that are functionally linked. Catapults, ballistae, and oil cauldrons make attacks tactical. The physics of siege weapons have been reworked, making them more realistic and more destructive.

The AI of attackers has also been improved. Enemies target weak points, circumvent 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-scale clan battles.

Raids in Age of War: Plunder, treasures, and economy

The heart of Age of War lies in its new raid mechanics. Players can now storm hostile camps, seize gold, gemstones, 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 symbolize a clan’s wealth while making it more vulnerable. The more treasure you stockpile, the more attractive you become to rivals.

This system brings fresh dynamics to the game world. It creates objectives and risks—success and danger are closer together than ever.

At the same time, the developers ensured the system works for PvE players. NPC factions can be attacked and looted without other players being involved. This creates a sense of war that both solo and multiplayer players can enjoy.

Tip: Scout camps in advance 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 to underscore 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 straps, and engraved helmets define the look. They radiate power without feeling overdone. Particularly striking is the Stygian Legion set, whose design draws from historic warriors and Roman legionaries.

Weapon handling was also improved. Strikes feel heftier, animations are smoother, and melee 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 places great emphasis on social interaction. Clans now play a central role in the game. The update introduced expanded clan management tools, allowing leaders to manage resources, assign tasks, and organize members.

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

This system adds a new dimension to the game: diplomacy. Conflicts can be resolved politically—through trade, threats, or deception. With Age of War, Conan Exiles evolved from a pure survival game into a complex power simulator, where psychological tactics matter as much as brute force.

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

Strategy guide: Resource management and war planning

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

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

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

World events and battlefields: Invasions, armies, expeditions

The update also introduced new world events. Major invasions, roaming armies, and special battlefields appear randomly on the map. These events alter the environment and offer special rewards for participating.

In the Maelstrom of Siptah or the borderlands of the Exiled Lands, players can embark on expeditions to secure war treasures. These events heighten competition and encourage cooperation between players—or rivalry when multiple groups vie for the same prize.

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

Technical improvements: Performance and interface

Funcom used Age of War to further modernize core technology. Lighting, particle effects, and AI behavior were reworked. Sieges now run more smoothly, and building destruction feels more realistic.

The interface for clan management, treasure handling, and building plans was also improved. It’s now clearer and more functional than before.

The visual portrayal of war received special attention. Sparks fly, armor gleams, and explosions light up the night sky. The soundscape—the thunder of catapults, the clash of steel, the cries of warriors—creates deep 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 lure of magic, this one reveals the unvarnished reality of power. It’s a chapter full of blood, discipline, and strategy—a phase that celebrates the brutal beauty of war without glorifying it.

Here, Funcom created not only a new combat system, but a social dynamic that keeps Conan Exiles alive in 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 a private Conan Exiles server from 4Netplayers, this era unfolds in all its glory. Here you can organize clans, stage sieges, and execute real war strategies—without technical limits, but with all the drama Hyboria deserves.

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