Conan Exiles: Imperial East Pack – Khitan DLC & Architecture

With the release of The Imperial East Pack on June 22, 2018, a completely new cultural and aesthetic dimension opened up for Conan Exiles. While previous content showcased the harsh, barbaric life of the Exiled Lands, this DLC introduced players to the world of the Khitan — a Far Eastern people known for their architecture, discipline, and artistic craftsmanship. The Imperial East Pack was the first cosmetic expansion for Conan Exiles and laid the groundwork for the many cultural DLCs that would follow in the years to come.

The goal of this pack was not to change the core gameplay, but to expand the cultural diversity of Conan’s world. It brought a touch of elegance and civilization to a world previously defined by blood, sand, and stone. For many players, it was the moment Conan Exiles began to be more than a survival game — a vibrant world that united cultures, history, and style.

Khitan Culture in Conan Exiles: Lore and Aesthetics

The Khitan hail from the distant East and represent, in Conan’s world, a culture reminiscent of historical China. They are known for discipline, spiritual depth, and precise craftsmanship. While other peoples rule through brute force, the Khitan build on order and art.

The Imperial East Pack translates this philosophy into architecture and equipment. It embodies the aesthetics of a civilization that strives not for conquest, but for harmony and perfection — a fascinating counterpoint to the barbaric landscapes of the Exiled Lands.

Khitan structures feel smooth, orderly, and elegant. Dark wooden beams, sweeping roofs, and gilded ornaments create a completely different spatial experience compared to the rough stone fortresses of the base game. Building a Khitan stronghold means creating a monument to balance and peace — a visual counterweight to the chaotic realities of survival.

Khitan Architecture in the Imperial East Pack: Building Pieces and Style

At the heart of the DLC are the new building elements in the style of the Khitan Empire. They include over forty different pieces — walls, roofs, doors, windows, foundations, and decorations.

These structures are defined by clear, almost meditative lines. Instead of rough stone blocks, polished wood, dark tiles, and fine details dominate. Particularly striking are the curved roof edges reminiscent of temple architecture.

• Erect grand pagodas, tranquil courtyards, or entire city districts.
• Use color contrasts in red, black, and gold.
• Create bases that feel less like fortresses and more like retreats.

Especially on community servers, this architecture quickly became a status symbol. A Khitan fortress signaled wealth, craftsmanship, and cultural awareness — a kind of prestige object in the harsh daily life of the Exiled Lands.

Khitan Weapons and Armor in the Imperial East Pack

Alongside architecture, the pack introduced a new collection of armor and weapons inspired by the Khitan Empire’s military.

The armor features clean lines — fine fabrics, metal plates, and traditional pauldrons. There are light, medium, and heavy variants, each appealing both aesthetically and functionally. The light set echoes the freedom of movement of monks or scouts, while the heavy gear evokes ceremonial warriors embodying discipline and strength.

The weapons follow the same principle: sharp, elegant forms instead of brute force. The Khitan sword, halberd, and bow are precise, light, and deadly. Their design reflects a culture that views war as an art, not chaos.

Even if their stats don’t surpass existing gear, many players value them for their distinctive style. They convey a sense of honor and control — qualities rarely found in Conan’s world.

Khitan Decorations and Atmosphere: Lanterns, Statues, Carpets

Another core element of the DLC is the wealth of decorative objects. The pack added statues, carpets, lanterns, pots, and wall ornaments that bring buildings to life.

Many of these items draw on East Asian aesthetics. Lanterns cast a soft light that bathes the surroundings in warm tones. Carpets display symmetrical patterns, and statues of tigers or dragons watch over courtyards and entrances.

These details gave Conan Exiles new cultural depth that goes beyond mere survival. You can create places that tell stories — temples for ancestors, gardens for meditation, or training yards for disciplined warriors.

Civilization and the Feel of Play in Conan Exiles

For a long time, Conan Exiles was a game of chaos: hunger, thirst, sandstorms, and enemies defined daily life. The Imperial East Pack provided the first counterbalance — the feeling that civilization is possible.

Building Khitan structures lets you sense that you can not only survive, but live. You’re no longer seen solely as a barbaric survivor, but as an architect, artist, and ruler.

The Imperial East Pack’s Influence on Later Conan Exiles DLCs

The Imperial East Pack became the foundation for many subsequent expansions. Almost every cultural pack that followed — Turanian, Argossean, or Nemedian — adopted its structure: a set of architecture, weapons, armor, and decorations.

It showed that Conan Exiles players seek not just power, but expression. Each culture brought its own philosophy and style. But it all began with the Khitan, whose artistic discipline set the tone — inspiring the creative community to go even further.

Aesthetics as Gameplay: Khitan Design in a Survival Game

It’s often underestimated how deeply visual design shapes the player experience. The pack proved that aesthetics can be a form of gameplay. A beautiful fortress feels safer. A carefully crafted room instills pride and motivation.

In a survival game so often defined by combat and death, beauty is a rare luxury. This DLC made it accessible — showing that even in a world of violence, there is space for art.

Many players found Khitan architecture calming. It wasn’t geared toward dominance, but toward harmony. Even solo players could create a small oasis — a place to forget, if only for a moment, that enemies lurk outside.

Conclusion on the Imperial East Pack: The Art of Balance

The Imperial East Pack was a milestone in the evolution of Conan Exiles. It brought culture, elegance, and structure to a world that had previously been defined by survival alone. With its Far Eastern aesthetics, fine details, and serene architecture, it opened up new ways to not just play the game, but actively shape it.

It’s no wonder that many players still look back on this first expansion years later: it stands for the beginning of a new understanding — that power and beauty, strength and art, wilderness and order can coexist in Conan Exiles.

On a dedicated server from 4Netplayers, the Imperial East Pack unfolds its full impact. Here, players can construct temple complexes, design Khitan fortresses, and build their own culture amid the Exiled Lands. With stable performance, flexible management, and room for creativity, the realm of the East becomes not just a game world, but a home — forged through discipline, harmony, and the eternal pursuit of balance.

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