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

On May 9, 2019, Funcom released a very special DLC with the Riddle of Steel Pack—less a content expansion and more a heartfelt homage to the roots of the entire Conan universe. This package arrived to mark the 37th anniversary of the legendary film “Conan the Barbarian” (1982) and is aimed at all fans who love the raw power, pathos, and philosophy of the early Conan era.

The Riddle of Steel is not a typical building or weapons pack. Instead, it brings iconic items, statues, armor, and cosmetic objects taken directly from the film. It’s a celebration of the myth—a reminder of the era in which Arnold Schwarzenegger, as Conan, turned steel into 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 the modern sandbox and gives 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 is the famous question that gives the DLC its name: What is the riddle of steel? This question runs like a thread through the film and symbolizes power, will, and the indestructibility of the human spirit.

Funcom brought this concept into the game by integrating items and statues that embody this idea. Players can erect monumental likenesses of Conan, Valeria, and Thulsa Doom in their bases—meticulously crafted figures that are both artistic and symbolic. These statues are more than decoration: they are monuments to an era.

Beyond that, the DLC includes a range of iconic props—swords, helmets, and ornaments that directly recall scenes from the film. Anyone who knows the movie will immediately recognize the cultural references—from the legendary Atlantean Sword to the serpent iconography of Thulsa Doom.

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

Although the Riddle of Steel pack doesn’t introduce new 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 the weathered blade. It’s intended less as a powerhouse weapon and more as a collector’s piece 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 are craftable and usable, allowing players to step into the roles of their favorite characters. They are 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 blends nostalgia with functionality—it’s not the strongest in the game, but it is by far the most iconic.

Conan Exiles Decor & Architecture in the Riddle of Steel DLC

While earlier packs introduced entire building styles, the Riddle of Steel pack focuses on additions that enrich existing structures. The new decorative objects are inspired by 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 are made of dark stone and bronze, some with fine engravings depicting scenes of rituals and battles. This aesthetic adds an archaic, almost religious depth to the game world.

Particularly impressive are the monumental statues of Conan, Valeria, and Thulsa Doom. They can be placed as totems in settlements and stand like eternal guardians over the world of the game. Together 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 the Riddle of Steel

This DLC differs greatly from other expansions because it bridges game and film. For longtime fans, it’s a way to honor the origin of the legend. For new players, it offers a cultural perspective on the importance of strength, faith, and willpower in the world of Hyboria.

The philosophy of steel—that true power lies not in the metal but in the will—is also reflected in how players act in Conan Exiles. Survival in this harsh world demands the same toughness and determination that Conan embodies. This DLC makes that connection tangible.

Many community servers used the Riddle of Steel pack to create themed events. Entire temple complexes, film sets, and memorials were built that faithfully recreated the movie. As a result, the pack became a social and creative phenomenon within the player community.

Technical Aspects, 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 of the statues and weapons are highly detailed, and the material system gives them a realistic, aged appearance. The Atlantean Sword in particular gleams in the sunlight with fine reflections reminiscent of polished steel.

The new objects integrate seamlessly into existing structures. Their color palette—dark grays, bronze, and red—harmonizes with most of the game’s building styles. The soundscape also contributes to the atmosphere: the metallic ring of forging or the deep rumble of great halls reinforces the feeling of being part of a legend.

Despite the many large objects, performance remains stable. The statues are optimized and cause hardly any additional loading, making them easy to use even on multiplayer servers.

Conclusion: Why the Riddle of Steel DLC in Conan Exiles is Worth It

The Riddle of Steel is not a DLC in the classic sense—it’s a monument. It doesn’t add new systems or mechanics, but it gives Conan Exiles something equally valuable: identity.

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

If you want your base to be not just a fortress but a shrine of strength, you’ll find the perfect elements here. And on your own Conan Exiles server from 4Netplayers, you can experience this atmosphere on a grand scale—with room for clans, events, and recreations of the film’s legendary scenes. In this way, the Riddle of Steel remains more than a DLC: it is the heart of the myth that keeps Conan’s spirit alive to this day.

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