Conan Exiles is a vast and brutal survival game with complex mechanics that can be daunting for newcomers. This guide provides 12 crucial tips to help you get started, survive your first days, and build a strong foundation in the Exiled Lands.
1. Find Water Immediately
After character creation, you’ll spawn in the desert. Early on, search for a sealed water skin near a journal resting on a rock or stone structure. This pre-filled water skin gives you a hydration head start and serves as a backup once you craft your own.
2. Spend Points Early—You Can Reset Later
You’ll earn experience through nearly every activity, including gathering, crafting, and combat. Leveling grants attributeand knowledge points, which you should spend freely early on. Don’t worry—both can be reset later using potions, allowing you to adapt your build.
3. Explore to Gain XP
Exploration isn’t just rewarding—it’s essential. Discovering new locations and completing Journey Steps (small objectives that guide progression) grants valuable experience. Actively seek out landmarks and unexplored zones to level efficiently.
4. Reveal Hidden Journey Steps
If a Journey Step’s goal isn’t clear, complete the entire chapter. Once you do, the next chapter’s objectives will be revealed, helping you better plan and track your progress.
5. Always Use a Bedroll
If you die without a bed or bedroll placed, you’ll respawn back at the desert starting zone. Avoid this setback by placing a bedroll near your current base or activity area. This ensures a safer, more convenient respawn point close to your gear.
6. Use the Right Tools for the Job
The tool you use affects what you harvest:
- Hatchet – Yields more wood.
- Pick – Better for bark and stone.
- Sickle – Ideal for plant fiber, gossamer, and flowers.
Upgrade to higher-tier tools (iron, steel, etc.) as soon as possible—they harvest faster and more efficiently.
7. Grab a Free Early Weapon
Explore the southern river and head west to a Dafari camp. Near the entrance, look for a bone weapon lying on a bench—picking it up unlocks the Dafari weapon recipe. These basic weapons offer a combat advantage until you craft better gear.
8. Learn the New Building System
To start building, unlock the Apprentice Mason knowledge and craft a construction hammer. Equip the hammer to open the building menu. Returning players should note that this updated system is now standard for all building actions.
9. Understand Decay and Stability
Structures decay over time unless refreshed by proximity:
- Decay Timer – Resets when you or a clanmate are near.
- Stability – Measures structural support. You can’t build on pieces with under 20% stability.
Use a repair hammer to inspect decay timers and stability. Investing in the Expertise attribute (Structural Integrity perk) increases your building range and complexity.
10. Watch Out for Sandstorms
Once you venture deeper into the desert, sandstorms become a threat. Signs include flying debris and a darkening sky. To survive:
- Build or find shelter.
- Seek caves or natural overhangs.
- Ensure your shelter bar (top-right) is full.
Failing to find shelter in time will result in heavy damage or death.
11. Get Your First Follower
By level 10, unlock Thrall Taker to capture and break enemies into thralls (followers). Even a Tier 1 thrall is valuable:
- They assist in combat.
- They can carry loot without becoming encumbered.
By level 13, you can also tame animals to use as pack mules or combat allies.
12. Follow the Ghosts
Mysterious ghosts appear throughout the world, often pointing toward:
- Hidden crafting recipes
- Secret emotes
- Valuable loot chests
When you see one, explore the nearby area thoroughly—you’re likely near something worth finding.
These tips will help you overcome early challenges in Conan Exiles and set the stage for deeper exploration, crafting, and conquest. If you found this guide helpful, feel free to leave a comment or share your own survival tips. Stay strong, exile!
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