Funcom has had some success with its licensed MMO Age of Conan, and now it’s using the IP to launch a new open world survival game, Conan Exiles. The game can be thought of as Day Z or Rust set in Robert E. Howard’s Hyborian Age.
According to the publisher, players will take on the role of one of thousands of people exiled into a barbaric wasteland whose landscape is dominated by sandstorms and merciless enemies. In this desolation, players will have to find a way to survive by any means necessary.
Part of that survival will involve gathering resources and basic necessities, such as growing crops, hunting game, and building shelter. However, players will also have to protect themselves from all sort of predators - including other players. Minerals and wood must be harvested to provide weapons and tools. Horses can be tamed. Eventually, strongholds can be raised to fend off the wilderness and enemy factions from player-built settlements.
Players can decide to be thieves and raiders or defenders and protectors. Funcom promises the game will feature ”savage, fast-paced combat” with ”bloody and bone-crushing attacks that will see heads rolling and limbs flying.” Conan Exiles even promises human sacrifice, as players will be able to ”call upon the wrath of the heavens to aid (them) by sacrificing enemy players on the alters of the gods.”
For those who prefer to go it alone, Conan Exiles will also include a single player mode, so players can enjoy the setting and gameplay without worrying about other players ruining their narrative. This is an option that is sorely lacking from other games of its ilk.
Conan Exiles will be heading into Early Access this coming Summer 2016, with an official launch planned before the year ends. Gamers interested in checking it out can visit the official site here.
