Many players note that most survival simulators lack life. The lack of dynamic and diverse NPCs stands in stark contrast to the busy cities and towns in MMORPGs. Conan Exiles aims to change that. After a successful experiment with taverns, the developers are preparing an even larger update.
The foreign portal MassivelyOP recently took interview from the Conan Exiles developers, where they shared details of the long-awaited Age of Heroes update. Game director Dennis Douthett and community manager Andy Benditt revealed key features of the update, such as living settlements and satellites. We have prepared for you a brief retelling of the article with the main details in Russian.
One of the main innovations in the Age of Heroes expansion for Conan Exiles is living settlements. Previously, the game already had taverns where special followers (warriors, archers, dancers) located in the player’s settlement could gather. They could sit at a table and even seem to communicate with each other. Although, unfortunately, there were no fights. This was already adding a little life to at least one building.
Now, as the developers said, every follower and character that a player can place in his base will become independent and able to move freely around the world. Even crafters, who used to be essentially items slotted into static workbenches, will now be able to wander around and do their thing.
These characters won’t just hang around. Everyone will have a set of hidden needs, such as food, sleep, rest and, if necessary, protection. To make everything look even more realistic, the developers have added many new idle animations. For example, followers will be able to periodically approach their workstations and simulate working.
Another change is that even artisans will be able to defend themselves against threats. It is important that these needs of followers will not interfere with the gameplay. Players won’t have to find crafters and take them to workbenches to get the bonus. The improvement will apply to the entire settlement – just go to the workbench.
In addition, players will not have to worry about the needs of followers. They won’t eat real food or use fuel for fires. However, this does not apply to clothes – you still have to wear them.
The developers are confident that this innovation will significantly increase immersion in the game and help get rid of the feeling of lifelessness that is characteristic of many similar games. They plan to further develop this system.
Another important feature of Age of Heroes will be the new satellite system. These are a special type of recruitable followers whose loyalty players will need to earn by completing new story and voice-over quests. Unlike regular followers, companions’ abilities will be determined by the player’s choices during quests.
There will be two companions available at first, but there are plans to add more in the future, including even a dog. For example, one of them is the wizard Liu Fei, who is trapped in a plant. The player has to help him free himself, but not everything is so simple. If the companion dies, the player can go through the quest again and return him. In this case, you will be able to make different choices and gain other abilities.
In addition, the update will include new costumes, building items, and horse decorations. The array of Argive-style building features will be expanded, including beautiful lattice windows, a two-level star ceiling and a spiral staircase.
Age of Heroes is scheduled to release in October 2024 for all platforms. The developers are going to release new chapters every six months, as well as hold events and add small content between updates. For example, an updated version of the Dregg dungeon is being prepared with new puzzles, traps and paths. There is also a limited time event coming soon.
