Economy & Trading
The economy in Conan Exiles, particularly with the Age of War update, has introduced a more robust trading system centered around merchants and a new currency: Gold Coins. Understanding how to acquire these coins and where to spend them is crucial for progression and acquiring valuable items.
Acquiring Gold Coins
Gold Coins are the primary currency for trading with merchants. There are several reliable methods to accumulate them:
1. Raiding Camps and Dungeons
Many enemy human NPCs, particularly those found in camps and dungeons, will drop Gold Coins upon defeat. The amount varies, but consistently clearing these areas is a steady source.
- Specific Locations:
- Black Galleon: This pirate stronghold is an excellent early-to-mid game location for farming Gold Coins from numerous human enemies.
- Sinner's Refuge: A smaller cave system, but the exiles within often carry a few coins.
- The Den: Another bandit camp with a good density of human enemies.
- Strategy: Equip a decent weapon and armor, and systematically clear these locations. Remember to loot all bodies.
2. Treasure Chests
Hidden throughout the Exiled Lands are various treasure chests that can contain Gold Coins, along with other valuable loot. These often respawn, making them a repeatable source.
- Notable Chest Locations:
- Around Sepermeru: The City of the Relic Hunters has many hidden chests within its alleys and on rooftops.
- Volcano Region: While dangerous, the chests in the Volcano often yield higher quantities of Gold Coins.
- Underwater Chests: Certain underwater ruins and shipwrecks contain chests, though these require careful exploration and potentially breathing potions.
- Strategy: Explore thoroughly, especially in ruins and enemy strongholds. Keep an eye out for glowing containers.
3. Delving Bench
The Delving Bench, a crafting station, allows you to break down certain legendary items into their component parts, including Gold Coins. This is a late-game method for converting unwanted legendary gear into currency.
- How to Use:
- Acquire the Delving Bench recipe (often found in specific dungeons or through exploration).
- Craft the Delving Bench at a crafting station.
- Place legendary weapons, armor, or tools into the Delving Bench's input slot.
- Activate the bench to begin the delving process. The output will include various materials and a quantity of Gold Coins, depending on the item's rarity and type.
- Strategy: Prioritize obtaining legendary items from world bosses and high-level dungeons to maximize your Gold Coin output from the Delving Bench.
Merchant Locations & Trading
Merchants are scattered across the Exiled Lands, offering several goods in exchange for your hard-earned Gold Coins. Their inventories can include rare crafting materials, unique weapons, armor, recipes, and even thralls.
Key Merchant Hubs
While individual merchants can be found in various spots, certain locations act as central trading hubs:
- Sepermeru, City of the Relic Hunters: This bustling city hosts several merchants, each specializing in different goods. You'll find vendors selling everything from basic resources to unique decorative items.
- The Den: Beyond being a source of Gold Coins, The Den also features a few merchants who deal in more illicit or specialized wares.
- New Asagarth: In the frozen north, New Asagarth offers merchants with goods tailored to the colder climate and the hardy Nords.
Interacting with Merchants
To trade with a merchant, simply approach them and interact. Their inventory will display the items they have for sale and the Gold Coin cost for each. Ensure you have enough Gold Coins in your inventory to complete a purchase.
Valuable Merchant Offerings
Merchants often stock items that are difficult or impossible to acquire through other means. Keep an eye out for:
- Rare Crafting Materials: Such as
Star Metal Ore (if you're struggling to find deposits),Black Ice , orHardened Leather . - Unique Weapons and Armor: Some merchants sell powerful gear with unique enchantments or aesthetic designs.
- Recipes: Occasionally, merchants will sell rare crafting recipes that unlock new items or building pieces.
- Thralls: Certain merchants may offer specialized thralls (e.g., crafters, fighters) for a significant sum.
Optimizing Your Trading Strategy
- Scout Merchants: Before committing to a purchase, it's wise to visit multiple merchant locations to compare prices and available stock. Their inventories can sometimes rotate or be unique to their location.
- Prioritize Needs: Focus on purchasing items that directly benefit your current progression, whether it's a critical crafting recipe, a powerful weapon for an upcoming boss fight, or resources to complete a base upgrade.
- Secure Your Gold: Gold Coins are a physical item in your inventory. If you die, you will drop them. Consider storing large quantities in a secure chest at your base.
- Balanced Approach: Don't solely rely on trading. Continue to explore, gather resources, and craft. Trading should complement your existing gameplay loop, not replace it entirely.