Purges are a unique and challenging mechanic in Conan Exiles, designed to test the defenses of player-built bases. Understanding how they work, what triggers them, and how to effectively counter them is crucial for survival, especially in multiplayer environments where other players might exploit your weaknesses.
What is a Purge?
A Purge is an AI-driven attack on a player's base, consisting of waves of increasingly difficult enemies. These enemies will attempt to break through your defenses and destroy your structures. Purges are designed to encourage players to build robust defenses and engage in combat.
Triggering a Purge
Purges are triggered by a combination of factors, primarily related to the size and complexity of your base, and the amount of "activity" within its vicinity. Key triggers include:
- Building Size and Stability: Larger and more complex bases are more likely to trigger a Purge.
- Crafting Stations: Having numerous high-tier crafting stations within your base increases its "threat level."
- Storage: A significant amount of stored resources can also contribute to triggering a Purge.
- Time: Purges occur periodically, typically every 24-48 hours on official servers, though this can vary on private servers.
The game will provide a warning when a Purge is imminent, giving you time to prepare.
Types of Purges
Purges vary in their enemy types and difficulty, often reflecting the biome your base is located in. Common Purge types include:
- Exiles: Basic human enemies.
- Hyenas/Wolves: Animal-based attacks.
- Sand Reapers: Dangerous creatures found in desert biomes.
- Undead: Often found in colder or more corrupted areas.
- Cultists: Enemies associated with various factions and dark gods.
The final wave of a Purge typically features a boss enemy, which can be a powerful NPC or a formidable creature.
Defending Against a Purge
Effective Purge defense requires a multi-layered approach:
- Defensive Structures: Build sturdy walls (Tier 3 stone or higher are recommended), reinforced doors, and defensive towers. Consider using elevated platforms to create kill zones.
- Thralls: Station combat thralls strategically. Equip them with good gear and ensure they are set to attack enemies. Archers on walls and fighters at entry points are highly effective.
- Traps: Place traps like spike traps and explosive jars in likely enemy paths.
- Chokepoints: Des your base with narrow entryways or corridors that funnel enemies into kill zones where your thralls and traps can be most effective.
- Baiting: Sometimes, it's beneficial to leave a small, easily accessible area with valuable crafting stations or resources to draw the Purge towards a specific defensive setup.
- Player Coordination (Multiplayer): In a clan or on a populated server, coordinate with your allies. Desate roles for defense, repair, and resource management during the Purge.
Post-Purge Considerations
After a Purge, assess the damage to your base and immediately begin repairs. Loot the bodies of the defeated enemies, as they often drop valuable items and Purge-specific rewards. The experience gained from defending a Purge is significant, and it's an excellent opportunity to test and improve your base's defenses.
Successfully defending against a Purge is a rewarding experience that solidifies your claim in the Exiled Lands and demonstrates your mastery over its challenges.