INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the expansive world of Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures—a captivating multiplayer online role-playing game where sword and sorcery meet. If you’ve ever fancied being an adventurer in a realm filled with magic, villainous enemies, and epic battles, then Age of Conan is just the game for you. This guide is designed with beginners in mind, to help you understand the game, gear up and start your first quest. Ready to embark on an exciting journey? Let’s get started.
WHAT IS AGE OF CONAN: HYBORIAN ADVENTURES?
Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures emerged from the riches of Robert E. Howard’s engrossing Conan the Barbarian universe, developed by Norwegian company Funcom and released in 2008. This Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) allows you to assume the character of a hardened adventurer in the brutal and beautiful world of Hyboria.
In comparison to other games in the MMORPG genre like World of Warcraft or Elder Scrolls Online, Age of Conan focuses more on direct combat, realistic graphics, and a mature storyline. With thrilling quests, diverse character classes, and intricate guild systems, the game offers an incredibly immersive playing experience.
HOW IT WORKS/HOW TO GET STARTED
Getting started with Age of Conan is simple. After installing the game, the first task is to create your character. You can choose to be a Barbarian, a Priest, a Rogue, or a Mage—each providing different skills and gameplay. Then, choose your race and customize your character’s appearance.
You’ll start your adventures on Tortage Island, which serves as the game’s tutorial. Here, you’ll learn the basics of controlling your character, engaging in combat, and finishing quests. Remember, the game uses a real-time combat system, meaning you must actively control your character’s attacks rather than just clicking on enemies.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
To play Age of Conan, you’ll need a computer meeting the game’s system requirements and a stable internet connection. The game is free-to-play with an option to subscribe for additional benefits. No special gaming equipment is needed, a standard mouse and keyboard will suffice.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. Learn the basics: Spend enough time in the tutorial phase to familiarize yourself with the game controls and mechanics.
2. Experiment with different classes: Each class offers a distinct playing style. Try them all and see which one suits you best.
3. Join a guild: Teaming up with other players can make your journey much more enjoyable and easier.
4. Manage your resources wisely: Make sure to save your gold for essential items and upgrades.
5. Explore: The world of Hyboria is vast and filled with hidden treasures. Take time to explore.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
There are several Age of Conan communities out there to assist beginners. The official Age of Conan Forums and the Age of Conan SubReddit are great places to find help, tips, and strategies. YouTube Channels such as BigMikeyOcho and Eckyman offer gameplay walkthroughs and tutorials that can be extremely helpful for newcomers.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
1. MMO – Massively Multiplayer Online game. A game where you play with numerous people from around the world.
2. Guild – A group of players who team up to tackle challenges and objectives together.
3. Quest – A task or mission given by a non-playable character (NPC).
4. HP – Health Points. Represents your character’s vitality.
5. PvP – Player versus Player. A type of combat where players fight other players.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
After learning the ropes on Tortage Island, you are ready to explore the world of Hyboria. Be open to making allies and facing fearsome foes. Remember, the more you play, the easier it gets and the more fun you have. So, gear up, brave adventurer. The world of Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures is waiting for you!
