INTRODUCTION
Have you ever been engrossed in a fantasy novel and wished you could leap inside, become part of the story and explore the world for yourself? Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures makes this dream come true. Steeped in the brutal, bloody and intoxicating world created by author Robert E. Howard, this game immerses you in a rich, mythical universe full of dark sorcery, deadly combat and thrilling quests. It opens doors to the realm of Hyboria where you step into the shoes of a mighty hero. This beginner-friendly guide aims to give you the right direction as you embark on your epic journey.
WHAT IS AGE OF CONAN: HYBORIAN ADVENTURES?
Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures is an expansive online multiplayer role-playing game (MMORPG) that places you in a world of cerebral quests, intense combat and fascinating exploration. You are welcomed into the universe of Conan the Barbarian, a world filled with mythology, danger and adventure. It stands apart from other traditional MMORPGs with its mature themes, aligning more closely with the brutal and mystical atmosphere of Howard’s works. In essence, Age of Conan takes MMORPGs from the usual fantastical realms to a darker, more violent setting.
HOW IT WORKS / HOW TO BEGIN
Just like every MMORPG, Age of Conan starts with the player creating and customizing their character. You can choose from an array of physical attributes and choose amongst four races and a dozen classes that each offer unique abilities and gameplay experiences. As you progress through the game, you’ll level up and enhance your skills.
The game features a unique real-time combat system, ditching the traditional auto-attack mechanics common to most MMORPGs. Instead, you dictate your character’s attacks, from the direction of your strike to the type of attack you perform.
The story unfolds as you accept quests from non-player characters. These missions range from defeating enemies to gathering specific items. Each quest contributes to the game’s plot and plays a role in building your character’s reputation and skill set.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
To start your Age of Conan journey, the essentials are a decent computer with a stable internet connection and the will to explore the world of Hyboria. The game client can be downloaded for free, but there are expansion packs available that add more content to the game.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. Combat is different in Age of Conan. It can feel unfamiliar at first, but don’t be intimidated. Practice makes perfect!
2. Quests are a handy source of experience and resources. Don’t skip them.
3. Explore the world as much as possible. Hyboria is immense and filled with valuable resources and intriguing landmarks.
4. Play in groups when possible. It not only makes gameplay more enjoyable but also helps in tackling tougher quests.
5. Don’t rush the game. Take your time to fully savor the experience the world of Age of Conan has to offer.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
The official Age of Conan forums, the Age of Conan subreddit and a number of dedicated YouTube channels like The Book of Conan are valuable resources to get help and tips. Additionally, various guides and wikis available online can help you gain a deeper understanding of the game.
GLOSSARY
1. MMORPG – Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games are online games where a large number of players interact in a virtual world.
2. NPC – Non-Player Character, computer-controlled characters that you interact with in the game.
3. Quests – Tasks or missions given in-game that often yield rewards upon completion.
4. Real-time combat – Combat that happens in real-time, typically requiring strategic and active engagement.
5. Level up – The process of gaining enough experience points to ascend to the next level, usually improving a character’s skills or attributes.
NEXT STEPS
Now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to jump into the world of Age of Conan. Feel free to explore at your own pace, engage with other players and immerse yourself in the rich lore that surrounds Hyboria. It’s a challenging journey full of ups and downs, but with patience, persistence and this guide to help you, you’re sure to relish the beauty that Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures has to offer.
