Conan Exiles: Imperial East Pack – Khitan DLC & Architecture

With the release of The Imperial East Pack on June 22, 2018, Conan Exiles opened the door to a completely new cultural and aesthetic dimension. While previous content showcased the harsh, barbaric life in the Exiled Lands, this DLC introduced players to the world of the Khitan—a Far Eastern people known for their architecture, discipline, and artistic craftsmanship. The Imperial East Pack was the first cosmetic expansion for Conan Exiles and laid the foundation for the many culture DLCs that would follow in the years to come.

The goal of this pack wasn’t to change the core gameplay, but to broaden the cultural diversity of Conan’s world. It brought a touch of elegance and civilization to a world previously defined by blood, sand, and stone. For many players, it marked the moment when Conan Exiles became more than a survival game—a living world that blends cultures, history, and style.

Khitan Culture in Conan Exiles: Lore and Aesthetics

The Khitan hail from the distant East and, within Conan’s world, evoke a culture reminiscent of historical China. They are known for discipline, spiritual depth, and precise craftsmanship. While other peoples rule through brute force, the Khitan rely on order and art.

The Imperial East Pack translates this philosophy into architecture and equipment. It’s the aesthetic of a civilization that values harmony and perfection over conquest—a fascinating counterpoint to the barbaric landscapes of the Exiled Lands.

Khitan structures appear smooth, orderly, and elegant. Dark wooden beams, curved roofs, and gilded accents create a completely different sense of space than the rough stone fortresses found elsewhere in the game. Building a Khitan fortress is to create a monument to balance and peace—a visual counterweight to the chaotic realities of survival.

Khitan Architecture in the Imperial East Pack: Building Pieces and Aesthetics

The heart of the DLC lies in its new building pieces styled after the Khitan empire. They include over forty different parts—walls, roofs, doors, windows, foundations, and decorations.

These structures stand out with clean, almost meditative lines. Instead of rough stone blocks, you’ll see polished wood, dark brick, and fine details. Especially striking are the curved eaves reminiscent of temple architecture.

• Build grand pagodas, serene courtyards, or entire cityscapes.
• Create color contrasts in red, black, and gold.
• Design bases that feel less like a fortress and more like a retreat.

Especially on community servers, this architecture quickly became a status symbol. A Khitan fortress signaled prosperity, craftsmanship, and cultural awareness—a prestige project amid the rough day-to-day of the Exiled Lands.

Khitan Weapons and Armor in the Imperial East Pack

Beyond architecture, the pack introduced a new collection of armor and weapons inspired by the Khitan military.

The armor features clean lines—fine fabrics, metal plates, and traditional shoulder guards. There’s a light, medium, and heavy variant, each compelling both aesthetically and functionally. Light attire evokes the freedom of monks or scouts, while heavy gear recalls ceremonial warriors embodying discipline and strength.

The weapons follow the same principle: sharp, elegant forms over brute force. The Khitan sword, halberd, and bow are precise, light, and deadly. Their design reflects a culture that sees war as an art, not chaos.

Even if their stats don’t surpass existing weapons, many players value them for their unmistakable style. They convey a sense of honor and control—qualities rare in the world of Conan.

Khitan Decorations and Atmosphere: Lanterns, Statues, Rugs

Another core element of the DLC is its many decorative objects. The pack brought statues, rugs, lanterns, pots, and wall ornaments into the game—details that breathe life into buildings.

Much of it draws from East Asian aesthetics. Lanterns cast a soft glow that bathes surroundings in warm tones. Rugs feature symmetrical patterns, and statues of tigers or dragons guard courtyards and entrances.

These details gave Conan Exiles new cultural depth beyond pure survival. You can create places that tell stories—temples to honor ancestors, gardens for meditation, or training yards for disciplined warriors.

Civilization and Game Feel in Conan Exiles

For a long time, Conan Exiles was a game of chaos: hunger, thirst, sandstorms, and enemies ruled the day. The Imperial East Pack introduced the first real counterbalance—the sense that civilization is possible.

Those who build Khitan structures feel they can not only survive but truly live. The player is no longer seen only as a barbaric survivor, but as an architect, artist, and ruler.

The Imperial East Pack’s Influence on Later Conan Exiles DLCs

The Imperial East Pack laid the groundwork for many future expansions. Nearly every subsequent culture pack—Turanian, Argossean, or Nemedian—followed its template: a set of architecture, weapons, armor, and decorations.

It showed that Conan Exiles players seek not only power, but also expression. Each culture brought its own philosophy and style. And it all began with the Khitan, whose artistic discipline set the tone and inspired the creative community to push designs further.

Aesthetics as Gameplay: Khitan Design in a Survival Game

We often underestimate how strongly visual design shapes the experience. This pack proved that aesthetics can be a form of gameplay. A beautiful fortress feels safer. A carefully crafted room inspires pride and motivation.

In a survival game often defined by combat and death, beauty is a rare luxury. This DLC made it accessible—showing that even in a world of violence, there’s room for art.

Many players found Khitan architecture calming. It wasn’t built for dominance, but for harmony. Even solo players could create a small oasis—a place to forget, if only for a moment, that enemies lurk outside.

Conclusion on the Imperial East Pack: The Art of Balance

The Imperial East Pack was a milestone in the evolution of Conan Exiles. It brought culture, elegance, and structure to a world previously defined solely by survival. With its Far Eastern aesthetic, fine details, and tranquil architecture, it opened new possibilities to not just play the game, but actively shape it.

It’s no surprise that many players look back on this first expansion years later: it represents the beginning of a new understanding—that power and beauty, strength and art, wilderness and order can coexist in Conan Exiles.

On your own 4Netplayers server, the Imperial East Pack truly shines. Build temple complexes, design Khitan fortresses, and establish your own culture in the heart of the Exiled Lands. With stable performance, flexible management, and room for creativity, the Eastern realm becomes not just a game world but a home—shaped by discipline, harmony, and the eternal pursuit of balance.

Rent your own Conan Exiles server now