In the brutal world of Conan Exiles, survival often hinges on your ability to adapt, gather resources, and anticipate threats both environmental and human. However, few elements of the game have caused as much surprise and confusion as the so-called Unwelcome Gift.” This seemingly innocuous phrase has sparked curiosity, frustration, and even fear among players exploring the Exiled Lands. Whether it’s a cryptic event, a cursed item, or an unexpected mechanic, the Unwelcome Gift stands out as one of the more enigmatic aspects of Conan Exiles. Understanding what it is, where it comes from, and how to deal with it is crucial for any survivor hoping to thrive.
What Is the Unwelcome Gift in Conan Exiles?
The Unwelcome Gift is not a traditional item or boss that you can hunt or craft. Instead, it is an umbrella term players use to describe an unwelcome event, sudden occurrence, or trap left behind by another player or by the environment. In PvP servers especially, players sometimes return to their bases to find unexpected and hostile surprises a chest that explodes, a thrall camp that has mysteriously spawned nearby, or a structure sabotaged by poison gas traps.
Though not officially labeled as such in-game, the term has come to represent a category of unwanted consequences or booby traps that can disrupt progress or punish careless players. It may also relate to items received through community events or developer drops that carry unintended side effects.
Common Forms of Unwelcome Gifts
- Booby-trapped loot containers
- Sabotaged thrall wheels or workbenches
- Hidden explosives under building foundations
- Items that spread corruption or disease
- Structures disguised as helpful but set to decay rapidly
These gifts serve as a harsh reminder that Conan Exiles is not only about building and battling but also about deception and psychological warfare in multiplayer environments.
Origins of the Term Unwelcome Gift
The term first gained traction on community forums and Reddit threads, where players began sharing tales of unexpected traps and encounters. Some players deliberately leave presents in abandoned bases loot-filled chests surrounded by explosives or false map rooms rigged with corruption traps. Others report encountering mysterious item drops or world objects added through mods or limited-time events.
It’s important to note that the term is informal and not tied to a single official update. Instead, it reflects a community-created concept that continues to evolve as players find new ways to outwit or troll one another.
Notable Examples from the Community
- A gifted animal pen filled with aggressive pets that turn hostile once placed
- Decorative items placed inside bases that generate corruption over time
- Chests placed in high-traffic areas with poison gas or acid traps inside
In essence, the Unwelcome Gift is part of the game’s emergent storytelling moments that aren’t scripted by the developers but arise from the interaction between systems and players.
How to Recognize an Unwelcome Gift
If you’re playing on a public or PvP server, it’s wise to be cautious of gifts or loot that seem too good to be true. Here are some warning signs that you may be dealing with an Unwelcome Gift
- Loot containers placed conspicuously near your base or spawn point
- Unusual decorative items like skulls, corrupted statues, or glowing objects
- Changes to your base while offline, including moved benches or new structures
- Sudden increase in corruption or unexplained damage to health or equipment
Pay attention to your event log and always inspect suspicious items carefully before interacting with them. Some traps may activate simply by proximity, especially if built with pressure plates or timers.
Dealing with the Unwelcome Gift
Once you suspect that you’ve encountered an Unwelcome Gift, quick action is necessary. Ignoring it can lead to lost thralls, base destruction, or corrupted characters. The following steps can help mitigate damage and regain control of your space
Step 1 Isolate the Area
Move all thralls, pets, and valuable items away from the suspected area. If possible, wall off the section and mark it for further inspection later.
Step 2 Check the Event Log
Use the game’s event log to detect unauthorized building activity, explosive damage, or player intrusion. This log can also confirm if a structure decayed or was tampered with.
Step 3 Dismantle with Caution
Carefully remove items using repair hammers or dismantle tools. Look for signs of tripwires, explosive jars, or corrupted objects. If playing solo, consider recording your actions in case of unexpected crashes.
Step 4 Cleanse Corruption
If the item or trap caused corruption, visit a dancer thrall or use cleansing potions to restore your health and stamina. Prolonged exposure can reduce your character’s effectiveness in battle.
Step 5 Report Abuse
In the case of malicious griefing or server abuse, report the incident to the server moderator or Funcom support. Screenshots and video evidence can be crucial in these cases.
Preventing Future Incidents
While the Unwelcome Gift adds a unique layer of tension to Conan Exiles, it’s possible to reduce the likelihood of encountering one. These prevention methods help safeguard your base and minimize the effectiveness of hostile tactics
Secure Your Perimeter
- Build outer walls or fences to prevent player access to sensitive areas.
- Use vertical building techniques and hidden doorways to obscure entrances.
- Don’t leave storage containers exposed or unlocked near the base entrance.
Monitor Player Activity
- Check the event log daily, especially after logging in from offline sessions.
- Join a trustworthy clan or alliance for better protection and early warnings.
Limit Building Permissions
- Don’t accept random players into your clan without vetting them first.
- Keep your clan size manageable and assign roles with restricted permissions.
Proactive defense not only protects against the Unwelcome Gift but also deters other forms of sabotage or offline raiding.
The Role of Mods and Custom Servers
In modded servers, the Unwelcome Gift can take on entirely new forms. Some mods introduce cursed artifacts, magical traps, or event triggers that can simulate the appearance of an unwelcome surprise. Server admins may even create scripted events that function as challenges or pranks for unsuspecting players.
These gameplay elements add immersion and unpredictability, making Conan Exiles feel more like a dynamic survival sandbox rather than a static game. However, if poorly implemented or unbalanced, they can lead to confusion and frustration.
The Unwelcome Gift in Conan Exiles is less of a defined item and more of a concept born from the game’s emergent mechanics and community creativity. Whether it’s a trap set by another player, a modded surprise, or an environmental hazard, it reflects the dangers and unpredictability of life in the Exiled Lands. By understanding what to look for and how to respond, players can turn these challenges into memorable stories rather than game-ending setbacks. As with everything in Conan Exiles, survival depends not just on strength, but on vigilance, cunning, and the ability to adapt when the unexpected comes knocking often wrapped as a gift you never wanted.