Welcome, fellow Exiles, to a world where survival hinges on resourcefulness and the ability to construct sturdy fortifications. In the vast and treacherous lands of Conan Exiles, bricks serve as the backbone of your structures, providing the strength and resilience needed to withstand the challenges that lie ahead. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricate details of how to make bricks in Conan Exiles. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a brave newcomer to the Exiled Lands, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and expertise to become a master brickmaker.
Gathering the Essential Materials
Before embarking on your brickmaking journey, it’s crucial to gather the necessary materials. In this section, we will explore the key resources you need and where to find them. From gathering stone and clay to acquiring fuel for your furnace, we will cover it all.
Finding Stone for Your Bricks
Stone is the foundation of any sturdy structure, and obtaining it is the first step in creating bricks. Venture into rocky areas, such as mountainsides or rocky outcrops, to discover abundant sources of stone. Utilize your trusty pickaxe to extract stone from boulders and rocky formations. Remember, the larger the boulder, the more stone it will yield. Collect as much stone as possible to ensure a steady supply for your brickmaking endeavors.
Locating Clay Deposits
Clay is another vital ingredient in the brickmaking process. To find clay deposits, head towards riverbanks and areas with damp soil. Look for patches of muddy or clay-like terrain. Use your shovel to dig into these areas, unearthing the precious clay hidden beneath the surface. Remember to gather a sufficient amount of clay to meet your brickmaking needs.
Acquiring Fuel for Your Furnace
A furnace is essential for transforming raw materials into bricks. To fuel your furnace, you’ll need a reliable source of combustible materials. Seek out trees and vegetation in the surrounding areas. Use a tool, such as a hatchet, to chop down trees and gather branches. These branches, along with other plant-based materials like plant fiber, can be used as fuel for your furnace. Ensure you have an ample supply of fuel to keep your brick production uninterrupted.
Constructing a Furnace
An indispensable tool in the brickmaking process, the furnace is where all the magic happens. In this section, we will guide you through the steps of constructing a furnace, ensuring that you have a reliable and efficient setup to transform raw materials into bricks.
Gathering the Necessary Components
Before you can construct a furnace, you’ll need to gather the required components. These include stones, wood, and fuel. Ensure you have enough stones for both the base and walls of the furnace. Collect a substantial amount of wood to use as fuel during the firing process. With these materials in hand, you’re ready to begin constructing your furnace.
Building the Furnace Base
To create a stable foundation for your furnace, start by laying a solid base. Arrange your gathered stones in a circular or rectangular shape, leaving a small opening for the fuel input. Ensure the base is wide enough to accommodate your desired furnace size and sturdy enough to support the weight of the bricks and the heat generated during firing.
Constructing the Furnace Walls
Once the base is complete, it’s time to build the walls of your furnace. Stack the stones vertically, ensuring they are tightly packed together to prevent heat from escaping. Leave a small opening at the top to allow smoke and fumes to escape during firing. As you build the walls, periodically check for stability and adjust the stones as needed.
Adding a Chimney
While not essential, adding a chimney to your furnace can improve airflow and enhance the efficiency of the firing process. To create a chimney, leave a gap in the wall near the top of the furnace. Stack additional stones vertically to form a small chimney structure. This will help direct smoke and fumes away from the firing area.
Crafting the Brick Molds
Brick molds are crucial in shaping and forming the bricks during the crafting process. In this section, we will explore how to craft these molds and the materials required. We will also provide tips on maximizing your brick output and minimizing waste.
Gathering the Mold Components
Before crafting your brick molds, gather the necessary components: iron bars and shaped wood. Iron bars can be obtained by smelting iron ore in your furnace. Shaped wood, on the other hand, requires a carpenter’s bench. Craft the shaped wood by combining regular wood with the appropriate carpentry tools.
Crafting the Brick Mold
With the required components in your possession, head to a crafting station, such as a blacksmith’s bench. Interact with the bench and navigate to the appropriate menu to craft the brick mold. Ensure you have enough iron bars and shaped wood to craft multiple molds, allowing for simultaneous brick production.
Maximizing Brick Output
To maximize your brick output and minimize waste, consider using a brick mold with a higher durability rating. Higher durability molds can withstand more uses before breaking, allowing for a greater number of bricks to be produced without the need for constant mold replacement. This will save you time and resources in the long run.
Firing the Bricks
Once you have your brick molds ready, it’s time to fire them in the furnace. This crucial step solidifies the bricks, making them durable and resilient. In this section, we will guide you through the firing process, including temperature control and timing.
Loading the Furnace
Before firing the bricks, ensure your furnace is fueled and ready for operation. Place the fuel, such as wood or branches, into the designated opening of the furnace. Arrange the brick molds containing the raw bricks in a space-efficient manner within the furnace, ensuring there is enough room for heat circulation and even firing.
Controlling the Temperature
Temperature control is vital during the firing process to achieve optimal brick strength. Monitor the furnace closely and adjust the fuel supply as needed to maintain a consistent and controlled temperature. Excessive heat can result in over-fired bricks, leading to brittleness and potential cracks, while insufficient heat may result in under-fired bricks that lack durability.
Timing the Firing Process
The duration of the firing process depends on various factors, including the size and thickness of the bricks, as well as the desired strength. As a general guideline, aim for a firing time of approximately one hour per inch of brick thickness. Monitor the color and texture of the bricks during the process. Once they have achieved a uniform reddish hue and a solid texture, they are ready to be removed from the furnace.
Expanding Your Brickmaking Operation
Now that you have mastered the basics of brickmaking, it’s time to take your operation to the next level. In this section, we will discuss advanced techniques for scaling up your brick production, including automation and optimizing resource allocation.
Implementing Automation
To increase efficiency and productivity, consider implementing automation in your brickmaking process. This can be achieved through the use of thralls, who can assist in gathering raw materials, crafting molds, and even firing bricks. Assign thralls to specific tasks, freeing up your time to focus on other aspects of your construction projects.
Optimizing Resource Allocation
Efficient resource allocation is crucial for maximizing your brickmaking output. Evaluate your resource gathering routes and identify areas where you can streamline the process. Prioritize gathering stone and clay from locations in close proximity to your furnace to minimize travel time. Additionally, consider stockpiling fuel and raw materials in advance to prevent interruptions in production.
Troubleshooting Common Brickmaking Issues
Even the most experienced brickmakers encounter hurdles along the way. In this section, we will address common issues and provide solutions to ensure a smooth and efficient brickmaking process. From clay consistency problems to furnace malfunctions, we’ve got you covered.
Dealing with Inconsistent Clay
If your bricks are turning out uneven or with inconsistent quality, the clay may be the culprit. Ensure that the clay you gather is well-mixed and free from impurities. Experiment with different clay-to-water ratios to achieve the desired consistency for your bricks. If necessary, consider adding additives such as sand or straw to improve clay workability.
Addressing Furnace Malfunctions
If your furnace is not functioning as expected, it may be due to various factors. Check that the fuel supply is sufficient and properly placed within the furnace. Inspect the chimney for blockages that may impede airflow. Additionally, ensure that the furnace walls are tightly stacked, preventing heat from escaping. If all else fails, consider reconstructing the furnace or seeking the assistance of a skilled thrall to diagnose and resolve the issue.
Creative Applications of Bricks in Building Design
Bricks are not only functional but also offer endless possibilities for creative architectural designs. In this section, we will explore unique building designs and showcase how bricks can be used to create stunning and awe-inspiring structures in Conan Exiles.
Creating Intricate Brick Patterns
Bricks provide a versatile medium for creating intricate patterns and designs in your structures. Experiment with different brick orientations, such as vertical, horizontal, or diagonal, to achieve unique visual effects. Combine different brick colors, if available, to add depth and contrast to your designs. Whether you prefer a rustic or a more refined look, the possibilities are limitless when it comes to creating captivating brick patterns.
Incorporating Arches and Vaults
Bricks are perfect for constructing arches and vaulted ceilings, adding elegance and grandeur to your buildings. Utilize curved brick shapes and carefully laid brick layers to create visually stunning arches or vaulted passages. The strength and durability of bricks make them ideal for supporting these architectural features, ensuring their longevity and structural integrity.
Building Towers and Turrets
With their solid construction, bricks are ideal for building towering structures and imposing turrets. Use bricks to create thick, sturdy walls that can withstand the test of time and enemy assaults. Experiment with different heights and shapes to design impressive towers that overlook your domain, offering both a strategic advantage and a breathtaking sight to behold.
The Importance of Bricks in Defensive Structures
Defending your territory requires solid fortifications, and bricks play a crucial role in their construction. In this section, we will emphasize the importance of bricks in defensive structures, highlighting their durability and resistance against enemy attacks.
Enhancing Structural Integrity
When it comes to defending your base, structural integrity is of utmost importance. Bricks provide a level of durability that surpasses other building materials, making them highly resistant to damage from enemy attacks. Reinforce your walls and gates with layers of bricks, ensuring that your defensive structures can withstand even the most determined assaults.
Providing Protection Against Siege Weapons
Bricks excel at protecting your base from siege weapons, such as trebuchets or explosive jars. Their solid construction and high hit points make it challenging for these destructive tools to breach your defenses. Incorporate thick brick walls, fortified gates, and strategically placed towers to deter attackers and thwart their siege attempts.
Creating Chokepoints and Kill Zones
Bricks can be used to create chokepoints and kill zones, where enemy forces are funneled into narrow passages or areas heavily fortified with bricks. By strategically positioning your brick structures, you can force enemies to traverse a treacherous path, giving you the advantage in combat. Combine these chokepoints with archers or thralls to rain devastating fire upon your foes.
Maintaining and Repairing Bricks
Over time, even the sturdiest bricks can wear down. In this final section, we will explore the maintenance and repair of bricks, ensuring that your structures remain strong and resilient against the test of time and hostile forces.
Regular Inspections and Cleaning
To maintain the longevity of your brick structures, perform regular inspections to identify any signs of damage or wear. Look for cracks, loose bricks, or areas that require cleaning. Remove any debris or vegetation that may have accumulated on the bricks, as these can accelerate deterioration. Regular cleaning and maintenance will keep your structures looking pristine and ensure their continued strength.
Repairing Damaged Bricks
If you notice any damaged or deteriorated bricks during your inspections, immediate repair is essential. Replace cracked or broken bricks with new ones, ensuring a snug fit and proper mortar application. Use a suitable mortar mix to secure the replacement bricks in place. Allow sufficient time for the mortar to cure before subjecting the repaired area to any stress or load.
Protecting Bricks from Weathering
Weathering can have a significant impact on the condition of your bricks. Protect them from excessive moisture by applying a brick sealer or water repellent. This will help prevent water absorption and reduce the risk of cracking or crumbling due to freeze-thaw cycles. Additionally, consider adding roof overhangs or awnings to shield your brick structures from direct exposure to rain or harsh sunlight.
In conclusion, the art of brickmaking in Conan Exiles is a multifaceted endeavor that requires both knowledge and skill. By following the steps and techniques outlined in this comprehensive guide, you will become a master brickmaker, capable of constructing impressive fortresses that stand the test of time. So, gather your materials, ignite the furnace, and let the bricks pave your path to greatness in the Exiled Lands.
