Conan: The Black Pyramid Wiki: Release Date, Characters, and Gameplay

Conan: The Black Pyramid is an upcoming action roguelite RPG developed by Games Farm and published by Grindstone. Set in the expansive "shared universe" of Robert E. Howard, the game blends traditional sword-and-sorcery themes with cosmic horror elements. Players navigate an ever-changing labyrinth beyond time, either alone or in two-player online co-op, to uncover the secrets of the mysterious Black Pyramid.

Planned for a 2027 release, the game is currently available for wishlisting on Steam, with developers periodically opening requests for playtest access.

Setting and Story

The game takes place within the Black Pyramid, an eldritch structure that defies the standard logic of space and time. According to official descriptions, the pyramid "calls to warriors across time," drawing in legendary figures to face nightmarish monsters, savage beasts, and occult fanatics.

The environment is a shifting labyrinth composed of ancient ruins, ravaged kingdoms, and occult halls ripped from various historical eras. As players descend through the pyramid's layers, they encounter "Warrior Memories"—shadows of the champions themselves—which provide insight into the dark secrets of their pasts and the truth behind who summoned them to the pyramid.

Playable Characters

The game features a roster of five distinct characters pulled from Robert E. Howard’s literary works. Three of these heroes have been officially confirmed:

• Conan: The iconic Cimmerian barbarian.
• Solomon Kane: The somber, 16th-century Puritan avenger.
• Dark Agnes: The fierce swordswoman from 16th-century France.

Each character utilizes unique combat styles, ranging from crushing melee blows and precise swordplay to ranged gunfire and magical attacks.

Gameplay Mechanics

Conan: The Black Pyramid utilizes an isometric perspective and focuses on high-stakes, "brutal" action RPG combat.

Combat System

The combat loop emphasizes timing and variety. Players can weave different attack types into powerful combos. Key defensive and offensive mechanics include:

• Parries: Precisely timed parries can stagger enemies, allowing the player to unleash "brutal executions."
• Dodging: Essential for avoiding environmental hazards and boss telegraphs.
• Status Effects: Players can wear down opponents using various dangerous status effects.
• Weapon Swapping: Players can switch weapons and relics mid-run to adapt to specific combat situations.

Roguelite Progression

As a roguelite, the game features procedural generation and permanent progression systems:

• Warrior Memories: Each hero has multiple "Warrior Memories" that provide unique combinations of weapons and abilities, drastically altering the character's playstyle.
• Ancient Artifacts: These items grant devastating effects or introduce entirely new combat mechanics. Some artifacts act as a safety net, potentially saving a player from a fatal blow.
• Combat Masteries: Upgradable skills that allow players to refine their specific build.
• Wakestones: A permanent currency used to level up heroes and unlock lasting upgrades between runs.

The Dice System

A unique loot mechanic in the game involves the collection of Dice. As players search the pyramid for gear, they collect dice that increase the probability of finding better loot. Players face a risk/reward choice: they can use the dice immediately to unlock additional rewards or save them for later in the run when the stakes—and potential rewards—are significantly higher.

Multiplayer and Co-op

The game fully supports 2-player online co-op. In this mode, players share the journey through the pyramid but earn individual rewards. Character progression is maintained regardless of whether the player is in a solo or co-op session. This allows for experimental builds, where two different characters can combine their unique abilities to dominate the pyramid’s bosses.

System Requirements

The following requirements are officially listed on the Steam platform, though developers note they are subject to change as development continues toward the 2027 release date.

The developers officially recommend playing Conan: The Black Pyramid with a controller for the best experience. The game supports Xbox and PlayStation controllers via the Steam Input API.