This New Conan Roguelite Has Brutal Combat and Executions

Conan: The Black Pyramid is a newly announced roguelite title that brings the iconic Cimmerian warrior into a reality-warping environment filled with eldritch horrors. The game focuses on high-stakes, brutal combat and visceral executions, challenging players to survive inside a mysterious structure that actively bends space and time. Currently, the project is entering its playtest phase, with official listings appearing on Steam for players to wishlist.

Overview of Conan: The Black Pyramid

In this latest adaptation of Robert E. Howard’s legendary character, players take on the role of Conan the Barbarian as he navigates the titular Black Pyramid. Unlike traditional Hyborian settings that focus on warring kingdoms or desert raiders, this title leans heavily into cosmic horror. The game is officially categorized as a roguelite, suggesting a gameplay loop defined by randomized runs, character progression, and high replayability.

The central premise involves a clash between sword-and-sorcery tropes and Lovecraftian monsters. According to early development updates from creator Brian Fermin (known as loot3r97), the game features a unique blend of "Conan the Barbarian vs. Lovecraftian monsters," utilizing the pyramid as a localized setting for these encounters.

Brutal Combat and Execution Mechanics

The core appeal of any Conan title lies in its combat, and The Black Pyramid emphasizes a "brutal" approach to melee engagement. While specific control schemes (such as specific keybinds or gamepad layouts) are not yet independently confirmed, the gameplay highlights the following elements:

• Visceral Executions: The game incorporates finishing moves that reflect Conan’s savage nature. These executions are likely tied to enemy health thresholds or stagger mechanics, providing a cinematic end to combat encounters.
• Barbarian Prowess: Players utilize Conan’s physical strength and weapon mastery to cleave through supernatural foes.
• Lovecraftian Adversaries: Enemies are not merely human guards; they include tentacled horrors and eldritch abominations (represented in early teasers by octopus-like iconography). This adds a layer of unpredictable attack patterns common in the roguelite genre.

The Setting: A Pyramid Bending Space and Time

The Black Pyramid serves as more than just a backdrop; it is a mechanical component of the roguelite experience. The source material describes the pyramid as an entity that "bends space and time." In practical gameplay terms, this likely manifests in several ways:

1. Procedural Environments: The reality-warping nature of the pyramid allows for shifting room layouts and non-linear progression, ensuring no two runs are identical.
2. Temporal Anomalies: The "time-bending" aspect suggests that players may encounter mechanics involving time manipulation or perhaps versions of the pyramid from different eras.
3. Atmospheric Horror: The combination of ancient Egyptian-style architecture with cosmic, Lovecraftian influences creates a dark, oppressive atmosphere that differentiates it from other Conan games like Conan Exiles or Conan Unconquered.

Development and Playtest Status

As of November 2026, Conan: The Black Pyramid is in an active state of development. The game has been confirmed for a Steam release, though specific console platforms have not been verified at this time.

How to Access the Game

• Steam Wishlist: The game is currently available to be added to user wishlists on Steam. This is the primary method for fans to track the development progress and receive notifications regarding the release date.
• Playtest Sign-ups: The developer has opened sign-ups for an upcoming playtest. Potential players are encouraged to register to help test the combat balance and the stability of the space-time bending mechanics.

Summary of Confirmed Features

While much of the deeper mechanical depth regarding specific itemization or skill trees remains under wraps, the focus on a "Barbarian vs. Eldritch" loop marks a significant thematic shift for the franchise. The inclusion of executions suggests a high-fidelity gore system, maintaining the "M-rated" expectations of the Conan license.

FAQ

What platforms will Conan: The Black Pyramid be on?

The game is confirmed for Steam. Other platforms, such as PlayStation or Xbox, have not been independently confirmed by the developer at this stage.

Who is developing the game?

The project is associated with Brian Fermin (loot3r97), who has been sharing updates and coordinating the playtest sign-ups via social media and Steam.

Is there a release date?

A specific release date has not been announced. The game is currently in the playtest and wishlist phase as of late 2026.

What kind of monsters will I fight?

The game features "Lovecraftian monsters," which include cosmic horrors and tentacled entities, departing from the standard human or animal enemies found in traditional barbarian fantasy.