How to Make Glass in Conan Exiles: A Comprehensive Guide and the Curious Case of the Invisible Hammer

Conan Exiles, the survival game set in the brutal world of Conan the Barbarian, offers players a vast array of crafting options, from simple tools to complex structures. One of the more intriguing materials you can craft is glass, which is essential for creating advanced items like windows, bottles, and alchemical equipment. But how exactly do you make glass in Conan Exiles? And why does it feel like you need an invisible hammer to get it just right? Let’s dive into the process, explore the nuances, and maybe even question the logic of it all.

The Basics of Glassmaking in Conan Exiles

To make glass in Conan Exiles, you’ll need to follow a few key steps. The process involves gathering raw materials, using the right crafting stations, and understanding the game’s mechanics. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Gathering the Raw Materials

Sand: The primary ingredient for making glass is sand. You can find sand by mining sandstone rocks, which are abundant in the desert biome. Each sandstone rock yields a decent amount of sand, so you won’t need to spend hours gathering it.
Fuel: To smelt sand into glass, you’ll need a fuel source. Wood, coal, or even dried wood can be used as fuel in the furnace. Coal is the most efficient, as it burns longer and produces more heat.

2. Crafting the Furnace

Unlocking the Furnace: Before you can start smelting, you’ll need to unlock the furnace in your crafting menu. This requires a few basic materials like stone and wood. Once unlocked, you can place the furnace in your base.
Building the Furnace: Place the furnace in a convenient location within your base. You’ll need to interact with it to start the smelting process.

3. Smelting Sand into Glass

Loading the Furnace: Open the furnace’s inventory and place the sand in the top slot. Then, add your chosen fuel to the bottom slot. The furnace will start smelting the sand into glass automatically.
Collecting the Glass: Once the smelting process is complete, the glass will appear in the furnace’s output slot. You can then transfer it to your inventory.

4. Using Glass in Crafting

Advanced Crafting: Glass can be used to craft a variety of items, including windows, bottles, and alchemical equipment. To craft these items, you’ll need to unlock the appropriate recipes in your crafting menu.
Building Structures: Glass is also used in constructing certain building pieces, such as windows and glass walls. These structures not only add aesthetic value to your base but also allow light to pass through, making your base feel more open and airy.

The Curious Case of the Invisible Hammer

Now that we’ve covered the basics of glassmaking, let’s address the elephant in the room: the invisible hammer. Why does it feel like you need an invisible hammer to get the glass just right? Is it a metaphor for the precision required in crafting, or is there something more mysterious at play?

1. The Metaphor of Precision

Crafting as an Art: Crafting in Conan Exiles is often compared to an art form. Just as a sculptor uses a hammer and chisel to shape stone, a crafter in Conan Exiles uses tools and materials to create functional and beautiful items. The invisible hammer could represent the unseen effort and precision required to craft something as delicate as glass.
The Role of Patience: Crafting glass requires patience. You need to gather the right materials, wait for the smelting process to complete, and then carefully use the glass in your creations. The invisible hammer could symbolize the patience and dedication needed to master the craft.

2. The Mystery of the Invisible Hammer

A Hidden Mechanic: Some players speculate that there’s a hidden mechanic in the game that affects the quality of the glass. Perhaps using a specific type of fuel or placing the furnace in a certain location yields better results. The invisible hammer could be a nod to this hidden mechanic, encouraging players to experiment and discover the best way to craft glass.
A Developer’s Joke: It’s also possible that the invisible hammer is a playful joke by the developers. Conan Exiles is known for its quirky humor, and the idea of an invisible hammer could be a lighthearted way to add a bit of mystery to the crafting process.

Advanced Tips for Glassmaking

If you’re looking to take your glassmaking skills to the next level, here are some advanced tips to consider:

1. Optimizing Fuel Efficiency

Using Coal: As mentioned earlier, coal is the most efficient fuel for smelting glass. It burns longer and produces more heat, allowing you to smelt more glass with less fuel.
Drying Wood: If you’re short on coal, consider drying wood in a drying rack. Dried wood burns longer than regular wood, making it a decent alternative to coal.

2. Mass Production

Multiple Furnaces: To speed up the glassmaking process, consider building multiple furnaces. This allows you to smelt more sand at once, increasing your overall production rate.
Automated Systems: If you’re playing on a server with mods or admin privileges, you can set up automated systems to gather sand and fuel, then smelt it into glass without manual intervention.

3. Exploring Alternative Sources of Sand

Sandstone Nodes: While sandstone rocks are the most common source of sand, you can also find sand in other biomes. Keep an eye out for sandstone nodes in different areas to diversify your sand-gathering routes.
Trading with NPCs: Some NPCs in Conan Exiles may offer sand or glass in exchange for other resources. If you’re short on time or resources, consider trading with NPCs to acquire the materials you need.

The Aesthetic Appeal of Glass in Conan Exiles

Beyond its practical uses, glass adds a unique aesthetic appeal to your base. Here are some ways you can incorporate glass into your builds:

1. Windows and Glass Walls

Natural Light: Glass windows and walls allow natural light to enter your base, making it feel more open and inviting. This is especially useful in darker biomes where light is scarce.
Architectural Design: Glass can be used to create stunning architectural designs. Consider using glass walls to create a modern, sleek look or to highlight specific areas of your base.

2. Decorative Items

Bottles and Vases: Glass bottles and vases can be used as decorative items, adding a touch of elegance to your base. Place them on shelves or tables to create a more lived-in feel.
Alchemical Equipment: If you’re into alchemy, glass is essential for crafting alchemical equipment like beakers and flasks. These items not only serve a functional purpose but also add a scientific vibe to your base.

3. Lighting Solutions

Glass Lanterns: Glass lanterns are a stylish way to light up your base. They provide a warm, ambient glow that enhances the overall atmosphere of your build.
Stained Glass: For a more artistic touch, consider using stained glass in your builds. Stained glass can be crafted using dyes and adds a colorful, artistic element to your base.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make glass without a furnace?

No, you need a furnace to smelt sand into glass. The furnace is the only crafting station that can perform this process.

2. What’s the best fuel for smelting glass?

Coal is the most efficient fuel for smelting glass, as it burns longer and produces more heat. Dried wood is a decent alternative if coal is unavailable.

3. Can I use glass to craft weapons or armor?

No, glass is primarily used for crafting decorative items, building structures, and alchemical equipment. It cannot be used to craft weapons or armor.

4. How do I unlock glass crafting recipes?

Glass crafting recipes are unlocked as you progress through the game and gain experience. Some recipes may also require specific knowledge points or feats to unlock.

5. Is there a way to speed up the glassmaking process?

Yes, you can speed up the process by building multiple furnaces and using efficient fuel like coal. Additionally, automated systems can help streamline the gathering and smelting process.

6. Can I trade for glass with NPCs?

Some NPCs may offer glass or sand in exchange for other resources. Trading with NPCs can be a quick way to acquire glass if you’re short on time or resources.

7. What’s the deal with the invisible hammer?

The invisible hammer is a metaphorical concept that represents the precision and patience required in crafting. It may also be a playful nod to hidden mechanics or developer humor within the game.

By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of glassmaking in Conan Exiles. Whether you’re crafting for practicality or aesthetics, glass is a versatile material that can enhance your survival experience in the harsh world of Conan. And who knows? Maybe you’ll even uncover the mystery of the invisible hammer along the way.