In Conan Exiles, the Improved Furnace represents a key upgrade for players looking to boost metal production and streamline base workflows. This guide explains what the Improved Furnace is, where it fits in the crafting hierarchy, and how to deploy it for maximum efficiency. Readers will learn practical setup tips, best fueling practices, and how to compare it with other smelting options. The focus is on delivering actionable insights that align with common search queries around improved smelting, furnace efficiency, and Conan Exiles base-building strategies.

What Is The Improved Furnace

The Improved Furnace is a higher-efficiency variant of the standard furnace used to smelt ore into metal bars. It is designed to maximize output while reducing the amount of fuel required per smelt, making it a popular choice for long-term base operations and large-scale metallurgy. In practical terms, players will notice faster processing times and more metal per unit of fuel compared to the basic furnace. This makes it especially valuable for mid-to-late game progression, where metal is a critical resource for gear, weapons, and infrastructure.

Key distinctions include increased throughput, better fuel economy, and compatibility with the same fuel types as the base furnace. This compatibility simplifies inventory management because players can rely on their existing fuel sources without needing a specialized burn material. Overall, the Improved Furnace is a deliberate upgrade aimed at reducing bottlenecks in metal production and helping builders scale operations more reliably.

Important takeaway: The Improved Furnace is oriented toward efficiency and throughput, not just a cosmetic upgrade. It changes how much ore you can convert into metal in a given time and how much fuel that process consumes, contributing to steadier resource flow for bases and caravans.

Crafting Requirements And Placement

Crafting the Improved Furnace typically requires access to a smithing or industrial workstation and a set of standard resources. The exact material costs can vary by patch and server rules, but the general approach is consistent: unlock the improved smelting option at the appropriate station, then assemble the unit following the workstation’s recipe. Once built, the furnace should be placed in a protected, well-ventilated area with adequate space for ore input and metal output. A stable layout minimizes travel time between ore racks, fuel storages, and the furnace itself.

Placement considerations include proximity to ore veins or mining sites, a clear path to fuel supplies, and protection from environmental hazards or enemy raids. For servers with automation or guard rails, pairing the Improved Furnace with a conveyor-like system or stacking racks can streamline ore input and finished metal collection. The goal is to reduce idle time and keep the smelting cycle continuous, even during long play sessions.

Workspace requirements: Ensure a dedicated area at the smithing station or workshop where the furnace can operate without obstruction.
Fuel accessibility: Position near fuel storage to minimize travel time during refueling.
Expansion potential: Leave room for additional furnaces or a chain of smelting setups as metal demand grows.

Efficiency, Output And Fuel

The core appeal of the Improved Furnace is its efficiency and output. In practice, players experience higher metal yield per smelt and reduced fuel consumption per batch. This translates into faster stockpiles of bars for weaponry, armor, and fortifications, which is especially beneficial for guilds, raiding parties, and busy bases. While exact numbers vary with game version and server configuration, the intended outcome is a noticeable improvement over the standard furnace’s throughput and fuel usage.

Two practical effects stand out:

Throughput boost: More metal bars produced per cycle, accelerating large projects such as wall upgrades, weapon upgrades, and siege gear fabrication.
Fuel economy: Less fuel per batch, which reduces long-term consumption and frees up resources for other craft lines.

Keep in mind that performance can be influenced by factors such as the type of ore being smelted, the heat management of the base, and server performance. Users should observe in-game metrics or wiki-referenced data for patch-specific values and adjust expectations accordingly.

Upgrading And Using

Upgrading to the Improved Furnace generally follows a standard progression: unlock the improved smelting option at the appropriate workstation, gather the required resources, and assemble the unit. Once installed, operators should familiarize themselves with the furnace’s cycle timing, typical ore-to-bar conversions, and peak production windows. For players managing large inventories, it is helpful to set a routine where ore input, fuel replenishment, and finished metal collection occur at regular intervals, ensuring the furnace runs with minimal downtime.

A few practical usage tips:

Staggered inputs: Feed ore in steady, manageable batches to avoid clogging the workflow and to keep the unit running smoothly.
Fuel management: Pre-stock fuel in proximity to reduce downtime during shifts.
Output handling: Establish a dedicated container or chute for finished bars to simplify transport and storage.

For players who automate or semi-automate their bases, consider linking the Improved Furnace to a simple production script or schedule. The aim is to maintain a constant cadence of smelting with minimal manual input, allowing players to focus on other base-building tasks while metal production remains steady.

Best Practices And Setups

Achieving optimal performance with the Improved Furnace involves thoughtful base design and workflow planning. The following practices help maximize benefits while keeping the operation resilient against raids and environmental risks.

Dedicated smelting hub: Create a central area for all smelting-related activities, combining the Improved Furnace with ore racks, fuel stores, and a metal output station for quick collection.
Ventilation and protection: Shield the furnace from harsh weather and provide passive defenses to deter raiders, while ensuring adequate airflow to prevent overheating in enclosed spaces.
Batch scheduling: Set routine production windows, especially for longer play sessions, to maintain constant output without requiring constant supervision.
Resource zoning: Separate ore types by storage area to streamline loading and ensure a consistent feed for the furnace, reducing misloads and delays.
Server considerations: On official or community servers, verify any specific patch notes or server rules that affect smelting rates or node spawns, and adjust the setup accordingly.

Beyond raw efficiency, the Improved Furnace contributes to a more structured economy within the base. With consistent metal supply, players can plan upgrades, train new crafters, and support defense capabilities without frequent resource shortages. The strategic value lies not only in faster production but also in predictable output that supports long-term goals.

Common Issues And Troubleshooting

As with any advanced crafting system, players may encounter a few recurring problems. The following troubleshooting tips address common scenarios and provide practical fixes.

The furnace stalls or runs dry: Check fuel levels and ore input; ensure there is a steady supply and that the input containers are not emptying faster than the furnace can process.
Weighing down performance on heavy servers: On crowded servers, smelting can lag. Reduce concurrent operations by staggering multiple furnaces or distributing workload across a chain of units.
Uneven output with different ore types: Some ores smelt differently; monitor output and adjust feeding rates to maintain a consistent flow of bars.
Placement issues causing collisions: Reassess layout to avoid blocking doors, pathways, or other craft stations, which can impede efficiency.

If issues persist, consult patch notes and community wikis for version-specific guidance. Community-driven data often provides patch-by-patch variations that can affect the Improved Furnace’s performance, and aligning with those references helps maintain accuracy.

Conan Exiles Improved Furnace Guide – Accelerate Net Zero