Welcome to the latest chapter in Conan Exiles' ongoing saga. With the recent switch to Unreal Engine 5, the game has received a visual overhaul that goes beyond mere lighting and shadows. Among the most talked-about changes is an enlargement of a certain anatomical feature—colloquially referred to as 'todgers' by the community. This Q&A breaks down the update, the reasons behind it, and the community's reaction.
What exactly changed with the todgers in Conan Exiles' UE5 update?
The primary alteration is a size increase. As part of the Unreal Engine 5 makeover, the game's character models were reworked to take advantage of more detailed geometry. The developer, Funcom, adjusted the male genitalia to be noticeably larger than before. This change applies to all characters, regardless of customization choices. While the update also includes improved textures, lighting, and physics, the enlarged todgers have become the update's most viral feature.
Why did the developers enlarge the todgers?
Funcom has not released an official statement specifically about the size increase, but it likely stems from the enhanced capabilities of Unreal Engine 5. With better mesh detail and higher polygon counts, the artists were able to sculpt more realistic and varied body proportions. The previous models were constrained by the older engine's limits. Additionally, Conan Exiles has always embraced a mature, no-holds-barred aesthetic, and the enlargement fits that tone. It may also be a playful nod to the game's sword-and-sorcery inspiration, where exaggerated physiques are common.
How does the UE5 upgrade affect character customization overall?
Beyond the todger size, the UE5 update brings significant improvements to character creation. Players now have finer control over muscle definition, body fat distribution, and facial features. The new engine allows for real-time skin rendering with subsurface scattering, making characters look more lifelike. The physics system has also been overhauled, so hair and cloth move more naturally. While the enlarged todgers caught the most attention, the overall customization options have expanded, giving players more ways to create their ideal barbarian.
Has the community responded positively to the enlarged todgers?
The reaction has been largely humorous and positive. Social media and forums like Reddit are filled with jokes and memes about the 'size update.' Many players appreciate that Funcom didn't shy away from a silly but appreciated detail. Some have criticized the change as unnecessary, but most see it as a fun Easter egg. A few players have used the new customization to create caricatures. Overall, the enlarged todgers have become a conversation starter that keeps the game in the public eye.
Is this todger enlargement part of a larger trend in video games?
While Conan Exiles' specific change is unique, it reflects a broader trend of games using UE5 to enhance character detail. Titles like Black Myth: Wukong and Senua's Saga: Hellblade II also use the engine for more realistic anatomy. However, Conan Exiles stands out because it directly addresses a feature many games avoid. The move is a reminder that adult-themed games often push boundaries. Whether other developers follow suit remains to be seen, but for now, Conan Exiles provides a cheeky example of UE5's potential.