One thing Conan Exiles could do is make the map about territorial control. Each section is controlled by a faction which is constantly warring to control the others. Think of Conan Exiles with a Sid Meier’s Civilization approach to territory (only on an RPG scale rather than a 4x scale). The more “culture and treasure” a territory has, the more its influence stretches. The more its influence stretches, the more conflicts along the borders spring up.
Like Stygians fighting Cimmerians in the north or Darfari pushing into the Exile regions along the river. That would require roving war parties as “events” the player may encounter. Some even on horseback.
It would also mean that different camps could be attacked, slaughtered, defended, and change hands. One day a Darfari campsite becomes a Stygian-occupied campsite (perhaps with prisoners).
It would also open the map to faction reputation (do the Stygians consider you an ally, a threat, an enemy)? If an ally, they might trade with you or sell you their captured slaves. If an enemy, they might seek to steal your stuff, imprison, or kill you.
Purges would not be “activated” but rather predicated on your reputation – a faction has had enough of you and seeks to wipe you out (or at the very least, get you to move into someone else’s territory). Purges, not just a wave of eight enemies, but full-on sieges to reduce a base to rubble. A real threat to the player’s existence (not just damage some stuff and run back home). Of course, depending on the reputation the player has with a faction.
If a player has been stealing a faction’s treasures (towns, loot, dungeons in that faction’s territory), it will upset them. Even to the point of wanting their stuff back (or worse, removing you from their territory). Purges should be threatening – not a joke. And become friendly with one faction is going to reduce your friendliness with other factions. So no ‘fence-sitting.’
Funcom could really make Conan Exiles into a much more dynamic map. A land of warring factions wear only the strong survive.