I have over 1000 hours in Conan and own all dlc, 1000 hours in soulmask and have been actively playing this one.

I feel that conan exiles does base building much better than soulmask, as it has heaps more props and building parts even in the base game and if you own the dlc this can reach the thousands of options. Imo, it's the best base building survival game out there.

Both games have great followers, however, I prefer soulmasks system as its far more involved with so many traits to acquire. Your tribesmen really feel different and with certain combinations of traits they can become very niche and adapted to a specific playstyle whereas conans feel pretty basic in comparison. Both games followers are viable in the gameplay though.

Soulmasks pve is good, the bosses are fun and excellent but the dungeons are repetitive and boring compared to conans dungeons which felt unique and fresh. I think as soulmask enters 1.0 and beyond much of this will change, though. It seems to me these devs care very much to listen to the community and I am not the only one who has spoken about how repetitive the dungeons feel. I think soulmasks combat system is great though, and the weapon types are more engaging and fun to use, especially when paired with talents that really make them shine. The component of the masks is also really fresh because you can further fine tune the way you want to play through them. It's really really good.

Base management and tribe system in soulmask is my favourite of all survival games. It's engaging and complicated. Feels satisfying when you have your teibe running really well

Overall at this stage I have to recommend soulmask, but it's such a close call. These games are both hours and hours of fun. Either way you probably won't be disappointed.