I've got both Valheim and Conan Exiles, both have different strengths and weaknesses. I'll highlight it.

"I only play solo. I already have Conan Exiles and it's also a resource grind survival game. The problem I have with Conan is that the random enemy AI is so terrible and the combat not very satisfying. But the actual building, armor variety, and character creation is pretty good."

Enemy AI isn't the best at all. Not sure when you tried the combat last but it feels more impactful than valheim. For example the flourishes and combos based on the weapons you can use in Conan exiles is a lot more diverse than left clicking in Valheim. That said though the weapon progression in Valheim is pretty fun and also really satisfying landing ranged hits on a bow in Val.

The building in Conan vs Valheim is different for sure. Valheim relies on structural support and things will deteriorate if the structure isn't supported. Theres a lot more building pieces in Valheim vs Conan.

Conan felt much more like a clean "snap" type building where you can assemble pieces which makes things easier to construct. It can act as a drawback if you really want to get creative but its good if your new to building.


I've watched streams of Valheim when it was trending. I already know the characters don't look as good and that the armor all looks the same. Everyone always ends up with a long cape and viking helmet. But what about the rest of the gameplay?

The graphics for Valheim are pretty unique, There is some post processing effects in place and the water is awesome. It depends on your tastes though.

As for armours/appearances, yeah its not as extensive as it is on Conan but the real strengths in Valheim is the difference in the biomes, building freedom and adapting to different environments [A hint I can give you, Think of the Northlands from Conan].


Conan
Pros:
+ Beautiful graphics
+ Can enslave NPCs/Tame Pets and make your bases feel more alive.
+ Decent music
+ Extensive crafting if you consider all that you can research in.
+ Can climb up and down mountains etc.
+ Can customise your character extensively.
+ Can play either PvE,PvE or Host your own server.
+ You can configure your XP rates and harvesting rates depending on your playstyle.
+ Diverse Biomes.
+ Mods. You can make Conan 1000x better with mods.

Cons
- Base game is fine, but if you want more customisation in building. Its loaded in 1000 DLCS.
- Janky AI with monsters and some NPCS.
- Playing online in PvE or PvP can be annoying when people wall off important areas.
- If you want to play with friends properly without tethering you need to host it as a dedicated server.
- Building isn't as extensive as Valheim.

Valheim
Pros:
+ Unique Graphics
+ You can tame certain animals to be in a "pen"
+ Crafting is open if you have the materials, So a lot more open than Conan and almost as extensive.
+ Easy to do multiplayer games, Just go into the game and there you go. Co-op without tethering. [You can do dedicated server hosting too but thats only if you want the game up 24/7]
+ Biomes are awesome and pretty unique. Each have their unique feeling.
+ The building basically gives you the keys and lets you have at it, Nowhere near as restrictive as Conan.
+ Randomly generated worlds which gives that unique exploration feeling everytime.
+ World invasion events which keep you on your toes. [Similar to the Purge mechanic from Conan]
+ For a game thats in early access it has a lot of punch.
+ No DLCS! Pay for the game and thats it.

Cons:
- Character customisation isn't as extensive.
- Doesn't have as extensive NPC taming as Conan.
- Building can be infuriating for a beginner.

Hope this helps.