Return to Cyrodiil: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is Here

Just days after a flurry of excitement and speculation sparked by leaked information, Bethesda has officially announced and shadow-dropped The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered! Prepare to journey back to the beloved realm of Cyrodiil in a stunningly revitalized experience, available right now on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S for $49.99, or as part of Xbox Game Pass.

For fans who have cherished the nearly two-decade-old classic, this news is nothing short of a dream come true. Todd Howard, the studio head at Bethesda, perfectly encapsulates the game’s significance: “Oblivion was a real defining moment in the series and for how we make games as a studio.” This remaster promises to honor that legacy while bringing the game firmly into the modern era.

While the name suggests a simple coat of new paint, Oblivion Remastered, developed by the talented team at Virtuous, is far more ambitious. In fact, the game has been completely remade from the ground up in Unreal Engine 5. The visual leap is described as “huge,” with Virtuous showcasing comparisons highlighting the dramatic differences between the 2006 original and this new iteration. Every single asset has been meticulously recreated, resulting in a world brimming with detail and featuring much more realistic shadows.

The enhancements extend beyond just visuals. Utilizing the latest technologies in Unreal Engine 5, lip sync has seen a significant improvement, bringing characters to life in a more believable way. Gameplay itself has been modernized with updates to audio, the user interface (UI), and even the intricate leveling system. Bethesda promises a new leveling system that captures “the best of both worlds” from both Skyrim and Oblivion, alongside modifications to encumbrance, non-combat perks, and other core mechanics.

But that’s not all! Prepare for a more fluid and engaging experience with the addition of sprinting and a modernized third-person view. Navigating the vast landscapes of Cyrodiil will feel more intuitive than ever before. Key systems like Persuasion and Clairvoyance have also received improved UI, alongside comprehensive reworks of the HUD, menus, and world map. Even enemy scaling has been refined for a more balanced challenge. As a result of these sweeping changes, all characters now boast updated animations, adding another layer of polish to the overall presentation.

“We’ve modernized a lot, but it’s still the same incredible adventure and the same carefully crafted world,” assures Tom Mustaine, Bethesda’s external projects and studio director, during the reveal stream. And for those looking for the complete Oblivion experience, rest assured that this remastered version includes both the acclaimed Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles expansions.

For the ultimate fan, Bethesda is also releasing The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Deluxe Edition. This special edition will include bonus quests, unique armor, weapon, and horse armor sets, a digital artbook, and the official soundtrack, offering even more ways to immerse yourself in the world of Cyrodiil.

The official announcement comes after rumors of an Oblivion remaster first surfaced in 2023, thanks to documents revealed during the FTC’s case against Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. These documents also hinted at a potential Fallout 3 remaster and another installment in the Dishonored franchise, further fueling excitement for Bethesda’s future plans.

But for now, the focus is firmly on the present. The gates of Cyrodiil have reopened, more stunning and engaging than ever before. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran eager to relive the adventure or a newcomer ready to experience a true classic, now is the time to embark on or rediscover the epic tale of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. The adventure awaits!

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Standard Edition includes:

• Digital base game
• Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine story expansions
• Additional downloadable content: Fighter’s Stronghold, Spell Tomes, Vile Lair, Mehrune’s Razor, The Thieves Den, Wizard’s Tower, The Orrery, and Horse Armor Pack
• Buy On Xbox
• Buy On PS5
• Buy On Steam
• On Game Pass As Well!

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Deluxe Edition includes:

• Digital base game
• New quests for unique digital Akatosh and Mehrunes Dagon Armors, Weapons, and Horse Armor Sets
• Digital Artbook and Soundtrack App
• Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine story expansions
• Additional downloadable content: Fighter’s Stronghold, Spell Tomes, Vile Lair, Mehrune’s Razor, The Thieves Den, Wizard’s Tower, The Orrery, and Horse Armor Pack

• Buy On Xbox
• Buy On PS5
• Buy On Steam
• On Game Pass As Well!