Bethesda Softworks released The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered on April 22, 2025, in an unexpected “shadow drop” that caught gamers by surprise. The beloved 2006 RPG has been rebuilt in Unreal Engine 5 by development studio Virtuos, bringing modern graphics and gameplay updates to PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
The remaster costs $49.99 for the Standard Edition, while a Deluxe Edition with extra content is also available. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can access the game at no additional cost, giving Microsoft platform users an immediate advantage.
Over 600,000 viewers watched the announcement on YouTube, with many expressing shock and excitement in the comments. The immediate availability generated substantial buzz, with the game quickly becoming a top seller on Steam.
“Oblivion was a really defining moment in the series,” said Todd Howard, Bethesda’s studio head. “With a remaster, we want people to feel the way they did then – but it’s still a game of its time, you want to keep the bones in place.”
The visual upgrade is substantial, replacing the dated 2006 graphics with modern textures, lighting effects, and improved draw distances. Character models have been improved, addressing a notable aspect of the original game.
Beyond graphics, gameplay systems have been modernized. The leveling system now combines elements from both the original game and its successor, Skyrim. The game features modernized combat animations and a weightier feel to combat. The UI and menus have been revised, and the third-person camera has been improved.
Players will notice new quality-of-life features like the ability to sprint. “After some immense internal debates,” developers decided to add this function to make movement feel better for today’s players.
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All original downloadable content comes included: the major expansions Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine, plus smaller content packs like Fighter’s Stronghold and Mehrune’s Razor. The remaster includes the horse armor DLC that was controversial when first released.
Many PlayStation 5 users reported difficulty finding the game on the PlayStation Store immediately after launch. Store caching issues and potential regional delays in updating listings were mentioned as possible reasons. Workarounds include searching for specific title variations, checking “New Releases” sections, using the PlayStation mobile app, or restoring licenses in the console settings.
The remaster arrives as fans have been waiting years for news about The Elder Scrolls VI, which was announced in 2018 but has since had little information released. The original Oblivion sold 9.5 million copies during its run, while its successor Skyrim has moved over 40 million units across multiple re-releases.
Content creator Rachel Howie called the remaster “long overdue” and noted it presents “a great opportunity for the generation who grew up thinking Skyrim was peak role-playing game to meet its charming little brother.”
The full voice acting has been expanded, addressing limitations from the original game. “The size limits of physical media back in 2006 kept Bethesda from recording voices and soundbites for much of the available content,” developers explained, noting that a new cast of voice actors has been brought in.
While fans appreciate the visual and gameplay updates, some have expressed concerns about the pricing strategy. At $49.99, the remaster sits at a premium price point for a game originally released nearly two decades ago, especially given that some competing remasters have launched at lower price points.
As players begin exploring the remastered world of Cyrodiil, the game represents both a nostalgic return for longtime fans and a chance for new players to experience a key chapter in role-playing game history with modern technology.