After years of leaks, rumors, and fan anticipation, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered shadow-dropped on April 22, 2025, and it’s everything nostalgic fans and curious newcomers could hope for. Developed by Virtuos with Bethesda overseeing, this remaster of the 2006 RPG classic brings Cyrodiil into the modern era with Unreal Engine 5 visuals, gameplay tweaks, and all the quirky charm that made Oblivion a legend. Available now on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox Game Pass for $49.99, it’s a must-play in 2025. Here’s why Oblivion Remastered is worth your time.
What’s Oblivion Remastered All About?
Oblivion, originally released in 2006, is the fourth chapter in Bethesda’s Elder Scrolls saga, set in the lush, medieval province of Cyrodiil. You’re a prisoner-turned-hero tasked with stopping a demonic cult from unleashing the Daedric Prince Mehrunes Dagon. Expect an open-world bursting with guild quests (Thieves Guild, Dark Brotherhood), wild NPC interactions, and that iconic sewer exit into a breathtaking world. The remaster keeps the core game intact but polishes it with stunning visuals and quality-of-life upgrades, plus all DLCs like Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine.
What’s New in the Remaster?
Oblivion Remastered isn’t just a facelift—it’s a love letter to the original with meaningful updates. Here’s what’s fresh:
Gorgeous Unreal Engine 5 Visuals
Built on Unreal Engine 5, Cyrodiil looks jaw-dropping. Think 4K resolution, 60 FPS, ray tracing, and revamped textures that make forests, cities, and Oblivion Gates pop. Character models are sharper (though NPCs keep their charmingly awkward faces), and dynamic lighting and weather add immersion. The 119.2 GB file size (up from 4.6 GB) reflects the graphical overhaul, but it’s worth the SSD space.
Gameplay That Feels Modern
Combat, a weak point in 2006, gets a glow-up. New animations, Souls-like blocking, and an overhauled archery system make fights smoother. Sprinting, a proper third-person view, and tweaked stamina add fluidity. The leveling system and enemy scaling are less punishing, so you won’t face bandits in Daedric armor at level 10. The UI, HUD, and menus are redesigned for consoles and PCs, with improved Persuasion and Clairvoyance systems.
All DLCs Included
You’re getting the full package: Shivering Isles (Sheogorath’s madcap realm), Knights of the Nine (a holy crusade), and smaller packs like Wizard’s Tower, Thieves Den, and the infamous Horse Armor. The Deluxe Edition ($59.99) tosses in bonus quests, unique weapons, armor, and a digital artbook.
Quality-of-Life Goodies
New dialogue, better lip-sync, and smarter NPC AI make conversations less robotic (though the Adoring Fan is still gloriously annoying). Mod support is unclear—existing mods may not port easily due to the Unreal Engine shift, but Bethesda’s silence suggests future compatibility. The game keeps its janky charm, like physics glitches and oddball NPC chatter, which fans adore.
Why It’s a Big Deal in 2025
Oblivion Remastered lands at a perfect time. With The Elder Scrolls VI still years away, fans are starving for Tamriel. Skyrim’s endless re-releases have worn thin, and Oblivion’s mix of deep role-playing, quirky storytelling, and open-world freedom feels fresh again. Its shadow-drop release—confirmed after leaks from Virtuos’ website and Xbox Support—caught everyone off guard, sparking hype on X and Reddit. Posts call it “a core memory reborn” and praise the $50 price tag (cheaper than expected).
The remaster also taps into 2025’s nostalgia wave, alongside remakes like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4. For Xbox 360-era gamers, Oblivion was a defining RPG, and its return on Game Pass makes it accessible to new players. Steam reviews are “Very Positive” (85% of 2,500 reviews), with fans raving about the visuals but noting minor bugs, like NPC pathing glitches.
The Good: Why You’ll Love It
- Cyrodiil Shines: The world feels alive, from Bruma’s snowy peaks to Anvil’s sunny coasts. Exploring is as magical as ever.
- Role-Playing Freedom: Be a sneaky assassin, noble knight, or spell-slinging mage. The guild quests and open-ended story let you play your way.
- Nostalgia Done Right: The remaster respects the original while fixing dated mechanics. Hearing Sean Bean and Patrick Stewart again is pure bliss.
- Game Pass Value: Free on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, it’s a no-brainer for subscribers. The $ – Deluxe Edition Goodies: Bonus quests and cosmetics add flair for collectors.
The Not-So-Good: Room for Improvement
- Some Jank Remains: Physics glitches and occasional crashes remind you it’s still Oblivion. Save often!
- Combat Still Clunky: While improved, melee can feel stiff compared to modern RPGs like Elden Ring.
- Mod Uncertainty: The modding scene is in limbo, which may disappoint PC players reliant on fan fixes.
- Big File Size: 119.2 GB is hefty, especially for PS5 users with limited storage.
How Does It Compare?
Against Skyrim, Oblivion Remastered feels more intimate, with tighter quests and weirder NPCs, though Skyrim’s dragons and polish edge it out for some. Compared to Morrowind, it’s less alien but more accessible. For newcomers, it’s a better entry point than Starfield’s sci-fi sprawl, offering a classic fantasy vibe. It’s also a safer bet than Skyblivion, the fan-made remake, which launches later in 2025 but lacks official polish.
Tips for Diving In
- Pick Your Style: Stealth archers, tanky warriors, or mages all work, but hybrids are trickier. Experiment early.
- Join Guilds: The Dark Brotherhood and Mages Guild have the best quests. Save Fighters Guild for later.
- Explore Freely: Ignore the main quest and wander—Cyrodiil’s side stories are the real stars.
- Use Game Pass: If you’ve got Xbox Game Pass, download it now to save cash.
- Check Deluxe Edition: The extra quests are short but fun for lore hounds.
The Verdict: A Timeless Classic Reborn
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is a triumphant return, blending 2006’s soul with 2025’s tech. It’s not perfect—some quirks and bugs linger—but the overhauled visuals, smoother gameplay, and sprawling world make it a nostalgic masterpiece. Whether you’re a veteran revisiting Kvatch or a newbie meeting the Adoring Fan, Cyrodiil’s never looked better. At $49.99 (or free on Game Pass), it’s a steal for 100+ hours of RPG bliss.
What’s your first stop in Oblivion Remastered? The Imperial City or a random cave? Tell us in the comments or send us at message.