HomeBethesda Announces Surprise Launch of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remaster
Bethesda has officially announced The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, merely days after news of the project initially leaked. This remaster of the nearly two-decade-old classic, developed by Virtuous, is available immediately. It's a shadow drop launch, playable today on Steam, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S for $49.99, and is also included with an Xbox Game Pass subscription.
“Oblivion represented a true defining moment for the series and fundamentally shaped our studio's approach to game development,” reflects Todd Howard, Bethesda's studio head. This remastered edition features completely overhauled visuals optimized for modern hardware and bundles the beloved Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles expansions.
Oblivion Remastered in action. Image: BethesdaWhile labeled a remaster, developer Virtuous has in fact rebuilt the entire game from the ground up using Unreal Engine 5. Side-by-side comparisons between the 2006 original and Oblivion Remastered reveal dramatic differences. Every single asset has been recreated from scratch, resulting in significantly more realistic lighting and shadows.
Advancements in Unreal Engine 5 also bring major improvements to character lip-syncing. Core gameplay has been modernized across the board, with updates to audio, user interface, and leveling systems. The new leveling mechanic blends the best elements from both Skyrim and Oblivion, while mechanics like encumbrance and non-combat perks have also been refined.
Oblivion has been totally overhauled for 2025. Image: BethesdaThe development team has modernized the third-person camera perspective and introduced a sprinting mechanic. Key systems like Persuasion and Clairvoyance feature improved interfaces, alongside comprehensive HUD, menu, and map redesigns, plus enhanced enemy scaling. All characters benefit from updated animations thanks to these extensive changes.
“We've modernized many aspects, but at its heart, this remains the same incredible adventure set in the same meticulously crafted world,” stated Tom Mustaine, Bethesda's external projects and studio director, during a reveal stream.
Alongside the standard edition, Bethesda is releasing The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Deluxe Edition. This version includes bonus quests, unique armor and weapon sets, horse armor, a digital artbook, and the official soundtrack.
Whispers of an Oblivion remaster first emerged in 2023 from documents related to the FTC's scrutiny of Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Those same documents also hinted at an unannounced Fallout 3 remaster and a new installment in the Dishonored franchise.
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Bethesda has officially announced The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, merely days after news of the project initially leaked. This remaster of the nearly two-decade-old classic, developed by Virtuous, is available immediately. It's a shadow drop launch, playable today on Steam, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S for $49.99, and is also included with an Xbox Game Pass subscription.
“Oblivion represented a true defining moment for the series and fundamentally shaped our studio's approach to game development,” reflects Todd Howard, Bethesda's studio head. This remastered edition features completely overhauled visuals optimized for modern hardware and bundles the beloved Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles expansions.
While labeled a remaster, developer Virtuous has in fact rebuilt the entire game from the ground up using Unreal Engine 5. Side-by-side comparisons between the 2006 original and Oblivion Remastered reveal dramatic differences. Every single asset has been recreated from scratch, resulting in significantly more realistic lighting and shadows.
Advancements in Unreal Engine 5 also bring major improvements to character lip-syncing. Core gameplay has been modernized across the board, with updates to audio, user interface, and leveling systems. The new leveling mechanic blends the best elements from both Skyrim and Oblivion, while mechanics like encumbrance and non-combat perks have also been refined.
The development team has modernized the third-person camera perspective and introduced a sprinting mechanic. Key systems like Persuasion and Clairvoyance feature improved interfaces, alongside comprehensive HUD, menu, and map redesigns, plus enhanced enemy scaling. All characters benefit from updated animations thanks to these extensive changes.
“We've modernized many aspects, but at its heart, this remains the same incredible adventure set in the same meticulously crafted world,” stated Tom Mustaine, Bethesda's external projects and studio director, during a reveal stream.
Alongside the standard edition, Bethesda is releasing The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Deluxe Edition. This version includes bonus quests, unique armor and weapon sets, horse armor, a digital artbook, and the official soundtrack.
Whispers of an Oblivion remaster first emerged in 2023 from documents related to the FTC's scrutiny of Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Those same documents also hinted at an unannounced Fallout 3 remaster and a new installment in the Dishonored franchise.
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