Bethesda, based in Rockville, Maryland, has announced the official release of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered just days after the game was leaked. The remaster of the nearly 20-year-old game was developed by Virtuous and is now available on Steam, PS5, and Xbox Series X / S for $49.99 or as part of Xbox Game Pass. Todd Howard, the studio head of Bethesda, described Oblivion as a defining moment in the series and for the studio’s game development approach.
The remastered version of Oblivion features overhauled graphics designed for modern hardware, along with the inclusion of the Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles expansions. Despite initial assumptions that this remaster was of the original game, developer Virtuous has actually fully remade the title in Unreal Engine 5. The game’s assets have all been recreated from scratch, resulting in a more realistic visual experience with enhanced shadows and improved lip sync technology.
Gameplay has been modernized in Oblivion Remastered, with updates to audio, UI, and leveling systems. The leveling system now combines elements from both Skyrim and the original Oblivion, alongside adjustments to encumbrance, non-combat perks, and other mechanics. Bethesda and Virtuous have also revamped the third-person view, added sprinting, enhanced UI elements like Persuasion and Clairvoyance, and improved enemy scaling.
Tom Mustaine, Bethesda’s external projects and studio director, emphasized the modernization efforts while ensuring that the core adventure and meticulously crafted world of Oblivion remain intact. In addition to the standard edition, Bethesda is also releasing The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Deluxe Edition, which includes bonus quests, unique armor sets, digital artbook, and the official soundtrack.
Rumors of an Oblivion remaster surfaced in 2023 through documents related to the FTC’s case against Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The leaked information also hinted at an unannounced Fallout 3 remaster and a new game in the Dishonored series being part of Microsoft’s plans. With Oblivion Remastered now available to players, fans of the series can experience the beloved classic in a revamped and enhanced form.