The gates of Oblivion are reopening, and Tamriel’s heartland beckons once more. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered has arrived, bringing Bethesda’s 2006 masterpiece into the modern era with stunning visuals, refined gameplay, and all the charm that made it a legend. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a newcomer to Cyrodiil, this remake offers a fresh way to experience one of the most beloved RPGs ever made. Built from the ground up in Unreal Engine 5, it’s more than a facelift—it’s a full-blown revival. Let’s dive into what makes this remaster a must-play and how to jump into the adventure.
Why Oblivion Remastered Feels Like a Brand-New Game
Oblivion was a landmark title, praised for its open world, deep storytelling, and quirky NPC interactions. The remaster, developed by Virtuos in collaboration with Bethesda, takes everything fans loved and polishes it to a mirror shine while keeping the soul intact. Here’s what’s new:
- Unreal Engine 5 Visuals: Cyrodiil has never looked this good. From the lush Jerall Mountains to the shimmering waters of Lake Rumare, the world feels alive with real-time lighting and detailed textures. The Imperial City’s white-gold tower gleams like a beacon.
- Revamped Gameplay Systems: Combat, sneaking, and archery have been overhauled. Blocking now feels inspired by action RPGs, with a Soulslike heft to parries. Sneaking is smoother, with clearer indicators, and archery packs a satisfying punch.
- Updated Leveling System: The remaster blends Oblivion’s skill-based progression with Skyrim’s streamlined approach. No more grinding minor skills to min-max—leveling feels natural and rewarding.
- New and Returning Voices: Iconic lines like “Stop right there, criminal scum!” are back, alongside fresh dialogue recorded to flesh out the world. Every NPC still has that gloriously awkward charm.
- All DLC Included: Knights of the Nine, Shivering Isles, and smaller add-ons like Mehrunes’ Razor are bundled in, offering over 200 hours of quests, dungeons, and Daedric mischief.
This isn’t just a remaster—it’s a remake that respects the original while making it accessible for 2025 gamers. Available now on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox Game Pass for $49.99, it’s a steal for the content.
Getting Started in Oblivion Remastered: Tips for New Players
Stepping into Cyrodiil can be overwhelming. The world is vast, the choices endless, and the rats in the tutorial dungeon hit harder than you’d expect. Here’s how to kick off your adventure like a true Champion of Cyrodiil:
| Step | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Choose Your Race Wisely | Pick a race that suits your playstyle. Bretons are great for magic, Orcs for melee, and Khajiit for stealth. | Racial bonuses (like a Breton’s magic resistance) give you an edge early on and shape your roleplay. |
| Experiment with Skills | Try different weapons and spells in the tutorial. Focus on a mix of combat, magic, and stealth skills. | Oblivion’s leveling rewards versatility, but specializing in 5–7 skills prevents underpowered builds. |
| Save Often | Save before entering dungeons or making big choices. The game’s Radiant AI can lead to unexpected chaos. | A bandit ambush or a misfired spell can end your adventure fast. Save to avoid heartbreak. |
| Join a Guild | Head to the Mages Guild in Chorrol or Fighters Guild in Anvil early. | Guilds offer quests, training, and gear, helping you level up and find direction in the open world. |
| Explore at Your Pace | Ignore the main quest for a bit. Wander to discover hidden caves or quirky NPCs. | Oblivion shines in its side content—random encounters and stories are half the fun. |
Pro Tip: Talk to every NPC you meet. Oblivion’s dialogue is a goldmine of lore, humor, and hidden quests. That beggar in the Imperial City might just point you to a secret.
What’s the Best Way to Play Oblivion Remastered?
With so many options, how do you approach this sprawling RPG? Here are three playstyles to consider, each with its own vibe:
- The Noble Hero
- Focus: Main quest, Fighters Guild, Knights of the Nine.
- Skills: Blade, Heavy Armor, Restoration.
- Why? You’ll feel like a classic fantasy protagonist, saving Tamriel from the Mythic Dawn and closing Oblivion gates. Perfect for players who love epic stories and straightforward combat.
- Starting Tip: Grab a steel longsword from the Imperial City armory and practice blocking to master the new combat rhythm.
- The Shadowy Rogue
- Focus: Thieves Guild, Dark Brotherhood, sneaking around.
- Skills: Sneak, Light Armor, Marksman.
- Why? The remaster’s improved stealth mechanics make skulking through cities and assassinating targets a thrill. The Dark Brotherhood questline is a fan-favorite for its dark humor.
- Starting Tip: Steal everything in the tutorial prison (keys, goblets) to boost your Sneak skill early.
- The Arcane Master
- Focus: Mages Guild, Shivering Isles, spellcrafting.
- Skills: Destruction, Conjuration, Mysticism.
- Why? Magic feels more impactful with updated visuals—fireballs light up the night, and summoned Daedra look terrifying. Shivering Isles is a psychedelic playground for mages.
- Starting Tip: Visit the Arcane University ASAP to craft custom spells that melt enemies.
No matter your style, Oblivion’s open-ended design lets you mix and match. Want to be a spell-slinging thief or a sword-wielding mage? Go for it. The remaster’s reworked HUD makes tracking your skills and quests easier than ever.
Challenges and Rewards in Oblivion Remastered
Every hero needs trials to overcome. Here’s what to watch out for and why it’s worth the effort:
| Challenge | How to Overcome It | Reward |
|---|---|---|
| Oblivion Gates | Stock up on potions and enchantments before entering. Focus on the sigil stone at the top. | Unique sigil stones grant powerful enchantments for your gear. |
| Tough Dungeons | Bring a companion (like a summoned creature) and use terrain to kite enemies. | Rare loot, like enchanted weapons or spell tomes, awaits in the depths. |
| Level Scaling | Avoid over-leveling minor skills. Focus on your major skills to keep enemies manageable. | A balanced character makes late-game quests epic instead of frustrating. |
| Moral Choices | Think before siding with factions like the Dark Brotherhood. Actions have consequences. | Unique quest rewards and story outcomes that reflect your decisions. |
Fun Fact: The Shivering Isles expansion lets you serve Sheogorath, the Daedric Prince of Madness. It’s a wild ride with some of the series’ best writing—expect talking dogs and cheese-obsessed maniacs.
Why You Should Play Oblivion Remastered Right Now
Oblivion Remastered is a love letter to fans and a perfect entry point for newcomers. The visuals rival modern RPGs, the gameplay feels fresh yet nostalgic, and the world is packed with stories that unfold at your pace. At $49.99, with all DLC and a shadow-drop release on April 22, 2025, it’s a no-brainer for Game Pass subscribers or anyone craving a deep RPG.
Whether you’re storming Oblivion gates, sneaking through the Thieves Guild, or just chatting with a potato-obsessed NPC, Cyrodiil feels alive in ways few games manage. So grab your sword, sling some spells, and step into Tamriel. The future of the Empire is in your hands.
Ready to play? Check out The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered on Bethesda’s official site and start your adventure today!
This is either a huge win for gamers or a huge loss depending on who you are. To some this might be an amazing game to relive in a whole new experience or for others it might be their first time playing any Elder Scrolls game at all. On the other hand there is the fraction of the gamers out there that are tired or “remakes.” They want something original, instead or a remastered, sequel, prequel, they want a whole new game with a new feeling at each corner. However, when it comes to this specific game it seems most are thrilled to live out this adventure-fantasy in a fresh but yet nostalgic feel.
