Surprise! The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Is Out Now — And It Looks Glorious
By Rob ( DadGeek) — April 22, 2025
Nearly two decades after players first emerged from the Imperial City sewers into the vast open world of Cyrodiil, Bethesda has pulled off one of its boldest moves yet a surprise launch of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. Revealed and released on the same day, the remaster is now live on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC via Steam and Xbox App, and the cloud, with day-one availability on Xbox Game Pass.
Yes, it’s real. And yes, it’s glorious.
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| Tamriel's landscape now with shimmering water reflections and high-res glory. |
A Remaster That Feels Like a Rebirth
Built on Unreal Engine 5 but still bearing the classic DNA of the Creation Engine, Oblivion Remastered is more than just a visual touch-up—it’s a full-blown overhaul, crafted in partnership with remaster specialists Virtuos. It delivers 4K resolution, 60 FPS, and modern lighting effects that cast rich shadows across Cyrodiil’s reimagined terrain.
The magic is in the details: fog curling through forested hills, shimmering lakes reflecting newly implemented skyboxes, and weather systems that evolve as dynamically as the narrative. Character models and animations have been reworked, spell effects enhanced, and even the humble Mud Crab looks ready for its close-up.
"We want people to feel the way they did then," said Bethesda director Todd Howard during the announcement stream. "But it’s still a game of its time—you want to keep the bones in place."
Quality of Life Meets Classic Charm
The game plays smoother than ever thanks to a slew of quality-of-life upgrades. The HUD and menus have been rebuilt for clarity, accessibility options have been expanded, and the leveling, encumbrance, and enemy scaling systems have been refined with modern players in mind.
Mechanics like sprinting, improved third-person camera angles, and streamlined character interactions bring Oblivion closer to today’s standards, while maintaining the quirks and soul that made it a genre-defining classic. Even infamous features—like the Persuasion minigame—return with a polish that fans will appreciate.
What’s in the Box? (Or Digital Download)
This remaster isn’t just about fresh paint—it includes the critically acclaimed Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles expansions from the start. Players can also opt for the Deluxe Edition, which adds:
Bonus quests and explorable areas
Exclusive weapons and armor sets
A stylish return of the infamous horse armor
A digital artbook packed with reimagined concepts
The full official remastered soundtrack
Praise Be Todd: Fan Reactions and What’s Next
Over 600,000 fans tuned in live to witness the reveal. The internet? Utterly unhinged in the best way. “Praise be Todd” trended within minutes as RPG fans across the globe flooded forums, group chats, and Reddit threads in awe.
For veteran players, it’s like coming home to a house that’s been beautifully renovated. For newcomers raised on Skyrim or ESO, it’s a must-play moment of RPG history brought forward for a new generation.
The surprise drop also raises new speculation: Is Elder Scrolls VI closer than we think? Could this be the first step toward a Fallout 3 remaster too? Bethesda isn’t saying—but frankly, they don’t need to. Oblivion Remastered is enough to keep our torches lit.
Where to Play
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is now available:
On Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam or the Xbox App
Via cloud gaming for Ultimate Game Pass members
With Xbox Play Anywhere, including cross-saves and cross-play
Final Thoughts
Oblivion Remastered isn’t just a nostalgia trip—it’s a masterful rebirth. Whether you’re escaping that sewer for the hundredth time or stepping into Cyrodiil for your very first adventure, this is how you revisit the past without getting stuck in it. Polished, powerful, and packed with personality, Oblivion Remastered reminds us why we fell in love with Tamriel in the first place.
And yes—it’s still just as fun to pickpocket a guard and reload in shame. so if you will excuse me, I am diving right back in.
Still a threat. Still hilarious. Meet the remastered Mud Crab.
The Shivering Isles return, and yes, Sheogorath is still delightfully mad.
Stay tuned to GeeksvsGeeks for more RPG news, reviews, and surprise drop chaos. And don’t forget to stock up on lockpicks—you’re going to need them.
