After years of speculation, Bethesda has finally released The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, and it’s already stirring up nostalgia and buzz across the gaming world. Priced at $49.99, this upgraded version of the 2006 classic is now available on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with Game Pass subscribers getting access at no extra cost. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Tamriel, this remaster brings one of the most beloved RPGs into the modern era—without losing the heart of what made it iconic.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Launches on Steam, Consoles — Here’s Everything You Need to Know
A Classic Reborn in Unreal Engine 5
The remaster is developed by Virtuos and rebuilt using Unreal Engine 5, giving the aging but beloved game a complete technical refresh:
- Visual Upgrades: High-resolution textures, improved draw distances, dynamic lighting, better shadows, and overhauled character models give Cyrodiil a dramatic facelift while maintaining the original aesthetic.
- Combat and Movement Enhancements: A long-requested sprint mechanic has finally been added. Combat has been modernized with new animations, making battles feel more fluid and responsive than ever.
- UI & Accessibility: The user interface has been redesigned to feel more intuitive, and a new third-person camera crosshair adds precision for ranged and magic attacks.
- Re-recorded Audio: Dialogue has been updated with unique voice performances for each race, reducing the repetition that became infamous in the original release—though the game still leans into its quirky charm.
What’s Included: Standard vs. Deluxe Editions
| Edition | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $49.99 | Base game, Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine expansions |
| Deluxe | $59.99 | All Standard content plus new quests, exclusive gear, digital artbook, official soundtrack |
You can also grab discounted keys from third-party sellers like Fanatical and Green Man Gaming, with prices currently dropping to $41.49 for Standard and $49.79 for Deluxe editions.
Available Platforms and Steam Deck Compatibility
- PC (Steam) – Optimized for modern PCs and verified for the Steam Deck (with minor slowdowns in dense areas).
- PlayStation 5 – Available via the PlayStation Store as a full digital release.
- Xbox Series X|S – Available for direct purchase or through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Why It Matters
Oblivion Remastered isn’t just a nostalgia trip—it’s an important signal from Bethesda. With The Elder Scrolls VI still a distant speck on the horizon, this remaster reaffirms how enduring the franchise’s legacy is. The original Oblivion introduced groundbreaking features like Radiant AI, dynamic questlines, and a living world long before those concepts were industry standard.
By preserving the spirit of the original while bringing it up to modern standards, Bethesda has given one of the most formative RPGs of the 2000s a second life. Whether you’re hunting Daedric artifacts, closing Oblivion gates, or simply wandering through the rolling hills of Cyrodiil, Oblivion Remastered is a reminder of how far the genre has come—and where it began.
You can buy the game on Steam here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2623190/The_Elder_Scrolls_IV_Oblivion_Remastered/
Key Takeaways
- Oblivion Remastered is out now for $49.99 on the big platforms.
- The remaster brings better visuals and smoother performance.
- New and returning players both get access to upgraded content.
Oblivion Remastered Release and Platforms
Bethesda has rolled out The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, updating the classic RPG with a fresh coat of paint and a few modern bells and whistles. Now you can wander around Cyrodiil with better graphics and smoother gameplay on the most popular platforms out there.
Availability on PC, Xbox, and PS5
Oblivion Remastered is live on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. PC folks can grab it through Steam or the Microsoft Store, while Xbox players will see it on the Series X and S consoles. For PS5, just hit up the PlayStation Store or snag it straight from the PlayStation website.
Don’t expect to play this on your old PS4 or Xbox One—this version is strictly for the current-gen crowd. There’s no mention of cross-saves or cross-play, so your save files are stuck on whichever system you choose.
It’s digital-only for now. No discs at launch, so you’ll need to buy and download it online if you want in.
Pricing and Editions
Oblivion Remastered lands at $49.99 everywhere, no matter where you buy it. That’s for the standard edition, which gets you the full game and all the shiny new graphics.
No Deluxe Edition or extra DLC packs at launch—at least, not yet. The $49.99 tag is the same whether you’re on Steam, Microsoft Store, or PlayStation Store.
Prices might wobble a bit depending on where you live, thanks to currency changes and taxes. There aren’t any bundles or launch sales, but hey, maybe keep an eye out for future deals if you’re patient.
Game Pass Integration
Oblivion Remastered is also included with Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. So if you’re already subscribed, you can just dive in—no extra charge.
Both Xbox Series X|S and PC players get access through Game Pass. No need to buy it outright if you’re already paying for the subscription.
It’s the same standard $49.99 version on Game Pass, and as long as it stays in the library, there aren’t any weird restrictions or time limits. For more info, the Xbox page for Oblivion Remastered has the details.
Remaster Features and Technical Enhancements
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered breathes new life into a beloved RPG, thanks to modern tech and a bunch of smart tweaks. The upgrades hit just about everything: visuals, audio, gameplay, and even that feeling you get exploring and fighting your way through Tamriel.
Visual and Audio Overhaul
Oblivion Remastered runs on Unreal Engine 5, so you’re getting crisper graphics, smoother animations, and some pretty impressive new lighting. The textures are sharper, and the world feels a lot more alive—forests, cities, you name it. Even the characters look better, with improved facial animations and lip sync that finally makes conversations feel a bit less awkward.
Audio’s had a tune-up too, with re-mastered ambient sounds, richer effects, and clearer voice acting. Dungeons feel creepier, cities have more energy, and the wilds actually sound wild. The new engine even brings more realistic echoes and reverb, depending on where you’re standing.
Weather and shadows have more depth now, and if you’re lucky enough to have a 4K screen, the difference is obvious. Next-gen systems really make the world pop. If you want the nitty-gritty on the tech, check out the Oblivion Remastered announcement.
Modernized Gameplay and Mechanics
Gameplay’s gotten a few welcome changes to fit modern RPG standards. Leveling and enemy scaling have been reworked, so the difficulty curve feels less punishing (or random). Lockpicking’s easier to get the hang of, with better mini-games and feedback for newcomers.
Combat’s tighter, too. Sword swings, archery, and spells all feel punchier, and your character responds faster. The interface is less clunky, with quick access to your inventory and clearer quest tracking. It’s all designed to make things less confusing, whether you’re a series veteran or just starting out.
Finding your way around is simpler, thanks to improved quest markers and map systems. The game’s still deep, but you won’t get lost in the menus as much. The updates keep the customization and freedom that made Oblivion a classic, just with fewer headaches.
Performance Updates Across Systems
On PC, Xbox Series X, and PS5, Oblivion Remastered aims for silky-smooth play. Frame rates are way more stable—60 fps is the goal if your hardware can handle it. Load times are way down, so you’re not stuck staring at loading screens every time you fast travel.
It supports 4K and HDR on consoles that allow it, and PC players get a bunch of graphics settings to tweak for performance or visuals. Cloud saves and better auto-saving mean you’re less likely to lose progress (which, let’s be honest, is a relief).
Both the standard and deluxe editions (if they ever add one) come with all the content, and the remaster makes sure each system gets the best it can offer. Game Pass players get all DLC included, too. For a deeper dive, check out Polygon’s coverage.
Content Additions and Story Expansions
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered breathes new life into the 2006 classic, not just with visuals but with a bunch of content updates, too. All the major story expansions are here, plus a pile of old DLC and some tweaks to how you interact with the world and its characters.
Storylines and Expansions
Oblivion Remastered includes the big two expansions from back in the day—Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine. Shivering Isles throws you into the mad world of Sheogorath, the Daedric Prince of Madness, complete with new quests, monsters, and weird landscapes.
Knights of the Nine is all about gathering relics and reviving a holy order to face an ancient evil in Tamriel. It’s a more heroic, lore-heavy expansion with new missions that fit right into the Elder Scrolls universe.
Both add-ons give you plenty to do after the main quest. They add new stories and challenges, so there’s more to chew on whether you’re playing for the first time or coming back for nostalgia. You can get more details on the official PlayStation Oblivion Remastered page.
Downloadable Content and Bonus Content
Every bit of official DLC from the original is bundled in here. That means you get stuff like the Fighter’s Stronghold, Spell Tomes, Vile Lair, and, yes, the infamous horse armor DLC—because, why not?
The full list gives you special houses, magical books, secret hideouts, and cosmetic gear. There are extra weapons and armor sets, too, but they don’t mess with the main story—they’re just fun bonuses.
No need to buy any of these extras separately—they’re all part of that $49.99 price. If you want to see everything included, the Steam Oblivion Remastered page has the rundown.
Character Development and Dialogue
Conversations in Oblivion Remastered feel a bit less stiff. Dialogue options are easier to follow, and NPC interactions flow more naturally. It’s not perfect, but it’s a definite step up.
They’ve worked on both the spoken lines and facial animations, so you’ll notice more believable reactions and a few more ways to approach quests or relationships with characters.
Better character models and more detailed environments help sell the world, making it easier to get lost in the story and expansions. It’s still Oblivion, but it feels more alive than ever.
Behind the Remaster: Developers and Community
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered came together thanks to a pretty unique partnership and a lot of fan excitement. The devs focused on both the visuals and adding new features, while community streams and privacy tweaks helped bring in a wider crowd.
Bethesda and Virtuos Collaboration
Bethesda Game Studios—the folks behind Skyrim and the original Oblivion—teamed up with Virtuos, who know a thing or two about remastering classics. Todd Howard, Bethesda’s head honcho, said that giving Oblivion a new lease on life was a big goal. The two teams worked hand-in-hand, with Bethesda steering the creative side and Virtuos handling the technical upgrades and porting.
Virtuos took care of the visuals and gameplay tweaks, making sure everything ran well on consoles and PC. That meant better textures, snappier load times, and support for higher resolutions. Bethesda and Microsoft also made sure the remaster hit Xbox Game Pass, so it’s easier than ever for fans to jump in. Honestly, this collab set a pretty high bar for remastered RPGs and seems to have made most fans pretty happy.
Community Engagement and Livestreams
In the months before launch, The Elder Scrolls community really got involved in shaping how the final game turned out. Bethesda ran a bunch of livestreams on YouTube—sometimes a little chaotic, but always interesting—where devs fielded player questions on the fly, showed off side-by-side graphics (old vs. new), and even took some suggestions right there on stream. It definitely helped build up some hype and, honestly, made folks feel like their voices mattered.
They didn’t stop there, either. Bethesda kept fans in the loop with regular social media updates, tossing out behind-the-scenes peeks at the remastering process. Feedback from Reddit threads and fan forums actually made its way into bug fixes and last-minute tweaks before launch. Even after release, they stuck with weekly livestreams—helping new folks get started, chatting with longtime fans, sharing tips, walkthroughs, and taking deep dives into Cyrodiil’s shiny new world. It’s been kinda nice to see that level of interaction stick around.
Privacy and Accessibility
With the remaster, privacy and accessibility stuff got a much-needed boost. Players have more say over what personal info gets shared, right from the in-game menus or account settings. That’s a relief, especially if you’re linking up accounts across Xbox, PC, or wherever else you play.
Oblivion Remastered also rolled out a bunch of accessibility features—bigger text, colorblind-friendly modes, and some options for simplified controls. On iOS and other platforms, privacy settings now line up with what you’d expect from other Microsoft games, so adjusting permissions is just a couple taps away. Way overdue, honestly.
Support for cross-platform play and cloud saves means you can pick up where you left off, no matter what device you’re on. All in all, it’s just easier for more people—regardless of ability or gadget preference—to explore Cyrodiil without a hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered launched at $49.99, bringing the classic RPG to modern consoles and PC. There’s been a lot of chatter about what’s new, how mods work, and which platforms get the game.
What are the new features included in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered?
This remaster comes with sharper graphics, better textures, and improved lighting. You’ll notice updated character models and a bunch of new visual effects. The game’s also been tuned up for smoother performance on today’s hardware, so it feels fresh but still keeps that original vibe.
Can existing owners of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion upgrade to the Remastered version at a discount?
So far, there’s no word on any upgrade discount for folks who already own the original. The remaster is a separate product and goes for full price, which is a bit of a bummer for longtime fans hoping for a deal.
Is The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered compatible with mods from the original game?
Whether old mods will work with the Remastered version is still up in the air. There’s no official confirmation, so if you’ve got a favorite mod, you might have to wait for updates or fixes before it’ll run properly.
What platforms is The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered available on?
The remaster dropped on consoles and PC at the same time, so both crowds get to dive in together. Bethesda announced the simultaneous launch for these platforms. If you want more details, check out this Polygon article on Oblivion Remastered.
Has the gameplay or content been altered in the Remastered edition compared to the original?
The story, quests, and world are pretty much what you remember from the original. The big changes are all about visuals, graphics, and technical polish. The core gameplay? Not much different, which is probably for the best if you’re a purist.
Are there any exclusive content or pre-order bonuses for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered?
So far, there haven’t been any announcements about exclusive content or pre-order bonuses for this release. Everyone who picks up the remastered edition gets the same game—no extra bells and whistles, at least for now.
