Bethesda has stunned gamers with the unexpected release of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. Without any prior warning, the studio released the video game overnight.
The remastered version is now playable on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, and is also included with an Xbox Game Pass membership. Players who woke up to the surprise quickly jumped in and within hours the game was topping charts and dominating online discussions.
READ MORE: Oblivion Remaster Confirmed as Bethesda Teases April 22 Reveal
Despite being free for Game Pass users, Oblivion Remastered is seeing massive traction on Steam. The game has already hit a peak of over 159,000 concurrent players and continues to climb. It has claimed the top-selling spot on the platform and nearly half a million viewers tuned in to watch the live announcement, flooding the chat with praise for Bethesda and studio director Todd Howard.
The timing of the launch is no accident. With April being relatively quiet in terms of major game releases, Oblivion Remastered has stepped in to fill the void. Although other titles like Clair Obscur Expedition 33 are vying for attention, Oblivion’s legacy and fanbase give it a solid edge.
Originally released in 2006, Oblivion played a key role in defining the modern RPG experience. Now with updated visuals, enhanced lighting, improved textures, and smoother animations, the remaster brings that world back with a fresh coat of paint. Bethesda has modernized character models and user interfaces while retaining the quirky charm that fans remember.
Oblivion Remastered screenshot (Photo: Bethesda)
The remastered version comes with all major story expansions including Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine. It also introduces gameplay upgrades like a new leveling system, revised menus, quality-of-life features, and expanded accessibility options. Players can expect additional autosaves, improved enemy scaling, a better camera system, and support for sprinting.
The game also comes in a deluxe edition that includes bonus content like horse armor sets, a digital artbook, special weapons and armor, and more add-ons. The developers have described this remaster as a love letter to fans and a way to introduce a new generation to the magic of Cyrodiil.
Oblivion Remastered screenshot (Photo: Bethesda)
Bethesda has been open about their intention to preserve the heart of the original while refreshing its look and feel. For those waiting on news about Elder Scrolls VI, this remaster offers something to enjoy in the meantime.
Whether you’re a longtime fan returning to an old favorite or someone discovering Oblivion for the first time, the remastered version offers a compelling reason to step back into Tamriel. The gates of Oblivion are open once again and it seems players everywhere are eager to walk through them.
This is a very fun game
The graphics in this remaster look outstanding. I had a lot of joy with the original. I highly recommended this game. After you finish this great game, give Skyrim a shout!
Love the remake
So it’s like the same game with updates?
This looks a lot grittier and darker than the original. Something akin to Diablo or even Dark Souls. Very nice!
I played this game in Iraq for 18 months in 2010! Love the remaster!
This game is so much fun. I’ve almost completed the original, then I’ll finish the one I started on the remastered version. What I saw in the beginning of the remastered version is really nice though
Anyone surprised by this, obviously didn’t know Bethesda all that well
Anyone surprised by this, obviously didn’t know Bethesda all that well…
It’s about time for me to start a re-mastered OBLIVION game again, once I get time and get my PS4 working again.
This is awesome, but we need TES6
This is cool and all, but most of us have been waiting for TES6. Lets go Bethesda.