Step into the boots of the Hero of Kvatch and defend Tamriel from the Daedric Prince of Destruction in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Review Overview

What is The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered?

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered (simplified as Oblivion Remastered) is the reimagined version of Bethesda Game Studios’ acclaimed 2006 action RPG. Taking place in the province of Cyrodiil within the continent of Tamriel, Oblivion Remastered is expected to retain the original game’s narrative, where players assume the role of a prisoner thrust into a quest to thwart the Daedric Prince Mehrunes Dragon’s invasion.

Following the assassination of Emperor Uriel Septim VII and the extinction of his bloodline, the barriers between Tamriel and the realm of Oblivion weaken. This leads to the emergence of Oblivion Gates across the land. Players must now then locate the emperor’s illegitimate heir, Martin, and assist him in reclaiming the throne to close these gates.

Oblivion Remastered has modernized the experience by using the power of the Unreal Engine while preserving the essence of the original, including the memorable voice acting and animations. It was released right as their April 22 showcase of the game was at its crux.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered features:
　⚫︎　Role Playing Game
　⚫︎　Remastered Graphics and Audio
　⚫︎　Open World Adventure
　⚫︎　Narrative Driven Game
　⚫︎　First Person and Third Person
　⚫︎　Unreal Engine 5
　⚫︎　Fantasy Elements

For more gameplay details, read everything we know about The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered's gameplay and story.

Steam			PlayStation			Xbox
$49.99

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Cyrodiil Feels More Alive Than Ever Amazing Quality of Life Improvements A Timeless Story Retold	Noticeable Frame Dips and Stuttering Does Not Support Mods

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Overall Score - 90/100

By the Nine Divines, Oblivion Remastered dropped out of “nowhere”—and what a glorious surprise it was. In a time when Bethesda's track record has felt like a game of chance, this revival strikes true. Virtuous and Bethesda have skillfully modernized a beloved classic, crafting a version that lets longtime fans fall in love all over again while giving newcomers the perfect gateway into Cyrodiil’s sprawling beauty. With enhanced visuals, quality-of-life improvements, and a touch of Skyrim-like refinement, this remaster feels less like a simple update and more like a heartfelt tribute to a nearly 20-year-old legend.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Story - 10/10

The Elder Scrolls series has always walked the line beautifully between telling a compelling story and giving players the freedom to forge their own path—and Oblivion is no exception. You begin as a nameless prisoner, suddenly swept into a high-stakes quest to stop the Daedric Prince Mehrunes Dagon from plunging Tamriel into chaos. But beyond that epic main narrative lies a treasure trove of unforgettable side quests, colorful characters, mudcrabs, and rich stories from its DLCs. It’s an enchanting world that lives and breathes with or without you.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Gameplay - 9/10

Going back to the original feels nearly impossible once you’ve experienced the remaster. This truly feels like the definitive way to play, thanks to a wealth of quality-of-life improvements that breathe new energy into the game. From refined combat mechanics to a streamlined user interface and enhanced accessibility options, everything just feels better—and more fun. The only thing keeping it from perfection is a lack of mod support.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Visuals - 9/10

Cyrodiil has never looked more stunning. Virtuous and Bethesda have done an admirable job breathing new life into the world of Oblivion, delivering enhanced visuals, smoother animations, and a host of modern graphical improvements. While traces of the game’s age still peek through, and it occasionally suffers from performance issues—along with moments where Unreal Engine 5 lightly clashes with the series’ iconic art direction—the overall result is a breathtaking and respectful reimagining of a classic world.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Audio - 8/10

Virtuous and Bethesda didn’t just slap a visual upgrade on Oblivion Remastered—they gave its audio landscape a full makeover. From crisper combat sound effects to a beautifully enhanced soundtrack, the game sounds better than ever. But they didn’t stop there. New voice actors were brought in, entire lines of dialogue were re-recorded, and the original voice work was lovingly remastered to match today’s audio standards. It’s an ambitious effort that pays off, adding depth and clarity to every conversation and battle. Admittedly, you might catch the occasional mismatch in audio quality when old and new recordings blend.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Value for Money - 9/10

At first glance, the $50 price tag for a nearly two-decade-old game might raise some eyebrows. However, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered delivers substantial value by including all previously released DLC—such as Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles—as part of the base package. With countless hours of content to explore, it’s an experience that can easily justify the cost. Additionally, the game is available through Xbox Game Pass, offering an excellent opportunity to try it out without committing to a full purchase. In an era where remasters often launch at $60 or more, Oblivion Remastered stands out as a reasonably priced gateway back into a beloved classic.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Review: Praise the Nine, It’s Back!

It was hardly a secret that Oblivion would eventually receive a remaster—this was the worst-kept secret in gaming history, one even someone like me, living under a rock, couldn't escape. The real question wasn’t if it was coming, but when. So, when Todd Howard and Bethesda shadow-dropped it just like that, it caught the entire gaming community off guard in the best possible way. What many expected to be a routine presentation quickly became a thrilling surprise that swept the community off its feet.

Bethesda and Todd Howard have faced their fair share of criticism in recent years, with their recent output being a mix of triumphs and missteps. But, to their credit, this remaster is a well-deserved win. Now that it’s finally here, all I can say is: Welcome back, Cyrodiil.

A Beautiful and Enthralling Return to Cyrodiil

From the moment the title screen fades in, Oblivion Remastered makes its mark—it’s a breathtaking return to one of gaming’s most beloved worlds. And then comes that opening cutscene: the voice of Emperor Uriel Septim, the flicker of torches in the Imperial dungeons, and the year 3E 433 flashing on-screen. It’s a moment that feels monumental. Compared side-by-side with the original, it’s clear—this is no simple coat of paint. It’s a cinematic resurrection.

While Unreal Engine has a reputation for making games feel overly glossy or homogenized when mishandled, Virtuous and Bethesda have largely sidestepped those pitfalls. There’s a careful preservation of the original tone—Cyrodiil still feels like Cyrodiil. Yes, some of the darker, more gothic hues of the original are softened, and occasionally, the world leans toward being too polished, slightly muting its once-drab, dark fantasy charm. But the trade-off is a landscape that’s often nothing short of breathtaking.

From the overgrown stone walls of the Imperial Prison to the vibrant fields surrounding Odiil Farm, the world is reborn with stunning clarity. The forests feel lush and layered, the grasslands stretch out like painted canvases, and seeing the Valus Mountains, the Imperial City, or Leyawiin in this new light can be genuinely emotional. Sure, the game’s age peeks through in places—but most of the time, it’s nothing short of stunning.

Character creation has received a massive overhaul. Every race—from the majestic Altmer to the feral beauty of the Khajiit—feels lovingly rebuilt from the ground up with new eye, skin, and hair colors, and being able to choose your character’s origin. Models are sharper, expressions are more detailed, and the artistic intent behind each race has never been clearer. As a proud magic enthusiast, I couldn’t resist diving in with an Altmer—and seeing them rendered with such detail and grace was a joy in itself.

What astonished me most was how swiftly Oblivion’s narrative re‑captured my attention. Emperor Uriel’s desperate flight, the weighty hand‑off of the Amulet of Kings, and the race to locate Jauffre—each plot beat still lands with propulsive force. Yet it’s Cyrodiil’s citizens who elevate the journey. Their faces range from striking to endearingly off‑kilter, every model unmistakably bespoke. Quirky line readings, the occasional animation hiccup, and immortal memes (yes, the double-take meme is still there) give these NPCs a scrappy charm that time hasn’t dulled. Rather than sanding away those eccentricities, the remaster burnishes them, ensuring the world’s inhabitants remain as memorable—and meme‑worthy—as ever.

A special mention must be made for the superb audio remaster, which elevates Oblivion Remastered beyond just visual polish. It’s clear the team took great care not only in enhancing the original soundscape but also in introducing new voice lines and re-recordings that breathe fresh life into the world.

Rather than simply upscaling old audio files, the developers went a step further—remastering existing dialogue, adding entirely new lines, and in some cases, recasting to improve clarity and delivery. The result is a sound design that feels richer, more dynamic, and deeply immersive.

One standout moment came during the “Zero Visibility” side quest, where I noticed the Aleswell Inn interior featured newly recorded dialogue from NPCs. It’s a subtle addition, but one that makes the world feel more reactive and alive. These enhancements don’t just polish the experience—they enrich it, making exploration and questing feel more rewarding than ever before.

This is still one of the most densely packed, lovingly crafted RPGs ever made. Over 100 dungeons to explore, guilds to join, side quests that spiral into entire subplots, and a world brimming with charm and discovery at every turn. Compared to many modern AAA games, Cyrodiil feels alive. It doesn’t just invite exploration—it rewards it. And whether you’re a returning hero or a newcomer finally answering the call, this remaster offers a journey worth losing yourself in all over again.

The Enchantment of Modern Magic

Virtuous and Bethesda could have taken the easy route—upscaling the visuals with AI filters, calling it a remaster, and moving on. But to their credit, they didn’t. Instead, they’ve gone above and beyond, treating Oblivion Remastered not as a cash-in, but as a genuine modernization of a classic. This isn't just a visual facelift—it’s a thoughtful reimagining of a beloved RPG, bringing meaningful quality-of-life improvements that truly enhance the experience.

One of the most welcome additions? Sprinting. It may seem small, but being able to move faster across Cyrodiil’s sprawling landscapes fundamentally changes how the game feels—it’s smoother, more dynamic, and simply more fun. The UI has also been refreshed, staying true to the original’s aesthetic while improving functionality and clarity. Combat has seen similar care, with reworked animations and better third-person camera controls that borrow from Starfield’s modern perspective. The bow now feels more weighted, aiming is more precise, and the overall fluidity in battle is a notable step up.

Even exploration has been refined. The compass now displays distance to your objectives, making questing feel more intuitive without compromising the sense of discovery. The world map is clearer, menus are faster to navigate, and shortcut keys reduce downtime dramatically.

Perhaps most impressively, the character progression system now blends the best of Oblivion and Skyrim. Major skill upgrades contribute significantly to level progression, while minor skills provide smaller, more incremental growth. Enemy scaling has been dialed back, creating a more rewarding power curve—you actually feel stronger as you level, instead of chasing an ever-moving bar.

The result is a remaster that feels like it was built with care, not convenience. Cyrodiil has never looked or played better, and that polish only deepens the magic—whether you're chasing after Daedric artifacts, getting caught up in the eccentricity of a side quest, or racing to shut the gates of Oblivion before it's too late.

The revamped third‑person view deserves special praise. Players can now toggle between an over‑the‑shoulder camera for close‑quarters action and a wider, classic angle for exploration, lending the game a cinematic fluidity its predecessor never quite achieved. Although the perspective occasionally wrestles with tight interiors, it is vastly more comfortable—and more immersive—than before.
Combat, too, benefits from this overhaul. New UI refinements make spell‑swapping instantaneous, a godsend for mage‑focused builds, while streamlined shortcuts keep swordplay brisk and responsive. Fast‑travel has been retooled to feel genuinely “fast,” whisking you across Cyrodiil with minimal downtime, and the cleaned‑up menus place every essential command a single button‑press away.

In short, these interface and camera improvements aren’t just cosmetic upgrades; they modernize the moment‑to‑moment experience, making Oblivion Remastered feel intuitive, responsive, and unmistakably contemporary. With the major expansions included, it’s nearly a complete package.

Please Add Mod Support Bethesda

Mods have long been a cornerstone of Bethesda’s legacy—so much so that they’ve become a major selling point since Skyrim took the world by storm. From absurdly chaotic to impressively transformative, mods have kept these games alive, fresh, and deeply beloved by the community. That’s why it’s a bit of a gut punch to hear that Oblivion Remastered won’t support mods. Bethesda has confirmed this, likely due to the shift to Unreal Engine 5, but it still feels like a missed opportunity.

Sure, there may be weird workarounds and tinkering on PC, but for newcomers or console players, the lack of native support is a real barrier. Mods have done more than just add fun features—they’ve breathed new life into games, extended longevity, and fostered tight-knit communities.

It’s admittedly puzzling—especially given that the original game offered full mod support—that this remaster lacks such a fundamental feature. What makes it even more surprising is the clear dedication the developers poured into rebuilding Oblivion from the ground up. Every visual flourish and refined system speaks to a deep respect for the source material, which makes the absence of mod support feel like a conspicuous oversight in an otherwise lovingly crafted revival.

Even Modern Magic Can’t Save Performance Issues

Playing on the PlayStation 5, it’s disappointing to encounter performance issues in a game that originally debuted nearly two decades ago. While not constant, occasional stuttering and frame rate dips are noticeable enough to disrupt immersion—an unfortunate blemish on an otherwise impressive remaster.

What makes this all the more perplexing is the fact that much of the original game’s architecture—assets, systems, and underlying code—remains intact. The visual enhancements, while striking, aren’t so demanding that they should strain modern hardware. It points to a likely culprit: poor optimization.

Here’s hoping Virtuous and Bethesda address these technical hiccups in an upcoming patch, because while they don't ruin the experience, they do occasionally pull you out of what should be a seamless return to Cyrodiil.

Is The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Worth It?

Oblivion Once Again Proves It’s the GOAT

Despite its age, Oblivion Remastered remains as captivating as it was in 2006—perhaps even more so. While a few rough edges persist, most can easily be smoothed out through patches, and the core experience stands tall as a testament to the game's enduring legacy. This remaster isn't just a trip down memory lane; it's a brilliant reimagining that breathes new life into a classic.

Veterans will find themselves rediscovering Cyrodiil through a modern lens, where familiar quests and landscapes feel revitalized with enhanced visuals and smoother mechanics. For newcomers, this is the perfect invitation to explore one of the most influential RPGs of all time—one that still feels more alive and immersive than many contemporary AAA titles.

It’s a game you can lose yourself in for hundreds of hours, often without even noticing the time pass. And now, all that’s left is for Virtuous and Bethesda to complete the circle: bring in full mod support, just as they did with Starfield a while back.

At $50, it’s a worthwhile investment for the experience alone—but for those seeking a more budget-friendly option, it’s also available on Xbox Game Pass.

Steam			PlayStation			Xbox
$49.99

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered FAQ

Does Oblivion Remastered Standard Edition Include all the DLCs?

No, the standard edition includes the major expansions Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine, but it omits the smaller DLCs such as Mehrunes’ Razor, the Akatosh-themed armor and weapons, and yes—even the infamous Horse Armor. It’s also worth noting that the digital artbook and soundtrack are not included in this release. Only the Deluxe Edition has these.

What are the PC Requirements to Play Oblivion Remastered?

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Minimum Requirements

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Recommended Requirements

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The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Product Information

Title	The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
Release Date	April 22, 2025
Developer	Virtuous, Bethesda Game Studios
Publisher	Bethesda Softworks
Supported Platforms	Xbox Series XIS, PS5, PC
Genre	RPG, Adventure
Number of Players	1
ESRB Rating	M
Official Website	The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Website

Uriel Rodriguez

Writer | Gamer | Self-Proclaimed Digimon/Sujimon/Persona/Palworld/Pokémon Master