Back in 2006, Oblivion exploded onto the scene, reshaping RPGs and teaching players you definitely don’t want to stroll into Kvatch unprepared. Nearly two decades later, Bethesda has given Cyrodiil a full makeover with Oblivion Remastered. But what exactly has changed? Here’s your complete guide to the dazzling new features—and some hilarious tweaks—found in the remaster.
Remember, the game is enormous, so there could well be other updates we haven’t yet noticed. You can post any discoveries in the comments.
Graphics & Visuals: From “Potato” to Masterpiece
- Engine Upgrade: Now powered by Unreal Engine 5, the world is jaw-droppingly beautiful, trading in bloom-heavy chaos for a polished fantasy realm.
- Character Models: NPCs show emotion! Faces are more expressive, and equipment looks distinct and detailed.
- Dynamic Worlds: Water shines, storms feel real, and lighting effects—especially near Oblivion gates—are breathtaking.
Gameplay & Mechanics: Smoother and More Pleasurable
- Combat: Hits feel impactful, with better enemy reaction and weapon feedback.
- Stealth: Sneaking is more responsive and authentic, with better visibility mechanics.
- Stamina: Sprinting no longer feels like you’re on the verge of a heart attack after ten seconds.
- Third-Person Camera: Now smooth and usable—almost like a modern third-person action game.
UI & Menus: Sleek and User-Friendly
- Interface: Streamlined and modernized. Searching for quests or viewing maps is far easier now.
- Controls: Optimized for both keyboard/mouse and controllers. The D-pad functions well for quick navigation.
Audio & Voice Acting: New Voices and Realistic Ambiance
- Voice Acting: More actors, more lines, and even a few amusing audio goofs preserved for nostalgia.
- Sound Design: The world sounds alive—whispers in forests, eerie caves, and bustling city markets enhance immersion.
Leveling & Progression: A Full Rewrite
The old leveling system was clunky and unforgiving. That’s changed entirely:
- Major Skills Matter Less: You level up by using any skill, with major ones giving a small XP bonus.
- No Attribute Multipliers: Distribute 12 stat points freely each level-up—no grindy skill micromanagement required.
- Skill-Based Progression: Just play naturally—use stealth and archery if that’s your style, and you’ll grow stronger accordingly.
- Smarter Enemy Scaling: Enemies grow with you, but much more reasonably. You’re not punished for picking flowers anymore.
In short: build the character you want, and forget spreadsheets or guides just to stay viable.
Content & Expansions: All the Classics in the Box
Knights of the Nine, Shivering Isles, and all DLC are bundled in from the start. No additional purchases needed—hundreds of hours of gameplay await.
Bonus: Horse Armor Returns, Indeed
The meme that became a microtransaction punchline is back. The Deluxe Edition gives your mount shiny, fashionable (and entirely useless) armor once again. Would you buy it a third time? Probably.