Oblivion Remastered Review: Cyrodiil Reborn for a New Generation

Bethesda’s 2006 epic, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, has returned—this time as Oblivion Remastered, a surprise release handled by Virtuos that quietly dropped in April. Two decades after Cyrodiil first threw open its gates, this remaster breathes fresh life into a beloved world with updated graphics, subtle gameplay tweaks, and every bit of original content (plus all the DLCs) included. So, how does Oblivion Remastered stand up in 2025, and why are players already inventing wild new ways to tackle its challenges?

Oblivion Remastered: Nostalgia Meets New Adventures

Nearly 20 years on, Oblivion Remastered hands fans and newcomers alike a ticket back to one of gaming’s most iconic open worlds. With more than 43,000 Steam reviews and a “Very Positive” rating, it’s clear that both old-school fans and fresh faces are welcoming this return to Cyrodiil’s rolling hills and Daedric chaos.

• Shadow-dropped in April 2025 by Virtuos and Bethesda, catching even diehards by surprise
• Complete package—all original quests, characters, and expansions like Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine
• Modernized visuals and light gameplay tweaks—not a ground-up remake, but a definite upgrade
• Inventive community challenge runs keeping the experience lively and unpredictable

Quick Specs

Feature	Specification
Publisher	Bethesda Softworks / Virtuos
Release Date	April 2025
Genres	RPG, Adventure, Open World
Platforms	PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S

Oblivion Remastered isn’t just a high-res nostalgia trip—it’s a rare chance to rediscover Cyrodiil’s unpredictable beauty, clever guild intrigue, and Daedric threats. Whether you’re here to reminisce or see what the fuss is about, there’s plenty to lure you in.

For years, rumors swirled about a possible remaster, but the actual release—dropped just ahead of Xbox’s summer showcase—still surprised the community. The core adventure is unchanged: you’re the unlikeliest of heroes, thrust into a kingdom under siege by demonic Oblivion gates. Classic quests, unforgettable characters, and both major DLCs are bundled in, making this the most complete Oblivion yet.

Virtuos’s touch is respectful and measured. The environments and character models shine with new textures and improved lighting, but don’t expect a radical overhaul. Quality-of-life updates—streamlined menus and movement, for example—help smooth out the rough spots. The result is a remaster that balances modern expectations with classic charm, satisfying newcomers and veterans alike.

The real magic, though, is the community spirit. Players aren’t just reliving old adventures—they’re inventing entirely new ones. Take YouTuber Hazzor’s “no direct hits” challenge: instead of swinging weapons, he dodges mobs, lures enemies into traps, and summons creatures to do the dirty work. It’s not pure pacifism, but it’s a clever remix that shows Cyrodiil’s sandbox is just as ripe for experimentation as ever. These creative runs are a testament to Oblivion’s enduring legacy and its ever-inventive fanbase.

Curious how it looks in action? Check out the official trailer below for a glimpse of the remaster’s upgraded visuals and classic atmosphere:

So, is Oblivion Remastered worth your hard-earned gold in 2025? If you missed it the first time, this is the easiest way to get started. Longtime fans will find familiar joy and a handful of welcome tweaks. The biggest surprise, though, might be the inventiveness bubbling up from the player community—showing that in Cyrodiil, there’s always a new adventure waiting beyond the next Oblivion gate.

TL;DR: Oblivion Remastered landed in April with upgraded visuals, all DLCs, and light gameplay tweaks. It’s not a complete overhaul, but it’s a lovingly modernized gateway to Cyrodiil—especially with a creative community inventing new challenge runs and adventures. Veteran or newcomer, there’s never been a better moment to step through an Oblivion gate.

Source: Bethesda Softworks via GamesPress