Oblivion Remastered: 7 Biggest Differences From the Original Game

Forget hazy memories of dated graphics and clunky combat. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered isn't just a fresh coat of paint; it's a full-blown resurrection of a classic. While the soul of Cyrodiil remains intact, Bethesda has rebuilt the game from the ground up, crafting a worthy successor to the 2006 masterpiece. Here are the seven biggest game-changers you need to know before venturing back through the Oblivion gates.

1. Cyrodiil Like You've Never Seen It

Powered by the might of Unreal Engine 5, Oblivion Remastered transforms the familiar landscapes of Cyrodiil into a breathtaking spectacle. Every texture, model, and spell effect has been meticulously reimagined with modern shaders, ray-traced lighting, and vastly improved animations. It's the same Cyrodiil you love, just gloriously reborn.

2. Combat That Actually Feels Good

Say goodbye to the floaty, unsatisfying combat of the original. Revamped animations and location-based hit reactions make every sword swing and arrow strike feel impactful. Daggers now boast a brutal four-hit combo culminating in a vicious two-handed plunge, while enemies react realistically to where they're hit. Prepare for visceral, fast-paced battles that will leave you breathless.

3. Stealth That's More Than an Eye Icon

The clunky "eye icon" stealth system is a relic of the past. Oblivion Remastered adopts Skyrim's more nuanced approach, with the eye dynamically opening and closing based on your visibility. This provides real-time feedback, making stealth gameplay more strategic and engaging.

4. Level Up, Your Way

The restrictive Major Skills leveling system is gone. Now, every skill contributes to your overall progression, and each level grants you 12 Virtue Points to allocate to your Attributes. This provides unparalleled control over your character's growth, allowing for diverse builds and eliminating the tedious min-max grind.

5. A UI That's Both Classic and Cutting-Edge

The familiar parchment-and-gilt aesthetic of Oblivion's UI remains, but with a much-needed dose of modernity. Inventory management is streamlined, quest logs are crystal clear, and navigation is smoother than ever, regardless of whether you're on PC or console. No more fan-made UI mods required!

6. Difficulty Tailored to Your Tastes

Forget the vague difficulty slider. Oblivion Remastered introduces five distinct difficulty tiers, from Easy to Legendary, allowing for precise control over the challenge. Adjust enemy health and damage output to your liking, creating the perfect experience for your playstyle.

7. A Symphony of New Sounds

While many beloved voice lines remain, Warhorse Studios has infused Oblivion Remastered with a wealth of new recordings. Additional actors ensure that races no longer share the same limited voice pool, while revamped ambient sounds, spell effects, and combat audio create a truly immersive soundscape.

Return to Glory

Oblivion Remastered isn't just a remaster; it's a reimagining. It captures the magic of the original while elevating every aspect of the experience. Whether you're a seasoned veteran returning to a beloved world or a newcomer ready to explore Cyrodiil for the first time, prepare for an unforgettable journey. The gates are open.