Rumored Remake of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion: What We Know So Far

Rumored Remake of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion: What We Know So Far

As of March 12, 2025, excitement is building among fans of The Elder Scrolls franchise with rumors swirling about a potential remake of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Leaks and discussions on social media platforms, combined with reports from gaming insiders, suggest that Bethesda may be preparing to unveil a modernized version of the beloved 2006 RPG. Here's a detailed look at the latest information, its credibility, and what it could mean for fans.

Key Details of the Rumored Remake

According to recent leaks, the remake of Oblivion is slated for an announcement on April 20, 2025, with a release targeted for June 2025. The project is reportedly a full remake, utilizing Unreal Engine 5 to deliver enhanced graphics and gameplay. Some leaks suggest the game will feature fluidity and controls reminiscent of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, while offering visual quality surpassing Starfield and Fallout, with graphics comparable to Metal Gear Solid 3: Delta. This indicates a significant visual and technical overhaul, potentially appealing to both longtime fans and new players.

The rumored remake is said to include restored cut content and all expansions and DLC from the original game, such as Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine. Pricing is reportedly set at $79.99, with a deluxe edition offering additional perks like an art book, soundtrack, and armor sets inspired by Morrowind and Skyrim. However, a notable point of contention is the lack of planned mod support, attributed to challenges with integrating modding capabilities into Unreal Engine 5, which could disappoint the modding community that has kept Oblivion alive for nearly two decades.

Verifying the Leaks

While no official announcement has come from Bethesda as of March 12, 2025, the details align with a series of leaks and rumors that have circulated since 2023. Gaming news outlets, such as Gamerant and IGN, have reported on insider predictions, including speculation about an Xbox Developer Direct in January 2025 that might reveal the project-though that event remains unconfirmed. An Xbox insider's claim in late 2024, as noted by TechRadar, suggested an Oblivion remake reveal was imminent, fueling speculation.

The use of Unreal Engine 5 is a consistent thread across leaks, supported by fan projects like Greg Coulthard's port of Oblivion in Unreal Engine 5.3, released in December 2024, which demonstrates the engine's potential for remastering the game. However, some leaks mistakenly mention the remake running on the Creation Engine, which is inaccurate. Oblivion originally used the Gamebryo engine, as confirmed by sources like UESP and Wikipedia, while the Creation Engine debuted with Skyrim. This error likely stems from confusion or misinterpretation in the leaks, and no evidence supports the Creation Engine's involvement as of now.

To provide a structured overview of the rumor's claims and their verification status, the following table summarizes the key points:

Gameplay improvements, including changes to stamina, sneaking, and blocking inspired by Soulslike mechanics, have also been mentioned in reports from VGC and Rock Paper Shotgun. These updates align with the leak's claim of a modernized experience, potentially making Oblivion more accessible to today's gamers while retaining its core identity.

Fan Reactions and Concerns

The rumors have sparked a range of reactions among fans. Many are excited about the prospect of exploring Cyrodiil with updated graphics and restored content, but the $79.99 price tag and lack of mod support have drawn criticism. Oblivion's modding community has been instrumental in extending the game's lifespan, with projects like Skyblivion-a fan-made remake using Skyrim's engine-gaining significant attention. The absence of mod support, attributed to Unreal Engine 5's complexities, has led some to question whether the official remake will meet their expectations.

Discussions on platforms like Reddit highlight fans' desire for Bethesda to preserve Oblivion's unique charm, such as its quirky NPCs and open-world exploration, while modernizing its combat and graphics. The high price point, typical for AAA titles but steep for a nearly 20-year-old game, has also raised concerns, with some preferring to wait for fan projects or discounted versions of the original.

Broader Context

The Oblivion remake fits into Bethesda's strategy of revisiting its classic titles, following the success of Skyrim's multiple re-releases and the anticipation for The Elder Scrolls VI. Rumors of a 2025 release coincide with the franchise's approach to its 20th anniversary in 2026, making it a strategic time for such an announcement. However, Bethesda's focus on Xbox exclusives, post-Microsoft acquisition, raises questions about platform availability, though fans hope for multi-platform support, including PlayStation.

Fan projects like Skyblivion, expected to release in 2025, and Unreal Engine 5 demos showcase the community's dedication to Oblivion. These efforts highlight the game's enduring popularity, but they also set a high bar for Bethesda's official remake, which must balance modernization with fidelity to the original.

What's Next?

As of March 12, 2025, the information remains speculative until Bethesda provides an official statement. The rumored April 20 announcement date offers a clear timeline for confirmation or clarification. Fans are advised to approach these leaks with cautious optimism, given the history of unverified rumors in gaming. If true, the Oblivion remake could revitalize interest in the Elder Scrolls series, bridging the gap until The Elder Scrolls VI's eventual release.

For now, the gaming community watches closely, balancing excitement with skepticism, as the possibility of revisiting Tamriel's fiery gates in a new light looms on the horizon. Whether this remake will live up to fans' expectations-or spark further debate-remains to be seen, but the buzz surrounding The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is undeniable.