Bethesda is reportedly gearing up to unveil its highly anticipated remake of *The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion* in the coming weeks, with a release expected shortly thereafter. According to insider NatetheHate, who previously accurately predicted the announcement date for the Nintendo Switch 2, the reveal of the Oblivion remake is slated for either this month or next month. This information has been corroborated by VGC, adding credibility to the imminent announcement.
While the exact release window remains somewhat uncertain, NatetheHate suggests a launch before June, whereas VGC indicates it could be as early as April. This exciting news has fans eagerly awaiting more details about what to expect from this modernized version of the beloved RPG.
In January, *Mp1st* reported on seemingly leaked details of the Oblivion remake from a former employee at video game support studio Virtuos. Microsoft, when approached by IGN for comment, remained silent on the matter. According to *Mp1st*, Virtuos has utilized Unreal Engine 5 for a significant overhaul of Bethesda's iconic open-world game, suggesting a full remake rather than a simple remaster. The report also highlighted various gameplay changes, including modifications to Stamina, Sneak, Blocking, Archery, Hit Reaction, and the heads-up display (HUD).
The changes reportedly aim to enhance gameplay dynamics. For instance, Blocking has been revamped to be more engaging, drawing inspiration from action games and Soulslikes, addressing the original's perceived "boring" and "frustrating" mechanics. Sneak icons are now highlighted with an updated damage calculation system, while triggering a knockdown from depleted Stamina has become more challenging. Additionally, the HUD has been redesigned for better clarity, hit reactions have been added for improved feedback, and Archery has been modernized for both first and third-person views.
Every IGN Elder Scrolls Review
27 Images
Rumors of an Oblivion remaster first surfaced in 2023 when documents from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) versus Microsoft trial over the acquisition of Activision Blizzard were made public. These documents outlined several unannounced Bethesda projects set for future release, including an "Oblivion Remaster" planned for the financial year 2022. Other titles listed included an Indiana Jones game, *Doom Year Zero* and its DLC, *Project Kestrel*, *Project Platinum*, *The Elder Scrolls 6*, a *Fallout 3 Remaster*, a *Ghostwire: Tokyo* sequel, *Dishonored 3*, and additional *DOOM Year Zero* DLC.
However, many of these projects have faced delays or cancellations. *Doom Year Zero* has been rebranded as *Doom: The Dark Ages* and is set to launch in May, while *Indiana Jones and the Great Circle* was released in December 2024. *The Elder Scrolls 6* did not meet its projected timeline for the financial year 2024.
The original mention of the Oblivion project as a "remaster" in the Microsoft document raises questions about whether its scope has expanded into a full remake. Fans will soon find out as Bethesda prepares to lift the veil on what has become one of the most talked-about secrets in gaming.
As for the platforms, with Microsoft now embracing multiplatform releases and the Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, the Oblivion remake could be available on more than just PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. Should the Switch 2 launch around June, it's possible that the Oblivion remake could be part of its launch lineup, opening up new worlds of adventure to a broader audience.
