The gaming community is buzzing with excitement as rumors swirl around the highly anticipated remaster of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Scheduled to potentially drop on April 21, 2025, this remaster is expected to be a monumental upgrade, boasting a file size of 120GB, which is approximately 22 times larger than the original game.
According to prominent leaker Kran27, the remaster will not only enhance the graphics but will also improve gameplay mechanics, leveraging the power of Unreal Engine 5. This upgrade is set to bring a fresh experience to both new players and long-time fans of the franchise. The original Oblivion, released back in 2006, took up a mere 5.52GB, including its expansions, Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles. The substantial increase in size reflects the remaster's ambition to include much more content and improved visual fidelity.
In a surprising twist, Xbox Support reportedly mentioned that the remaster is set to launch at 12 PM ET on April 21, 2025. However, it’s worth noting that this information was relayed by an AI agent, which may not guarantee its accuracy. Despite this uncertainty, the excitement surrounding the release is palpable, with many fans eagerly awaiting confirmation from Bethesda and Microsoft.
Adding to the intrigue, a SteamDB page for Oblivion Remastered surfaced, first appearing on September 26, 2023. Although the page remains largely empty, its existence suggests that preparations for the remaster are well underway. The community's enthusiasm is further fueled by the discovery of stunning 3D potion models and shaders created by Mark Kirillov, a Lead 3D Technical Artist at Virtuos, the studio believed to be developing the remaster. These assets, initially presented as a personal project, have led many to speculate that they could be part of the new game.
As the April 21 date approaches, speculation continues to run rampant. Detective Seeds, a notable figure in the gaming community, hinted at the remaster's launch, only to later remove the post, increasing the air of mystery. Traces of a dedicated game page were found on the Bing search engine, further hinting at the remaster’s imminent arrival. Yet, despite all the leaks and rumors, Bethesda has remained tight-lipped, not officially acknowledging the remaster.
Industry insiders like NateTheHate and Andy Robinson of VGC have corroborated the existence of the remaster, affirming that it is indeed being developed by Virtuos. The game is expected to enhance key gameplay systems, including the HUD (Head-Up Display), stamina management, sneaking mechanics, blocking, archery, and hit reactions. These upgrades aim to modernize the experience while retaining the charm that made the original game a classic.
Interestingly, some Reddit users have cautioned fans about the potential misinformation circulating regarding the release date. A post clarified that while many insiders mentioned the week of April 21, no one definitively stated that the game would drop on that specific date. This cautionary note serves as a reminder for fans to temper their expectations amidst the hype.
As anticipation builds, many gamers are preparing to make room on their consoles for the hefty 120GB file size. The remaster is rumored to be available on multiple platforms, including PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. Additionally, there are indications that it may be included in the Xbox Game Pass subscription, making it accessible to a wider audience.
With the original game celebrating its 20th anniversary next year, the timing of this remaster seems deliberate. Fans are eager to revisit the vast world of Tamriel, exploring its rich lore and engaging gameplay with enhanced graphics and features. The remaster promises to breathe new life into a beloved classic, potentially attracting a new generation of players.
As the gaming community eagerly awaits April 21, the question on everyone’s mind is whether this remaster will live up to the lofty expectations set by the original. With the leaks and rumors swirling, it’s clear that the excitement surrounding The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is at an all-time high. Whether it’s nostalgia for longtime fans or curiosity from newcomers, the remaster is poised to make a significant impact in the gaming landscape.
In the coming days, as we draw closer to the rumored release date, all eyes will be on Bethesda and Microsoft for any official announcements. Will they confirm the leaks? Will they finally unveil the remaster that fans have been waiting for? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the gaming world is ready for a return to Tamriel.
