The gaming community is buzzing with excitement over the recent release of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, but not all news is good. While the remaster promises improved visuals and new gameplay options, it has also brought disappointing news regarding mod support.
On April 22, 2025, Bethesda officially unveiled and launched The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, a remaster of the classic RPG that has captivated players for nearly two decades. Priced at $50, the remaster is available on Xbox Series X/S, Game Pass, PS5, and PC. It features enhanced graphics, quality-of-life improvements, and a host of new gameplay options that aim to modernize the beloved title.
However, the excitement has been tempered by Bethesda's confirmation that “mods are not supported for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered.” This statement, found on Bethesda's support page, has left many players and modders scratching their heads. While it does not mean players cannot use mods at all, it implies that doing so will be significantly more challenging.
In the past, Bethesda has been known for embracing the modding community, providing official tools and support for titles like Skyrim and Fallout 4. This support has allowed players to easily install and manage mods, even on consoles. With the absence of official mod support for Oblivion Remastered, console players, in particular, will find it virtually impossible to utilize mods without considerable technical knowledge.
Currently, there are already over 20 mods available for Oblivion Remastered on popular modding sites like Nexus Mods, which indicates that the modding community is eager to adapt to the new game. However, without a dedicated creation kit or official tools, modders will face more hurdles than in previous titles. Bethesda's support page even suggests that players experiencing issues while using mods should uninstall them and verify their game files through Steam or the Xbox App.
The lack of official mod support has raised questions about Bethesda's intentions. Some speculate that the remaster’s use of Unreal Engine 5, combined with the original Oblivion engine, may have complicated the development of modding tools. Others wonder if Bethesda plans to introduce mod support in the future, similar to how other games have rolled out updates to include such features after launch.
Despite the challenges, modders are already experimenting with the game. Some have reported success in using existing assets from the original Oblivion to create new mods, even without a formal creation kit. For instance, mods like one that restores the original color shading and another that humorously renames every item in the game to “Bob” have already made their debut.
As the modding community continues to explore possibilities, the absence of official support does not mean the end of modding for Oblivion Remastered. While the process may be trickier, the passion and creativity of modders are likely to shine through as they navigate the new landscape.
Looking ahead, it remains to be seen whether Bethesda will change its stance on mod support for Oblivion Remastered. The company has a history of adapting to player feedback, and given the strong demand for modding tools, it would not be surprising if they reconsider their position in the coming months.
In the meantime, players eager to dive into the remastered world of Tamriel may have to settle for a modding experience that is less streamlined than they had hoped. As more players join the Oblivion Remastered community, the potential for new mods and creative projects will undoubtedly grow, even if they come with a learning curve.
For now, gamers can enjoy the remaster’s new features and improved graphics while keeping an eye on the modding scene. As Oblivion Remastered continues to make waves, one thing is clear: the spirit of modding is very much alive, even if it faces new challenges.
