In 2006, Bethesda was riding the wave of success with The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. To keep the game fresh and fans engaged, they introduced small paid DLC packages. However, their first release in April of that year—the Horse Armor Pack—stirred up significant controversy. Priced at 200 Microsoft Points (around $2.50 at the time) on the 360 Marketplace, it was essentially a cosmetic item with no real utility, sparking debates about the value of such DLCs.
Fast forward to 2025, and the landscape of gaming has evolved. Cosmetic upgrades are now a norm, and Bethesda has playfully revisited the past with the release of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. Alongside the base edition, a deluxe edition is available for an additional $10, which includes new quests, unique armors, additional weapon options, a digital artbook, soundtrack app, and—yes—horse armor, this time with two sets.
The gaming community's response has been largely positive and humorous. Nearly two decades after the initial uproar, players are accustomed to spending on cosmetic enhancements. As noted by Circana analyst Mat Piscatella on BlueSky, U.S. gamers spent over $10.4 billion on digital add-ons for PC and console games in 2024. The sentiment now is that "Horse Armor walked so Battle Passes could run."
Many fans find Bethesda's nod to the past amusing and a sign of the company's confidence in poking fun at its own history.
PAID HORSE ARMOR DLC. OBLIVION IS TRULY BACK. pic.twitter.com/1DJFIPzHB0
— Many A True Nerd (@ManyATrueNerd) April 22, 2025
Honestly I have to respect it. New players won't know this, but releasing the horse armor as paid DLC again is a subtle reference to when they singlehandedly ruined the industry by selling it the first time around. I kneel, Todd. https://t.co/BGwBwL3VYX
— UGS | Ajay (@AJ34_SSB) April 22, 2025
£10 for Horse Armor in #OblivionRemastered ??? There's no way that's gonna catch on pic.twitter.com/E1jqpPZFYr
— Olive_Meister (@Olive_Meisterr) April 22, 2025
Oblivion Remastered has also seen the swift arrival of community mods on Nexus Mods, though these are mostly minor customization options.
While awaiting more mods, you can delve into why some consider this release more of a remake than a remaster, and explore Bethesda's choice of the "Remastered" label.
Our comprehensive guide to Oblivion Remastered includes an expansive Interactive Map, complete Walkthroughs for the Main Questline and all Guild Quests, tips on Building the Perfect Character, Things to Do First, and much more.
Which Race Are You Playing As in Oblivion?
- Altmer
- Argonian
- Bosmer
- Breton
- Dunmer
- Imperial
- Khajiit
- Nord
- Orc
- Redguard
