"Oblivion Remastered Reintroduces Paid Horse Armor DLC"

In 2006, Bethesda was basking in the glow of success from The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. To keep the community engaged with the world of Cyrodiil, the company began offering small paid DLC packages. However, the release of the first DLC, the Horse Armor Pack, in April of that year sparked a significant controversy. Priced at 200 Microsoft Points, roughly $2.50 at the time, the Horse Armor Pack was criticized for its perceived lack of utility, despite being one of the earliest examples of cosmetic DLC.

Fast forward to 2025, and the landscape of video game monetization has shifted dramatically. Cosmetic upgrades have become the norm, allowing Bethesda to playfully revisit the past with the release of *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered*. Alongside today's surprise announcement and immediate availability of the remaster, Bethesda unveiled two editions: a base edition and a deluxe edition. For an additional $10, deluxe edition purchasers gain access to exclusive content, including new quests, unique armors, extra weapons, a digital artbook, a soundtrack app, and, amusingly, horse armor once again—offered in two distinct sets.

The reaction from fans has been largely positive and humorous. The initial shock of paid cosmetic DLC like horse armor has faded over nearly two decades, as players have grown accustomed to spending on such enhancements. According to Circana analyst Mat Piscatella on BlueSky, U.S. consumers spent over $10.4 billion on digital add-ons for PC and console games in 2024 alone. As Piscatella noted, "Horse Armor walked so Battle Passes could run."

Many fans see Bethesda's decision to include horse armor in the remastered version as a light-hearted nod to a once-infamous scandal. Social media platforms have been buzzing with reactions:

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

The release of Oblivion Remastered has also seen the immediate emergence of community mods on popular platforms like Nexus Mods, offering players additional customization options just hours after the game's launch.

While we await more mods, delve into why some consider this release more of a remake than a remaster and why Bethesda chose the "Remastered" label in the first place.

For a comprehensive experience with Oblivion Remastered, check out our detailed guide. It includes an expansive Interactive Map, complete Walkthroughs for the Main Questline and every Guild Quest, tips on How to Build the Perfect Character, and Things to Do First, among other resources.

Which Race Are You Playing As in Oblivion? ------------------------------------------

AltmerArgonianBosmerBretonDunmerImperialKhajiitNordOrcRedguard

AnswerSee Results