In 2006, Bethesda was basking in the glory of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion's success. To keep the magic of Cyrodiil alive for fans, the developer began rolling out small paid DLC packages. However, the launch of their first DLC, the Horse Armor Pack in April, unexpectedly stirred up a storm of controversy. Priced at 200 Microsoft Points, roughly $2.50 at the time, this pack offered armor that was largely cosmetic and didn't enhance gameplay, leading to widespread debate about the value of DLC.
Fast forward to 2025, and cosmetic upgrades have become a staple in the gaming industry. Bethesda has playfully reintroduced this concept with the release of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. Alongside the base edition, a deluxe edition is available for an additional $10, offering players new quests for unique armors, additional weapon options, a digital artbook, a soundtrack app, and, humorously, the return of horse armor—now with two sets to choose from.
Today's gaming community seems to take this in stride. The shock value of cosmetic DLC like horse armor has faded over nearly two decades, and players are now accustomed to spending on such 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 alone. Piscatella remarked, "Horse Armor walked so Battle Passes could run," highlighting the evolution of in-game purchases.
Many fans find Bethesda's nod to the original controversy amusing, appreciating the company's willingness to poke fun at its past. Social media reactions reflect a mix of nostalgia and humor:
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 also hit the ground running with community mods, with several appearing on Nexus Mods shortly after launch, offering minor customization options.
As we anticipate more mods, delve into discussions about whether this release is more of a remake than a remaster and Bethesda's choice of the "Remastered" label.
Our comprehensive guide to Oblivion Remastered includes an expansive Interactive Map, full Walkthroughs for the Main Questline and all Guild Quests, tips on Building the Perfect Character, and Things to Do First, ensuring you have everything you need to dive back into the world of Cyrodiil.
Which Race Are You Playing As in Oblivion?
- Altmer
- Argonian
- Bosmer
- Breton
- Dunmer
- Imperial
- Khajiit
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- Orc
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