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 game's world of Cyrodiil alive and engaging, they began rolling out small paid DLC packages. However, the release of their first DLC in April, the Horse Armor Pack, plunged them into a whirlwind of controversy. Priced at 200 Microsoft Points on the 360 Marketplace, which equated to roughly $2.50 at the time, this seemingly trivial cosmetic upgrade sparked significant backlash due to its perceived lack of utility.

Fast forward to 2025, and the landscape of video game monetization has evolved dramatically. Cosmetic upgrades are now the norm, and Bethesda has embraced this shift with the launch of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. Alongside today's reveal and immediate release, it was announced that the game will be available in both a base and a deluxe edition. For an additional $10, buyers of the deluxe edition will gain access to new quests, unique armors, additional weapon options, a digital artbook, a soundtrack app, and, in a nod to the past, two sets of horse armor.

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. video game consumers spent over $10.4 billion on digital add-ons in 2024. "Horse Armor walked so Battle Passes could run," he remarked, highlighting the evolution of in-game purchases.

Many fans appreciate Bethesda's playful acknowledgment of the past controversy. Social media reactions have been filled with laughter and respect for the company's cheekiness:

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 isn't just bringing back horse armor; it's also embracing the modding community. Just hours after the game's launch, a variety of mods appeared on popular platforms like Nexus Mods, offering minor but exciting customization options.

As we anticipate more mods to enhance the gaming experience, delve into why some players believe today's release is more of a remake than a remaster, and explore Bethesda's reasoning behind the "Remastered" label.

For a deep dive into everything Oblivion Remastered has to offer, check out our comprehensive 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, Things to Do First, and much more.