New reports suggest that The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion could be returning sooner than thought, and in a way that goes against one of Bethesda's most established traditions.
If the latest information proves accurate, the remake is not only real but set to launch in April 2025 without any formal pre-release announcement. A massive shadow drop that will surprise all fans.
Speaking on platforms including Giant Bomb, Jeff Grubb revealed that the remake is anticipated to be released "at any moment this month."
According to Grubb, the decision seems to be a calculated choice by Bethesda and Microsoft to drop the title without prior notice, which would be a big change from how Elder Scrolls games are usually released.
For context, every major and minor Elder Scrolls title, from Arena in 1993 to mobile spin-offs like Blades and Castles, has been formally revealed before launch.
The rumored remake initially surfaced in 2023 during the Microsoft-FTC legal proceedings, where internal documents listed an "Oblivion Remaster" as part of Bethesda's future release roadmap.
Although the original mention was about a remaster, later reports suggest the project has evolved into a more ambitious remake.
Sources suggest that Virtuos, a long-established support studio, is leading the development, creating the game in Unreal Engine 5 while maintaining certain aspects of the original Gamebryo engine.
Recent updates to the backend of Oblivion's Game of the Year Edition on Steam also hint at a possible launch soon.
The promotional trailers for the title were quietly removed on April 3, 2025, which could point to internal efforts for a relaunch or a new version.
No official word came, but the timing closely mirrored insider reports hinting at an April release. Gameplay systems are said to be receiving notable upgrades.
Updates to combat and the user interface will come alongside refinements to mechanics like blocking, stealth, and stamina. Grubb and others have speculated that Bethesda is using Oblivion to test the waters with shadow-dropping a high-profile remake.
Given the strong following and reputation of the title, a surprise release might succeed even without much marketing. Smaller games like Hi-Fi Rush have shown that this format can grab a lot of attention without needing much promotion.
The remake will likely be released on Xbox Series X|S and PC, though official platforms haven't been confirmed yet, following Microsoft's usual strategy.
However, Microsoft's backing multiplatform releases, so we can't rule out PS5 and Switch 2 versions.
What complicates the timeline is that April is already packed for Xbox. Between South of Midnight, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and Forza Horizon 5's PS5 launch, there's barely room for more major news.
Some insiders now think Oblivion might be quietly added to the calendar or pushed back until May or June when things settle down.
Either way, the insiders are convinced: the game is done, and it's only a matter of time.