In 2006, Bethesda was enjoying tremendous success with The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. To maintain player engagement in Cyrodiil, the studio began releasing small paid DLC packs. Little did they anticipate the uproar that would follow their April release of the game's first DLC - horse armor.
Even if you weren't following gaming news back then, you're probably familiar with the horse armor controversy. While DLC existed before this, Oblivion's Horse Armor Pack (priced at 200 Microsoft Points, roughly $2.50) sparked outrage due to its purely cosmetic nature and perceived lack of value.
Now in 2025, with cosmetic upgrades becoming industry standard, Bethesda can afford to be playful with its release of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered - complete with paid horse armor once again. Today's surprise remaster announcement revealed both standard and deluxe editions, with the $10 premium version including new armor quests, additional weapons, a digital artbook, and (of course) two horse armor sets.
The gaming community's reception has been surprisingly positive this time. Nearly twenty years removed from the original controversy, players now regularly purchase cosmetic content. As Circana analyst Mat Piscatella noted on BlueSky, U.S. consumers spent over $10.4 billion on PC and console digital add-ons in 2024. "Horse Armor pioneered the path for modern battle passes."
The humorous response highlights how Bethesda now leans into what was once a PR nightmare:
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
Beyond horse armor, Oblivion Remastered already features early mod support. Several community mods appeared on Nexus Mods shortly after launch, though currently limited to minor customizations.
While awaiting more substantial mods, players can explore whether this release qualifies more as a remake than remaster, and why Bethesda chose the "Remastered" label.
For newcomers and returning adventurers alike, we've compiled comprehensive resources including an Interactive Map, complete Main Quest and Guild Walkthroughs, Character Building Guides, Essential Early Game Tips, and more.
