Skyblivion — the highly anticipated fan-made recreation of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion developed by the TESRenewal volunteer mod team — has released its first major update since Bethesda's official Oblivion Remastered launched in April, confirming this ambitious project remains on track for its 2025 release.
This passion project utilizes Bethesda's Creation Engine to completely rebuild Oblivion within Skyrim's framework. What began over a decade ago as a straightforward conversion has evolved into a comprehensive reimagining featuring numerous gameplay enhancements and original content. IGN previously spotlighted the development team in a 2021 feature.
According to developers, Bethesda has maintained "strong collaborative relations" with the Skyblivion team. When speculation arose that Bethesda's remaster might overshadow the fan project due to their proximity, the mod team released an official response clarifying that Bethesda has consistently supported community creations and there's no rivalry between the projects. In a show of goodwill, Bethesda even provided the mod team with complimentary copies of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered.
The latest update addresses a common question among fans: "Why pursue Skyblivion when an official remaster exists?"
"The distinction is clear," explains the development team in their new showcase video. "Skyblivion represents a complete overhaul that modernizes Oblivion according to contemporary RPG standards. While the official remaster delivers visual upgrades, our project introduces fundamentally redesigned environments, gameplay systems, and expanded content.
"Every architectural element and landscape has been meticulously recreated with new creative vision. We're revitalizing this nearly twenty-year-old classic through thoughtful redesigns. Though we can't confirm an exact launch date yet, we're confident in our 2025 completion target. These updates demonstrate how this generation's most ambitious modding endeavor has progressed."
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The comprehensive 15-minute presentation features several exciting reveals, including the restoration of Sutch - an eighth city cut from Oblivion's original release but preserved through in-game references. As PC Gamer noted, this marks the first full reconstruction of the abandoned settlement alongside a redesign of coastal Anvil.
"Our mission from the beginning was to rebuild Oblivion using Skyrim's engine," the developers state. "After a decade of dedication, we're finally preparing to unveil our work. With our 2025 target approaching, we're showcasing the Gold Coast region, Anvil cityscapes, Oblivion realms, character customization, and more."
Experienced modders can still contribute to the project as development continues.
In IGN's review of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, we awarded it 8/10, praising it as "an excellent modernization of a landmark RPG, despite retaining some of the original's rough edges."
