Just a few hours after its official release, Oblivion Remastered has swiftly climbed Steam’s most played charts, crossing the impressive threshold of over 120,000 concurrent users. This surge places it firmly within the top 10 most played titles on the platform, drawing close to the likes of modern RPG juggernauts such as Baldur’s Gate 3.
Anticipation around this release had been steadily growing ever since whispers of its development surfaced in 2023. While the price point—$50, or $60 for a version with the newly added horse armor—sparked debate among fans, it clearly hasn’t deterred eager players. Despite the game also being available on Game Pass, the sheer volume of players shows that excitement has translated into action.
A Major Milestone for the Franchise
At launch, Oblivion Remastered rapidly outperformed the peak concurrent player count of Skyrim Special Edition, which previously held the franchise’s record on Steam with just under 70,000 players. This new benchmark solidifies the remaster’s place as a major event in the Elder Scrolls series’ timeline.
What’s more, the game’s audience appears to include not only long-time fans but also a new generation. Many current players were likely too young—or not even born—when Oblivion was originally released in 2006. For them, the remaster provides an updated gateway into the world of Cyrodiil, free from the compatibility issues and outdated visuals that typically come with older games.
Bethesda Welcomes Players Old and New
Bethesda addressed this growing community in a message shared on social media. The studio stated that while many loyal fans would be excited to revisit Oblivion, the team was equally enthusiastic about introducing it to first-time players. The post emphasized a hope that no matter the player’s background, stepping out into the world from the iconic Imperial sewer would still feel magical and fresh.
The developers also reflected on the journey of bringing this remaster to life. Starting the project in 2021, the goal was to enhance rather than reinvent. The team collaborated with Virtuos to overhaul visuals, animations, effects, and audio while maintaining the soul of the original. Gameplay mechanics, including the leveling system, were refined for smoother progression, yet the essence of a classic 2000s RPG was carefully preserved.
A Memorable Return to Cyrodiil
One of the most celebrated aspects of the original Oblivion was its opening—a moment of sudden freedom and vast possibility as players stepped into the open world. This element remains a key draw, with fans and newcomers alike relishing the experience of setting off on their own path in an expansive fantasy realm.
It’s important to note that these impressive numbers reflect only the Steam version. The game is also available on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, the Windows Store, and via Game Pass. As more players in North America log on after work or school, the peak player count is likely to rise even further.
While some may argue that the enthusiasm could wane—after all, this is a game from nearly two decades ago—the early momentum suggests Oblivion Remastered is enjoying a triumphant and heartfelt reception. Whether it’s a nostalgic return or a brand-new adventure, players are clearly eager to explore the land of Cyrodiil once again.
Also check Oblivion`s system requirements.