The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is out now, and it's still charging extra for horse armor--something Bethesda Game Studios originally did back in 2006 to no small amount of backlash.
The $10 extra digital deluxe edition of Oblivion Remastered includes new quests that reward Akatosh and Merunes Dagon-inspired weapons, armor, and, of course, horse armor. Players have immediately taken notice on social media, and, well, history repeats.
It's worth noting that a large amount of DLC is included with the base version of Oblivion Remastered, including major DLC expansions like Knights of the Nine and The Shivering Isles. It also includes a Horse Armor Pack, meaning there is some free horse armor available.
Paid horse armor doesn't seem like that big of a deal (it isn't really), but it's mostly notable for just how unpopular Bethesda's original decision to sell $2 horse armor as DLC for Oblivion back in 2006 was. It was one of the first major microtransactions in a single player-game, and drew widespread attention and criticism from players.
A look at what's included as part of Oblivion Remastered's digital deluxe edition.
Nearly 20 years later in 2025, Oblivion's $2 horse armor seems quaint. Microtransactions are far more common, and over the years, players have simply accepted microtransactions being available in single player-titles, ranging from purely cosmetic upgrades to even being able to purchase consumable items or speed up progress for real cash.
In that light, the Oblivion Remastered deluxe edition-content feels less egregious than the original horse armor offered in 2006. Still, the decision by Bethesda to put new cosmetic horse armor behind a $10 upgrade is an interesting choice, and one it seems like Bethesda would have rather avoided rather than remind players of its past transgressions.
While Oblivion Remastered is out now, Bethesda's Todd Howard reminded players it's still working on The Elder Scrolls VI. For those exploring Cyrodiil once more, be sure to check out our Oblivion walkthrough, which will be updated to include information about Oblivion Remastered's new leveling changes and more.
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The $10 extra digital deluxe edition of Oblivion Remastered includes new quests that reward Akatosh and Merunes Dagon-inspired weapons, armor, and, of course, horse armor. Players have immediately taken notice on social media, and, well, history repeats.
It's worth noting that a large amount of DLC is included with the base version of Oblivion Remastered, including major DLC expansions like Knights of the Nine and The Shivering Isles. It also includes a Horse Armor Pack, meaning there is some free horse armor available.
Paid horse armor doesn't seem like that big of a deal (it isn't really), but it's mostly notable for just how unpopular Bethesda's original decision to sell $2 horse armor as DLC for Oblivion back in 2006 was. It was one of the first major microtransactions in a single player-game, and drew widespread attention and criticism from players.
A look at what's included as part of Oblivion Remastered's digital deluxe edition.
Nearly 20 years later in 2025, Oblivion's $2 horse armor seems quaint. Microtransactions are far more common, and over the years, players have simply accepted microtransactions being available in single player-titles, ranging from purely cosmetic upgrades to even being able to purchase consumable items or speed up progress for real cash.
In that light, the Oblivion Remastered deluxe edition-content feels less egregious than the original horse armor offered in 2006. Still, the decision by Bethesda to put new cosmetic horse armor behind a $10 upgrade is an interesting choice, and one it seems like Bethesda would have rather avoided rather than remind players of its past transgressions.
While Oblivion Remastered is out now, Bethesda's Todd Howard reminded players it's still working on The Elder Scrolls VI. For those exploring Cyrodiil once more, be sure to check out our Oblivion walkthrough, which will be updated to include information about Oblivion Remastered's new leveling changes and more.
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