Following the recent release of the official updated version of Oblivion, the developers behind the ambitious Skyblivion mod, which has been in creation for over a decade, are keen to clarify that their project is far more than just a graphics upgrade. They state it `reimagines Oblivion from the ground up`.
Skyblivion aims to recreate the 2006 open-world RPG within the engine of 2011`s Skyrim, albeit with added new content and gameplay alterations. The mod is still slated for release in 2025. In the latest development diary for the project, the TESRenewal mod team addresses a question that has been prevalent since Oblivion Remastered launched in April: “What is the purpose of Skyblivion if the official remaster is already available?”
The developer diary states: “The answer is simple. Skyblivion is a full-scale remake that re-envisions Oblivion entirely, aligning it with modern RPG standards. While the official remaster impressively upgrades textures and assets, Skyblivion introduces entirely newly designed areas, dungeons, cities, gameplay enhancements, and much more.”
The developers emphasize that this is not merely Oblivion running on a new engine; they have “meticulously redesigned every fort, home, cave, and landscape.”
“We have infused this kind of creative detail to breathe new life into a beloved classic—one that is nearly two decades old,” the diary notes.
The remainder of the dev diary provides ample evidence supporting the team`s `full-scale remake` assertions, specifically detailing how they have revamped the city of Anvil to include a large harbor and are introducing a new Oblivion biome to make closing Oblivion gates `less repetitive and monotonous`.
An overhaul of the original game`s `unique` items is also coming with Skyblivion. The developers point out that in the original game, most unique items were `unique in name only` and largely consisted of modified versions of existing items with recolored textures and slight stat boosts. In Skyblivion, unique items will be `truly unique,` featuring updated appearances and, for many unique weapons, new attack animations to help players `diversify` their playstyle.
Previous Skyblivion updates have already indicated the inclusion of new quests, monsters, a reimagined lockpicking minigame, and new music, along with updates to the game`s menus and user interface.
Skyblivion does not have a precise release date, but the developer diary mentions that the team is `confident` it will achieve its goal of releasing this year. The mod will be available for free download to those who own both Skyrim: Special Edition and Oblivion: GOTY Deluxe on PC.
The developers stated: “We are excited to showcase more soon and get Skyblivion into your hands, but we still have work to do in finalizing key areas and ensuring Skyblivion has proper quality and assurance to make sure we all receive the game fans deserve.”
Following the announcement of Oblivion Remastered, Skyblivion`s project lead described the remaster`s release as a `win-win situation` for the community. Bethesda later gifted copies of Oblivion Remastered to the entire Skyblivion mod development team.