In 2006, Bethesda was enjoying widespread acclaim for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. To maintain player engagement in Cyrodiil, the studio introduced small paid DLC expansions. Unbeknownst to them, their first April release—horse armor—would spark widespread debate.
Even casual gamers recognize the infamous horse armor discourse. While downloadable content existed beforehand, Oblivion's $2.50 Horse Armor Pack ignited criticism for offering minimal gameplay value.
Nearly twenty years later, cosmetic microtransactions have become standard—allowing Bethesda to humorously reintroduce paid horse armor in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. Today's surprise launch revealed both standard and deluxe editions, with the latter costing $10 extra for bonus quests, exclusive weapons, digital artbooks... and yes, two sets of horse armor.
Modern players largely view this with amusement rather than outrage. Industry analyst Mat Piscatella noted U.S. gamers spent $10.4 billion on digital add-ons last year, remarking: "Horse Armor pioneered the path for modern monetization."
The gaming community particularly enjoys Bethesda's self-aware reference to its controversial legacy.
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
The remaster launched with both official content and player mods, with customization options appearing on Nexus Mods within hours.
For deeper analysis, explore why some consider this more remake than remaster and Bethesda's naming rationale.
Our complete guide covers Oblivion Remastered's features including interactive maps, quest walkthroughs, character builds, and essential starting tips.
