The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Is Once Again Offering Paid Horse Armor DLC

In 2006, Bethesda was basking in the glow of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion's success. To keep fans engaged with the world of Cyrodiil, the developer began releasing small, paid DLC packages. However, the launch of their first DLC, the Horse Armor Pack in April, plunged them into unexpected controversy. Priced at 200 Microsoft Points on the Xbox 360 Marketplace—roughly $2.50 at the time—this pack stirred up a storm due to its perceived lack of value and utility.

Even if you weren't a gamer back then, you've probably heard about the infamous horse armor controversy. While downloadable content (DLC) was not new, the Horse Armor Pack set a precedent that caused widespread debate over the value of cosmetic upgrades in video games.

Fast forward to 2025, and the landscape of video games has shifted dramatically. Cosmetic upgrades are now a staple in the industry, allowing Bethesda to take a playful jab at the past with the release of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. Alongside the base game, a deluxe edition is available for an additional $10. This edition includes new quests for unique armors, additional weapon options, a digital artbook, a soundtrack app, and yes, the iconic horse armor once again—offered in two sets.

The gaming community seems to be embracing this move with a sense of humor and nostalgia. Nearly two decades have passed since the initial uproar, and players are now accustomed to paying for cosmetic enhancements. As noted by Circana analyst Mat Piscatella on BlueSky, U.S. consumers spent over $10.4 billion on PC and console digital add-ons in 2024. He remarked, "Horse Armor walked so Battle Passes could run," highlighting the evolution of the industry.

Many fans find it amusing that Bethesda is cheekily referencing a once-scandalous moment. Social media reactions have been lighthearted and appreciative of the nod to gaming history:

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

Oblivion Remastered has already seen the emergence of mods, with several community-created options appearing on Nexus Mods shortly after the game's launch. These mods primarily offer small customization tweaks.

While waiting for more mods to become available, you can delve into discussions on why some consider the release to be more of a remake than a remaster, and Bethesda's reasoning behind the "Remastered" label.

For those eager to explore everything Oblivion Remastered has to offer, our comprehensive guide covers it all: from an expansive Interactive Map, complete Walkthroughs for the Main Questline and every Guild Quest, to tips on How to Build the Perfect Character and Things to Do First.