In 2006, Bethesda capitalized on the success of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion by introducing small paid downloadable content (DLC) packs. Their first venture into this territory came in April with the controversial Horse Armor Pack, priced at 200 Microsoft Points ($2.50). At the time, the notion of paying for cosmetic items like horse armor stirred significant debate within the gaming community due to its perceived lack of practical value.
Fast forward to 2025, Bethesda has embraced nostalgia with the release of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. The remastered version offers both a base and deluxe edition. For an additional $10, players purchasing the deluxe edition gain access to exclusive content, including new quests, weapon options, a digital artbook, and—perhaps unsurprisingly—the infamous horse armor. This time around, two sets of horse armor are included.
Fans largely seem amused by the cheeky inclusion, reflecting the evolution of gaming culture where cosmetic purchases are now commonplace. Analysts note that U.S. gamers spent over $10.4 billion on digital add-ons in 2024, underscoring the shift in consumer expectations. While some find humor in Bethesda's nod to past controversies, others appreciate the nostalgic value.
Accompanying the remaster, a comprehensive guide is available, covering everything from interactive maps and walkthroughs to character creation tips and must-do activities. For those diving back into Oblivion, the choice of race remains a personal decision, offering diverse playstyles across the ten playable races.