The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is an open-world RPG set in the fantasy province of Cyrodiil. After the death of the emperor, gates to the demonic world of Oblivion threaten the realm. The character you create can follow the main story, explore the cities and landscapes, or join various guilds.

The game combines combat, magic, stealth mechanics, conversations and free exploration from a first-person or third-person perspective.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion was released on Mar 20, 2006 for Windows PC and Xbox 360. The PlayStation 3 version followed on Mar 20, 2007.

Later, the expansions Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles as well as several bundle editions were released. Since Oct 15, 2026, GOG has offered the PC version with modernized controller support and five language versions.

Oblivion was originally released natively for Windows PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. On newer Xbox consoles, the Xbox 360 version can be played via backward compatibility. This does not create a separate Xbox Series version.

On PC, options include the Steam edition and the DRM-free version on GOG. The Oblivion Remastered, released in 2025, is a separate, technically rebuilt game.

Oblivion combines free exploration with role-playing, combat, magic and stealth mechanics. Cities, dungeons, forests and dangerous Oblivion gates can be explored largely independently of the main story.

Quests lead to various guilds, political conflicts and magical artifacts. Equipment and skills affect how enemies are fought and tasks are solved.

Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles are the two major expansions for Oblivion. Knights of the Nine tells a story about a knightly order and the search for holy relics. Shivering Isles leads into the realm of the Daedric Prince Sheogorath, with the regions Mania and Dementia.

The Game of the Year Edition includes both expansions. The Deluxe Edition additionally offers smaller content packs such as Mehrune’s Razor and The Thieves Den.

The original Windows version requires at least a 2 GHz processor, 512 MB RAM and a DirectX 9-compatible graphics card with 128 MB memory. Around 4.6 GB of free storage is listed for installation.

The figures refer to the 2006 PC version. On today's operating systems, running the game also depends on the store version and its compatibility adjustments.

Since Oct 2026, the GOG version of Oblivion supports modern controllers and five language versions. The edition can be installed without an additional game client.

At the start of Oblivion, your character's appearance, race and basic skills are set. Many skills improve through use. Fighting, sneaking and magic open up different playstyles.

Items can be enchanted and alchemy ingredients turned into potions.

Oblivion includes standalone quest lines for various guilds. The Fighters Guild, Mages Guild, Thieves Guild and Dark Brotherhood present your character with different tasks.

Many stories in Cyrodiil's cities and villages can be experienced independently of the main quest.

Shivering Isles takes players to the isles of madness ruled by Sheogorath. The realm consists of the opposing regions Mania and Dementia. New dungeons, creatures, equipment and a separate story expand the main game.

The expansion is included in the Game of the Year Edition.