The internet has a funny way of manifesting things that don't actually exist yet. If you’ve spent any time on Reddit or scrolled through specialized RPG forums lately, you’ve probably seen the whispers. People are desperate to know: does Oblivion remaster have Shivering Isles, or are we all just chasing a nostalgia-fueled fever dream? It’s a valid question. After all, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is widely considered the peak of Bethesda’s quest design, and the Shivering Isles expansion is basically the gold standard for what a DLC should look like.
But here is the cold, hard truth right out of the gate. As of early 2026, Bethesda has not officially released a "Remaster" or "Remake" of Oblivion.
Wait. Don’t close the tab just yet.
While an official, shiny new box labeled "Oblivion Remastered" isn't sitting on your Xbox Dashboard or Steam library right now, the story is a lot more complicated than a simple "no." Between massive leaked documents from the FTC v. Microsoft court case and some truly insane community projects, the answer to whether you can play a modernized version of Shivering Isles is actually "sort of."
The Leak That Started the Fire
Let’s talk about those Microsoft leaks. Back in 2023, a massive internal roadmap from ZeniMax (Bethesda’s parent company) accidentally went public during legal proceedings. On that list, nestled between Starfield updates and Indiana Jones, was a mention of an Oblivion Remaster. It was slated for a much earlier release than where we are now, which suggests development hurdles or a shift in internal priorities.
If—and it’s a big "if"—Bethesda eventually pushes that project to the finish line, it would be a massive failure on their part not to include the DLC. Historically, Bethesda doesn’t do "half" remasters. Look at Skyrim: Special Edition or the Anniversary Edition. They pack every single piece of content into the bundle.
So, if an official Oblivion remaster ever hits the shelves, you can bet your last Septim that the Shivering Isles will be the centerpiece. You can't have Cyrodiil without the Contrast of the Mad God’s realm. It's the best part of the game. Period.
What About Skyblivion?
If you’re asking "does Oblivion remaster have Shivering Isles" because you’ve seen those gorgeous 4K trailers of the Fringe or New Sheoth, you’re likely looking at Skyblivion.
This is a fan-made project. But calling it a "mod" feels like an insult. It’s a total recreation of Oblivion inside the Skyrim engine (specifically the Creation Engine used for the Special Edition). The team behind it has been working for over a decade. They have been very transparent about their roadmap.
The Skyblivion team has confirmed that while the base game of Cyrodiil is the priority for their 2025/2026 release window, the Shivering Isles is absolutely part of the long-term plan. However, it might not be there on Day One. They are rebuilding every asset from scratch. Every twisted mushroom, every Grummite, and every line of Sheogorath’s manic dialogue has to be ported or remade.
It's a Herculean task. Honestly, it's amazing they’ve gotten this far.
Why Shivering Isles is Non-Negotiable
Why do we even care this much?
Because Shivering Isles changed the game. It wasn't just a map expansion; it was a vibe shift. You step through a portal in Niben Bay and suddenly you’re in a world split between Mania and Dementia. The colors are too bright, the shadows are too deep, and the NPCs are genuinely unsettling.
- Mania: Bright, neon flora and addicts who are literally dying of joy.
- Dementia: Grey, swampy, paranoid landscapes where everyone thinks you're out to get them (and they're usually right).
If a remaster skipped this, it wouldn't be a remaster. It would be a carcass. The community would riot. Bethesda knows this. When they remastered Skyrim, they didn't leave Dragonborn behind. When they brought Morrowind to the original Xbox as a "Game of the Year" edition, it had Tribunal and Bloodmoon. The precedent is there.
The Technical Hurdles of a Real Remaster
Modernizing Oblivion isn't as easy as flipping a switch. The original game runs on an older version of the Gamebryo engine. It’s janky. We love the jank, but it’s still jank.
The "Adoring Fan" memes exist for a reason—the character models look like melting wax figures. To do a proper remaster that includes the Shivering Isles, Bethesda would have to:
- Overhaul the AI: The "Radiant AI" system was revolutionary in 2006 but leads to some bizarre behavior in 2026.
- Texture Upscaling: The weird, fleshy textures of the Shivering Isles would look bizarre with modern lighting if they weren't completely redrawn.
- Stability: Oblivion is notorious for crashing when you have too many active quests or save files that get too bloated.
There is a rumor that the supposed remaster is being handled by Virtuos Games. They’re the ones who worked on the Horizon Zero Dawn remaster. If they are using a "pairing" system—running the original engine alongside a new graphical layer (similar to how Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary worked)—then including the DLC is actually easier because the underlying code is already there.
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How to Play the "Best" Version Right Now
If you're tired of waiting for a corporate announcement that might be years away, you have options. You can basically build your own remaster today.
On PC, the modding scene has reached a point where Oblivion looks better than many PS4-era games. If you use "Oblivion Upscaled Textures" (OUT) and a solid ENB (a graphical enhancement suite), the Shivering Isles looks breathtaking.
Xbox players actually have it pretty good, too. Thanks to the backwards compatibility team at Microsoft, Oblivion runs at 4K on the Xbox Series X with Auto-HDR and FPS Boost. It’s not a remaster in the sense of new assets, but it is the smoothest, crispest version of the Shivering Isles ever officially released.
It runs at a locked 60fps. That alone makes the combat feel 100% better.
The Misinformation Problem
You might see "leaked" box art on Twitter or YouTube thumbnails claiming the remaster is out "Next Month." Usually, these are just people using AI to generate fake covers or clout-chasing.
Always check the official Bethesda Socials or the Xbox Wire. If it isn't there, it isn't real. There was a specific "leak" in late 2024 that claimed a "Gold Edition" remaster was coming with Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine integrated into the main map. It turned out to be a very well-made fan concept.
Don't get your hopes up based on a blurry screenshot.
Final Verdict on the Remaster Content
So, to recap the current state of the world: No, there is no official Oblivion remaster currently available to buy. However, the evidence from the Microsoft leaks suggests it has been in some form of development.
If it does manifest, it is statistically certain to include the Shivering Isles. Bethesda's business model for the last decade has been "definitive editions." They want you to buy the whole package.
In the meantime, keep an eye on Skyblivion. They are the ones doing the heavy lifting. Their version of the Shivering Isles will likely be the "remaster" we all actually wanted, even if it’s a community project rather than a corporate release.
Actionable Steps for Oblivion Fans
If you're itching to go back to the Isles, don't wait for a remaster that might be stuck in "development hell."
- For PC Gamers: Install the Wabbajack tool. It’s an automated modlist installer. Look for the "Bevilex's Modlist" or "Heartland." It will transform your steam copy of Oblivion into a modern-looking masterpiece with a few clicks.
- For Console Gamers: If you have an Xbox Series X/S, just buy the digital "Game of the Year" edition. The FPS boost and 4K upscaling are already live and included for free. It’s the closest thing to a remaster you can play tonight.
- Stay Informed: Follow the "Skyblivion" project on X (formerly Twitter) or YouTube. They post monthly updates. They are currently the only group showing actual "remastered" footage of the game's assets.
The Isles are waiting. Whether you get there through a mod, an Xbox enhancement, or a future official release, Sheogorath doesn't really care—as long as you bring cheese.