The ambitious fan project Skyblivion, which aims to recreate The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion within the engine of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, has recently shared a new development update. This massive undertaking, led by a dedicated team of modders, is on track for a 2025 release, promising to deliver a revitalized and reimagined version of the beloved RPG.

While Oblivion fans were excited about the announcement of an official remaster, the Skyblivion project has continued to evolve over the past decade. Unlike a simple remaster, Skyblivion has grown into a comprehensive reimagining of the original game, incorporating modern graphics, restored cut content, and entirely new features.

The Skyblivion team has released a new developer diary, showcasing their progress as they enter the final stages of development. One of the most notable additions is the restoration of Sutch, a city that was originally planned for Oblivion but was reduced to a fort in the final release. The team has rebuilt Sutch as a ruined city, complete with the Chapel of Kynareth, giving it a unique identity within the game world.

The city of Anvil has also received a significant overhaul. Inspired by original concept art, the team has redesigned the harbor and expanded the docks. Notable changes include the relocation of Lelles' Quality Merchandise and the addition of a new alchemy shop, Tide and Tonic. These updates aim to make Anvil feel more vibrant and true to its original vision.

Another major enhancement is the expansion of the Deadlands, which have been divided into two distinct biomes: The Burn, featuring fiery landscapes, and The Sever, inspired by its appearance in The Elder Scrolls Online. The Sever is constantly bombarded by lightning strikes, adding a dynamic and dangerous element to exploration. Additionally, the number of randomly generated Oblivion worlds has been increased from seven to eleven, reducing repetition and adding variety to the gameplay experience.

With the 2025 release window approaching, the Skyblivion team has promised to showcase the Imperial City in their next update. Fans of the series won't have to wait much longer to experience this labor of love, which promises to blend the nostalgia of Oblivion with the technical prowess of Skyrim's engine.