Skyblivion, an ambitious project aiming to recreate The Elder Scrolls IV using Skyrim’s engine, has just given fans a glimpse of some new quest gameplay at the Community Creations Con (C3), building excitement ahead of its planned 2025 release.
Originally set to run for about 30 minutes, the gameplay presentation stretched to around 40 minutes. That extra time just goes to show how adventures can sometimes take unexpected turns, like when a familiar NPC suddenly isn’t where you expect them to be, and you find them lounging off somewhere else instead.
With the Skyblivion team recently wrapping up landscaping work on the last region of Cyrodiil—the Niben Basin and Valley—this showcase primarily highlighted the area in and around Cheydinhal. Viewers were treated to quick previews of two quests: a Fighters Guild mission requiring you to settle Biene Amelion’s debt and the iconic ‘A Brush with Death.’ For those who need a reminder, the latter involves stepping into the artistic, painted world of the dark elf Rythe Lythandas to rescue him using a magical brush.
The standout feature of both quests was the detailed and polished appearance of Skyblivion’s world, reflecting the project’s remarkable progress. Watching project lead Kyle ‘Rebelzize’ Rebel wander through Cheydinhal—it felt incredibly nostalgic. They’ve managed to retain the heart of Oblivion while smoothing out its more dated, 2006-era textures.
Taking a closer look at the painted world, it exemplifies the transition from the old to something new within Skyblivion. In classic Oblivion, this space might feel confined if it weren’t for its unique oil painting aesthetic. However, in Skyblivion, it has been transformed into a more expansive dungeon with similar visual flair, ending in an area intentionally crafted to mimic a raw canvas, all within Skyrim’s realistic art style.
Also noteworthy is the updated interaction menu UI. It has been revamped to deliver more of that Oblivion essence, which balances nicely against the more modern Skyrim-style inventory, compass, and map inherent in TES V’s engine. While taking on skeleton enemies, you might spot a tail on one of them. This attention to detail comes from the modders, who have crafted unique skeletons for elves and beast races, elevating the mod beyond even Skyrim’s original offerings.
Though the team hasn’t pinned down a specific release date, they continue to promise a 2025 launch. During this showcase, they confidently shared, “We are confident we can get it out this year.”
What are your thoughts on the latest Skyblivion gameplay? We’d love to hear from you below, and be sure to catch our recent interview with project lead Rebel, where he shares insights into how the team views those official Oblivion remake rumors.
