Skyblivion, the ambitious mod project working on recreating The Elder Scrolls IV using Skyrim’s engine, is making waves again with new quest gameplay that premiered at the Community Creations Con (C3). As fans eagerly anticipate its 2025 release, the teaser didn’t disappoint.
Initially planned as a half-hour showcase, the gameplay extended to around 40 minutes. This sometimes happens when non-playable characters (NPCs) decide to unexpectedly deviate from their usual spots, throwing a playful wrench into plans.
As Skyblivion recently conquered a significant milestone—completing the landscaping of the last region, the Niben Basin and Valley—the spotlight of this preview was on the city of Cheydinhal and its surroundings.
We were treated to brief glimpses of two quests: one involving the Fighters Guild and its task to settle Biene Amelion’s debt, and the fan-favorite “A Brush with Death.” For those who need a refresher, the latter is where you step into the surreal, painted world of dark elf artist Rythe Lythandas to rescue him using a magical brush.
Both quests highlighted just how refined Skyblivion’s environments have become. Watching project lead Kyle ‘Rebelzize’ Rebel casually stroll into Cheydinhal was reminiscent of my countless ventures in both the original and the modded versions of Oblivion. It was heartwarming to see how the team has preserved the essence of the past while smoothing out some of those rugged 2006 edges.
In the painted realm, what used to feel like just another small room in Oblivion now offers a sprawling, enriched dungeon experience. While embracing Skyrim’s realistic art vibe, the setting still delivers a striking spectacle, culminating in a cleverly designed space that mimics unpainted canvas.
One of the standout changes is the revamped interaction menu UI. It carries an authentic Oblivion feel, harmoniously balancing out the inventory, compass, and map interfaces rooted in Skyrim’s aesthetic. During skirmishes with skeleton foes, you might spot one with a tail. That’s because the mod developers have uniquely crafted elf and beast race skeletons—a level of detail even Skyrim didn’t achieve.
While there’s no specific release date yet pinned down for Skyblivion, the developers remain optimistic, stating, “We are confident we can get it out this year.”
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this latest Skyblivion sneak peek. And don’t miss our fresh interview with Skyblivion’s project lead Rebel, especially if you’re curious about their views on the buzz surrounding official Oblivion remake rumors. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!