Bethesda’s Next Remaster: Which Classics Should Follow Oblivion?

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered has dazzled fans with its Unreal Engine 5 visuals and refined gameplay, proving Bethesda can revitalize its iconic catalog. As fans clamor for more remasters on Reddit and X, we spotlight the top candidates for Bethesda’s next project, why they deserve a revival, and how they could shine for today’s players.

1. The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind – A Timeless Epic

Why It Deserves a Remaster
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (2002) is a landmark RPG, celebrated for its alien Vvardenfell setting, deep lore, and unmatched freedom. However, dated graphics and clunky combat deter newcomers. Fan demand is fierce—Reddit threads advocating for a remaster gain thousands of upvotes, and projects like OpenMW highlight a thirst for modernization. As a Bethesda cornerstone, Morrowind is a prime contender.

How to Remaster It

Visual Overhaul: Use Unreal Engine 5 for 4K textures, dynamic lighting, and vibrant landscapes to bring Vvardenfell to life.
Gameplay Polish: Streamline combat (e.g., remove hit-chance mechanics) and modernize the UI while preserving spellcrafting and factions.
Expanded Content: Restore cut areas or expand the mainland for a richer experience.
Mod Support: Ensure compatibility with Morrowind’s thriving modding community.

Challenges
Purists may resist simplified mechanics, and Morrowind’s niche appeal could limit its commercial scope. A balanced remaster could bridge old and new fans.

2. Fallout 3 – Reviving the Capital Wasteland

Why It Deserves a Remaster
Fallout 3 (2008) reshaped Bethesda’s legacy, introducing millions to the Fallout universe with its haunting Capital Wasteland. Leaked 2023 Microsoft documents suggest a remaster is underway, and the Fallout TV series has reignited interest. Dated visuals and clunky combat make it ideal for a modern refresh to captivate all players.

How to Remaster It

Visual Upgrade: Enhance textures, add ray tracing, and enrich the post-apocalyptic atmosphere.
Combat Refinement: Modernize shooting (e.g., aim-down-sights) and improve V.A.T.S. flow.
Stability Fixes: Eliminate bugs and crashes for a polished experience.
DLC Integration: Include all DLCs (The Pitt, Point Lookout, Broken Steel) and consider new quests tied to the TV series.

Challenges
Preserving Fallout 3’s gritty charm while updating visuals is crucial, and fan projects like Fallout 4: Capital Wasteland may draw attention.

3. Fallout: New Vegas – The Mojave’s Redemption

Why It Deserves a Remaster
Obsidian’s Fallout: New Vegas (2010) is a cult classic, praised for its deep role-playing, factions, and writing. Its rushed launch left technical issues and dated graphics, but fan campaigns on X and the Fallout TV series’ Mojave references underscore its appeal. A remaster could fulfill Obsidian’s vision and restore cut content.

How to Remaster It

Technical Polish: Fix crashes, bugs, and performance issues, especially on consoles.
Visual and Gameplay Updates: Upgrade textures, lighting, and gunplay to Fallout 4 standards.
Restored Content: Reintroduce cut areas (e.g., expanded Freeside) and integrate DLCs (Dead Money, Old World Blues).
Mod Support: Support the active modding community with official tools.

Challenges
Obsidian’s involvement may be ideal but tricky due to their current projects. Fans may resist changes to the game’s cherished quirks.

4. The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall – A Forgotten Gem

Why It Deserves a Remaster
The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall (1996) pioneered Bethesda’s open-world formula with its vast, procedurally generated world. Its DOS-era graphics and complexity limit its audience, but Daggerfall Unity shows fan interest in a modern take. A remaster could introduce this ambitious classic to new players.

How to Remaster It

Visual Rebuild: Recreate the Iliac Bay with 3D models, modern lighting, and hand-crafted hubs.
Streamlined Mechanics: Simplify character creation while retaining faction depth.
Accessibility: Optimize for PC and consoles with a modern UI and controls.
Cohesive World: Reduce procedural randomness by enhancing key areas.

Challenges
Daggerfall’s niche status and massive scope make it a riskier choice, but a focused remaster could surprise fans.

5. Dishonored – Stealth Redefined

Why It Deserves a Remaster
Leaked plans for Dishonored 3 suggest Bethesda is revisiting Arkane’s steampunk stealth series, making a remaster of Dishonored (2012) a strategic move. Its unique stealth and supernatural gameplay still shines, but dated visuals could use a refresh to build hype for a sequel.

How to Remaster It

Visual Enhancement: Use Unreal Engine 5 for upgraded textures and ray tracing to highlight Dunwall’s art style.
Performance Boost: Target 4K/60fps and address optimization issues.
Quality-of-Life: Add accessibility options and include all DLCs (The Knife of Dunwall, The Brigmore Witches).
Mod Support: Introduce modding tools for extended replayability.

Challenges
Dishonored’s smaller fanbase and Arkane’s focus on Marvel’s Blade may require an external studio like Virtuos.

Bethesda’s Path Forward

Bethesda’s remaster strategy must balance fan passion with market appeal. Fallout 3 appears the frontrunner, given leaks and Fallout’s broad draw, while Morrowind would delight Elder Scrolls fans. New Vegas and Daggerfall cater to dedicated niches, and Dishonored could diversify the lineup.

To succeed, Bethesda should:

Use Partners: Studios like Virtuos can handle remasters, freeing main teams for The Elder Scrolls VI.
Preserve Identity: Modernize without erasing each game’s charm, as Oblivion Remastered achieved.
Support Mods: Ensure mod compatibility to honor vibrant communities.
Go Multi-Platform: Target PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, with Game Pass for wider reach.

Oblivion Remastered proves Bethesda can blend legacy with modern tech. Whether it’s Morrowind’s fungal spires or Fallout 3’s wasteland, the next remaster could captivate a new generation. Which classic do you want revived?