Let’s be honest—Bethesda games aren’t just great because of what the developers create. The modding communities for The Elder Scrolls and Fallout franchises have kept these games alive for decades, and Oblivion Remastered is no exception. Since launch, the modding scene has absolutely exploded, even though Bethesda hasn’t announced official mod support yet.
Want to jump into the world of Oblivion mods but not sure where to start? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. This guide will walk you through everything: where to find mods, how to install them using a mod manager, and how to do manual installations if that’s more your style.
Official Oblivion Remastered Resources:
Where to Find Oblivion Remastered Mods
Nexus Mods is your best friend here. It’s the largest and most reliable hub for Oblivion Remastered addons, hosting thousands of user-created mods that range from minor tweaks to complete overhauls.
Here’s what makes Nexus Mods so convenient:
- You can download mods directly through their Vortex mod manager
- Alternatively, grab standalone files for manual installation or use with other mod managers
- Many popular mods have dedicated Discord servers where you can track updates and development
Important: Check Mod Requirements
Before you download anything, always check the mod’s description page for prerequisites. Many Oblivion Remastered mods depend on other mods to work properly—especially those adding custom content. Look for the “Requirements” section and make sure you download everything listed there first. Trust me, skipping this step will save you a ton of troubleshooting headaches later.
Method 1: Using a Mod Manager (Recommended)
Mod managers make your life so much easier, especially if you’re planning to run multiple mods at once. The most popular option is Vortex Mod Manager, created by the same team behind Nexus Mods.
Why Use Vortex?
- Browse and download mods directly within the app
- Automatically manages load orders (in recent versions)
- Monitors mod conflicts so you know what might break
- Works seamlessly with the Nexus Mods website
Setting Up Vortex for Oblivion Remastered
- Add Oblivion Remastered to your managed games list in Vortex
- The app will prompt you to download a compatibility pack—do it
- Restart Vortex after the compatibility pack installs
- Verify your Oblivion Remastered directory is correctly identified (this is crucial!)
Installing Mods Through Vortex
You’ve got two options here:
Option A: Browse the Oblivion Remastered mods page directly in Vortex and download from there
Option B: Visit Nexus Mods in your browser, find a mod you like, go to the “Files” tab, and click “Mod Manager Download”—it’ll automatically add to Vortex
Once your mods are downloaded:
- They’ll appear in your mod list within Vortex
- Recent versions of Vortex will automatically arrange the load order for you
- Highlight your entire mod list and click “Deploy Mods” at the top
- If there are no conflicts, you’re good to go!
The next time you launch Oblivion Remastered (either through Vortex or Steam), your mods should load automatically. You can add or remove mods anytime through Vortex, but remember to re-deploy your mod list before launching the game each time you make changes.
Method 2: Manual Installation
Not a fan of mod managers? You can absolutely install mods manually, though it requires a bit more attention to detail.
Manual Installation Steps
- Download the mod file directly from Nexus Mods (choose “Manual Download”)
- Read the mod description page thoroughly—this is critical
- Check for a readme.txt file inside the downloaded folder
- Follow the specific installation instructions provided
Here’s the thing: every mod has different installation requirements. Some might go into a custom “~mods” folder, others might need files placed in specific directories. There’s no universal method, which is why reading those instructions is non-negotiable.
Finding Your Oblivion Remastered Game Folder
Need to access your game directory? Here’s the quick way:
- Open Steam
- Right-click on Oblivion Remastered
- Select “Properties”
- Scroll to “Installed Files”
- Click “Browse” next to the file size
This opens your game folder—the same location where the .exe file lives. Most mods will be extracted here, though again, always check the specific instructions.
Uninstalling Manual Mods
To remove manually installed mods:
- Check the mod description for uninstallation instructions
- Manually delete the mod files as directed
- If things get messy, you can always delete and reinstall Oblivion Remastered to start fresh
Pro Tips for Modding Success
- Start small: Don’t install 50 mods at once. Add a few, test them, then add more
- Join Discord communities: Many mod creators have servers where they offer support
- Back up your saves: Before adding major mods, back up your save files
- Read compatibility notes: Some mods don’t play nice together—the description usually warns you
Modding Oblivion Remastered opens up a whole new dimension to an already incredible game. Whether you’re adding quality-of-life improvements, graphical enhancements, or completely new content, the modding community has something for everyone. Just take it slow, read those instructions, and you’ll be running a fully modded Cyrodiil experience in no time.
FAQ: Oblivion Remastered Mod Installation
Do I need Vortex to install mods, or can I use something else?
Vortex is the easiest option for most players, but you’re not locked into it. Manual installation works fine if you’re comfortable managing files yourself. Other managers might work, but Vortex currently has the best compatibility and support for Oblivion Remastered.
My mods aren’t showing up in-game—what did I do wrong?
Most of the time, it’s one of these:
You forgot to deploy mods in Vortex.
The mod has missing requirements you didn’t download.
The files were placed in the wrong folder when installing manually.
There’s a load order conflict, which Vortex can usually fix automatically.
Double-check the mod page and redeploy your list.
Can installing too many mods cause performance issues?
Yep. Even though Oblivion Remastered is modernized, stacking tons of high-resolution textures or heavy gameplay overhauls can push your system. Add mods gradually and test after each batch to keep things smooth.
Can I uninstall mods mid-playthrough without breaking my saves?
Usually yes, but it depends on the mod.
Texture/UI/visual mods? Safe to remove.
Mods that add items, quests, or scripts? May cause issues if removed after being used in your save.
When in doubt, check the mod’s uninstall instructions or create a backup save first.
Is it safe to mix Vortex mods with manual installs?
Yes—but do it carefully. Install your Vortex mods first, deploy them, and then add any manual files afterward. If something breaks, you’ll know the issue came from the manual side. Always test after mixing methods.
Happy modding!
