The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered has received the latest Patch 1.2 update, which aims to improve performance issues that have plagued the game since its April 2025 launch. While the patch brings noticeable improvements, even high-end hardware like the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 still struggles to exceed 30 FPS at native 4K resolution with ultra settings and no frame generation, according to tests shared on YouTube by MxBenchmarkPC.
Patch 1.2 Highlights
Patch 1.2 addresses several performance bottlenecks in the Unreal Engine 5-powered remaster, including:
- Reduced Stuttering: Improved asset streaming and shader compilation to minimize hitches, especially in the open world of Cyrodiil.
- Optimized Ray Tracing: Adjustments to Software Lumen and Hardware Lumen settings for better frame rates, though ray tracing remains demanding.
- CPU and GPU Utilization: Better balancing to reduce spikes, particularly in CPU-heavy areas like cities and forests.
- Bug Fixes: Fixed crashes during load screens and interactions, such as the Oblivion plane orb issue, and improved stability for long play sessions.
Despite these changes, the game remains challenging to run smoothly at native 4K without upscaling technologies like DLSS 4 or FSR 4.0.
Performance on RTX 5080 at 4K
Tests on an RTX 5080, a $2,000 enthusiast-grade GPU with 16GB VRAM, show that at native 4K with ultra settings and DLSS Quality mode (rendering at 1440p internally), the game averages around 30 FPS in GPU-limited scenarios, such as open-world areas near Bruma. Even with the patch, frame rates rarely hit 60 FPS without frame generation.
At 1440p, performance improves slightly, reaching up to 70 FPS, but still falls short of expectations for such powerful hardware. In CPU-limited scenarios, like crowded cities, performance remains inconsistent, even with high-end CPUs like the Ryzen 7 7800X3D or Intel Core i9-13900K.
Community Feedback and Workarounds
Fans on X and Reddit report mixed experiences. Some users with RTX 5080s note that switching from Hardware Lumen to Software Lumen on Low boosts frame rates significantly, with one user achieving 150 FPS at 4K with DLSS Quality and frame generation enabled.
Others highlight persistent stuttering in open-world areas, suggesting the use of mods like the Oblivion Optimizer on Nexus Mods to improve shader compilation and asset streaming. Disabling NVIDIA Reflex has also been reported to gain 6-8 FPS for some players.
Why It’s Still a Challenge
Oblivion Remastered’s use of Unreal Engine 5, with its ray-traced global illumination and high-resolution textures, makes it exceptionally demanding.
The game’s open-world design, with dense foliage and detailed environments, pushes even top-tier GPUs like the RTX 5080 to their limits at native 4K.
Digital Foundry notes that the game’s “bewilderingly high CPU utilization” and VRAM demands exacerbate performance issues, recommending players use DLSS 4’s Transformer model or lower settings to achieve smoother gameplay.
Recommendations for Players
To improve performance on an RTX 5080 at 4K:
- Enable DLSS 4: Use Quality mode to render at 1440p, or Performance mode for higher frame rates (up to 95 FPS with Multi-Frame Generation).
- Lower Settings: Set shadows to Medium and disable screen space reflections for significant FPS gains without much visual loss.
- Use Software Lumen: Switch from Hardware Lumen to Software Lumen on Low for a 23% performance boost.
- Cap FPS: Limit frame rates to 60 FPS to reduce stuttering and CPU spikes.
Availability
The Patch 1.2 update is available now for Oblivion Remastered on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S via their respective platforms (Steam, PlayStation Store, and Microsoft Store).
Despite the improvements, players with high-end systems may still need to tweak settings or rely on upscaling to achieve a smooth experience at 4K. Bethesda has promised further optimization patches, with fans hoping for better performance in future updates.
