Veteran players of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered are pushing the boundaries of Cyrodiil, quite literally, venturing beyond the game’s intended map into areas rumored to be the setting of the highly anticipated The Elder Scrolls 6. This out-of-bounds exploration reveals tantalizing glimpses of neighboring provinces like Skyrim and Hammerfell, sparking excitement and speculation within the community.
Since the recent “shadow drop” release of Oblivion Remastered, adventurers have quickly rediscovered quirks and features from the 2006 original that allow for creative navigation outside the normal playable space. Unlike some modern titles with invisible walls or instant death barriers, Oblivion’s underlying structure retained significant portions of the Tamriel overworld beyond Cyrodiil’s borders. Now, with updated visuals, players are taking advantage of this to see what lies beyond.
One player, a Redditor known as GnoblinXD, documented their journey into Valenwood, the home of the Bosmer (Wood Elves), located south of Cyrodiil. They reported reaching the area by following the Strid River near Skingrad and jumping across a gap near Kvatch. While the region appeared largely undeveloped, the sheer fact that the landmass was present and explorable, even in a basic form, surprised many. The explorer noted hills, light shrubbery, and even the distant outline of the Summerset Isles on the horizon.
But the real buzz centers around expeditions towards the north and west. Players have successfully navigated to the border of Skyrim, Cyrodiil’s northern neighbor. While attempting to fully enter Skyrim often results in falling through the world, the ability to stand at the border and witness the majestic Throat of the World, the tallest mountain in Tamriel and a central location in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, is a powerful moment for series fans. It offers a new perspective on the interconnectedness of the game world, even in its earlier iteration.
Perhaps the most significant discovery involves reaching Hammerfell, the arid, rocky province to Cyrodiil’s west. Hammerfell has long been rumored to be the primary setting for The Elder Scrolls 6. Players venturing into this out-of-bounds area describe it as vast, seemingly much larger than the Valenwood or Elsweyr bordering regions within the game’s data. The land stretches far into the distance, beyond the rendering capabilities, suggesting a significant, albeit unfinished, landmass was included in the original game’s design and carried over into the remaster.
Reaching Hammerfell from Cyrodiil is possible through specific routes, often involving traveling around the town of Anvil on the western coast and heading north. Players report the Hammerfell region in Oblivion Remastered features trees, a contrast to the sparser Valenwood area explored by others. The sheer scale of the explorable out-of-bounds Hammerfell area fuels the speculation that Bethesda Game Studios may have initially planned for these adjacent territories to be more accessible or simply built a larger landmass than strictly necessary for Cyrodiil.
These out-of-bounds adventures are a testament to the enduring passion of The Elder Scrolls community and the intricate, sometimes unexpected, details left within game worlds by developers. While the areas beyond Cyrodiil are not populated with quests, characters, or detailed environments, their mere presence allows players to connect with the larger world of Tamriel in a unique way. It provides a tangible link between the events of Oblivion and the potential future of the series in The Elder Scrolls 6.
It is important for players attempting these feats to be aware that venturing outside the map carries risks. As reported, returning to Cyrodiil after exploring out of bounds may prevent loading previous saves made while outside the designated play area. Players should ensure they have backup saves before attempting to break the boundaries.
This wave of exploration in Oblivion Remastered comes at a time when anticipation for The Elder Scrolls 6 is at a peak, following its initial announcement years ago. While Bethesda has confirmed The Elder Scrolls 6 is in active development, details remain scarce. The community’s ability to step, even in a limited capacity, into what might be the next game’s setting from within a newly released remaster of a past title creates a compelling link between the past, present, and future of the beloved fantasy series.
The out-of-bounds discoveries in Oblivion Remastered highlight the depth of the game world and the dedication of its players. Whether these glimpses of Hammerfell are truly indicative of The Elder Scrolls 6’s final form remains to be seen, but for now, they offer a fascinating playground for curious adventurers and fuel the ongoing excitement for what lies ahead in Tamriel.
