Sneak Changes That Caught Fans Off Guard
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered remains mostly true to the quirky charm of its original release—but not everything is the same. While the conversations, odd physics, and nostalgic jank are intact, some game mechanics have been given major updates. One of the biggest changes that caught the community off guard is how the Sneaking skill now behaves.
Previously, hitting Journeyman level (50) in Sneaking allowed players to ignore the weight of their boots while sneaking. You could wear heavy armor and still move around like a ghost. Not anymore.
In Oblivion Remastered, boot weight now always affects noise output, regardless of your Sneaking skill. Reddit user Voruvi uncovered this change through direct in-game testing, confirming that even high-level sneaks clank like tin cans if they’re wearing Daedric boots.
How Armor Weight Impacts Stealth Now
What Changed?
In the remastered version:
- Boot weight always impacts how much noise you make.
- Journeyman Sneak no longer nullifies boot weight.
- Zero-encumbrance perks for Light (at 75) and Heavy Armor (at 100) do not help.
So even if you’ve fully leveled Light or Heavy Armor, your feet are still the noisiest part of your body if they’re armored.
How It Works In Practice
Here’s a breakdown of how gear now influences stealth movement:
| Gear Setup | Sneak Noise Impact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Barefoot | Minimal to none | Silent movement, regardless of armor on other slots. |
| Light Boots (Leather, etc) | Moderate | Still audible, but manageable. |
| Heavy Boots (Daedric, etc) | High | Severely hinders sneaking, even at 100 Sneak. |
| Conjured Boots | None | Considered weightless; perfect for stealth builds. |
How to Stay Silent in Oblivion Remastered
If you’re serious about staying unseen in dungeons or Dark Brotherhood quests, it might be time to rethink your fashion choices.
3 Ways to Sneak Like a Shadow
- Go Barefoot
No boots = no noise. This is the most reliable stealth trick in the game right now. It works even when you’re decked out in full armor elsewhere. - Cast Conjure Boots
This spell creates boots that weigh nothing, offering magical silence without sacrificing the look of a full outfit. - Use Invisibility
While primarily for visual concealment, the Invisibility spell also muffles your footsteps—an unintended but very useful side effect noted by players like Almainyny.
With these methods, you can reclaim your sneaky playstyle even in a remastered world that doesn’t play by the old rules.
