How To Call Your Horse In Oblivion Remastered
Ah, dear Oblivion. For many of us, it's a nostalgic trip back to a world of epic quests and slightly wonky horse physics. But even after all these years, and even with the shiny coat of the Remastered edition, there's one little quirk that still makes us chuckle: summoning your trusty steed. It’s not as straightforward as a whistle in real life, is it?
Forget about that satisfying "whoosh" of a perfectly timed call. In Oblivion, getting your horse to trot over is more of an acquired skill, a little game of hide-and-seek with an AI that sometimes seems to be enjoying itself a bit too much. Think of it as training a very enthusiastic, but slightly deaf, puppy.
The Mystical "Horse Recall" Spell (Not Really)
Now, you might be expecting a magical incantation, a special gesture, or perhaps a stern yell that echoes through the Cyrodiilic countryside. Sadly, my friends, the game doesn't bless us with such grand theatricality. There's no button that instantly materializes your loyal companion right beside you, ready to whisk you away to your next adventure.
Instead, we have a much more… organic… approach. It’s less about summoning and more about finding. Your horse, bless its pixelated heart, has a mind of its own. And sometimes, that mind is occupied by staring intently at a butterfly or contemplating the existential dread of a nearby rock.
The Art of the Wandering Steed
So, how do you go about finding your wayward charger? It’s a multi-step process, and part of the fun is the unpredictability. You’ve dismounted, probably after a thrilling battle, and now you’re ready to move on. Where’s Shadowfax? Or perhaps you’ve named yours something more fitting like "Buttercup" or "Stumpy" (hey, no judgment!).
Your first instinct might be to just wander around the immediate vicinity. You’ll jog a few paces, peer behind that conveniently placed bush, and perhaps even try to phase through a small tree in your desperation. This is where the "fun" part really kicks in, because the game enjoys a good laugh at your expense.
Your horse could be right there, just a few feet away, patiently waiting. Or it could be on the other side of the county, having decided that the scenic route through the Frostcrag Spire is just what it needed. It's a true testament to the boundless freedom of the open world, even if that freedom sometimes means a lengthy trek on foot.
The "Where Did I Leave You?" Tango
The classic move is to simply start walking in a direction you think you came from. You’ll cover ground, explore new areas (accidentally, of course), and maybe even stumble upon a hidden treasure or a rather grumpy bandit. All while your horse is probably exploring its own little side quest.
Sometimes, just for the sheer absurdity of it all, you’ll hear that familiar clip-clop sound. You’ll spin around, eyes wide with hope, only to see your horse trotting serenely in the opposite direction. It’s a moment of pure Oblivion, a gentle reminder that even in a world of dragons and daedra, the simple act of finding your transportation can be a mini-adventure.
The "If You Can't Beat 'Em, Join 'Em" Strategy
If you’ve exhausted the immediate area and your horse is nowhere to be found, don't despair! The game has a benevolent trick up its sleeve. If you enter a town or a major settlement, and your horse is still out in the wild, it will often magically appear near the stables or the town gate. It’s like the game’s way of saying, “Okay, fine, you’ve suffered enough. Here you go.”
This is particularly heartwarming after a long trek where you’ve been battling goblins and avoiding cliff racers, only to realize you left your loyal steed grazing peacefully miles away. The sight of your horse materializing, as if by magic (or perhaps a very efficient stable boy), can be a genuine relief. It’s a small victory, but in the vastness of Cyrodiil, every victory counts.
And let's not forget the sheer joy when you do find it. That moment when you spot its familiar silhouette against the setting sun, or when it gallops towards you with surprising enthusiasm. It’s a little burst of happiness, a reminder of the bond you’ve forged, even if that bond is occasionally tested by its independent spirit.
The "Fast Travel is Your Friend" Caveat
Now, for the more impatient among us, or for those who have just spent an hour fighting through a dark cave, there’s a simpler solution. The magic of Fast Travel. Once you’ve discovered a location, you can zip back to it in a blink. And guess what? Often, your horse will be waiting for you there!
This is where the "Remastered" aspect really shines. While the core mechanics of horse retrieval might be the same wonderfully quirky beast, the overall smoothness of the game means you spend less time battling loading screens and more time enjoying the journey… or the magically reappearing horse. It’s a little shortcut to happiness, if you will.
The Unexpected Joys of the Stubborn Steed
But honestly, is it even Oblivion if your horse isn't being a little bit of a pain? These are the moments that become legendary. The stories you’ll tell your friends: "Remember that time I had to walk all the way from Skingrad to Cheydinhal because my horse decided to elope with a dragon?"
It's these little quirks that give the game its personality. It’s not just about the epic loot or the world-ending prophecies. It’s about the small, human (or rather, mer-ish) moments. The frustration, the amusement, and ultimately, the affection you develop for your four-legged companion, even when it's off having its own adventure.
So, the next time you find yourself squinting at the horizon, wondering where on earth you left your beloved Mare of Might or your trusty Old Bess, take a deep breath. Embrace the wanderlust of your virtual equine. It's not just a horse; it's a character in your Oblivion story. And a rather entertaining one at that.