Unearthing Todd Howard in Oblivion Remastered: A Hidden Gem Worth Finding
Ever wonder what secrets lurk in the shadows of Oblivion Remastered? Nineteen years after the original 2006 classic, Bethesda’s spruced-up RPG still hides some jaw-dropping Easter eggs that’ll make any veteran gamer grin. From charred Star Wars nods to Skyrim’s towering Throat of the World, the remaster blends old-school charm with fresh surprises. But let’s talk about the real treasure—a secret NPC voiced by none other than Bethesda’s Todd Howard himself, tucked away in a test room only the craftiest players can reach. Trust me, as someone who’s spent countless hours wandering Tamriel, this one’s a must-find.
Why This Easter Egg Hits Different
Back in the day, I’d lose entire weekends to Oblivion’s sprawling world, chasing every rumor and glitch. The remaster keeps that magic alive, and stumbling across Todd Howard’s hidden NPC feels like cracking open a time capsule. This isn’t just a cameo—it’s a playful nod to Bethesda’s roots, preserved and polished for 2025. Whether you’re a lore hound or a casual quester, the chance to mess with Todd’s emotions (and maybe even charm him) is pure gold.
How to Find Todd Howard’s Secret Hideout
Ready to hunt down this legend? Here’s the step-by-step, straight from someone who’s fumbled through console commands more times than I’d like to admit:
Save Your Game – Trust me, you don’t want to accidentally break your save file. I learned that the hard way back in ’06.
Open the Console – Hit the ~ key to bring up the command line. If you’re new to this, it’s like wielding developer magic.
Enter the Magic Words – Type coc toddtest and hit enter. Poof! You’ll teleport to a cozy brick house that feels oddly out of place.
Meet “Alban Corinis” – That’s the NPC’s name, but don’t be fooled. This is Todd’s domain.
When you interact with Alban, you’ll hear a generic voice at first, spouting something about “unyielding virtue” and “selfless acts.” Skip past that fluff, and you’ll see a menu of emotions: Angry, Fear, Happy, Neutral, Sad, and Surprise. This is where the fun begins.
Messing with Todd’s Mood Swings
Here’s where Oblivion Remastered gets downright hilarious. Each emotion you pick triggers a voice line straight from Todd Howard’s mouth, and let me tell you, they’re gloriously unpolished. Want to rile him up? Keep clicking “Angry” until his disposition tanks below 20, then hit “Neutral.” Brace yourself for the burn: “You are indeed a bastard.” I laughed so hard I nearly spilled my coffee the first time I heard it.
Feeling guilty? No worries—Todd’s a softie at heart. Spam the “Happy” prompt until his disposition soars past 90, and you’ll get a lovestruck Todd crooning, “I can’t recall ever loving moments, like this moment, with you.” It’s cheesy, it’s awkward, and it’s absolutely perfect. As a gamer who’s seen every trick in Bethesda’s playbook, I can confirm this is peak Easter egg material.
Why It’s More Than Just a Gimmick
Sure, the voice acting’s rough—Howard wasn’t exactly auditioning for an Oscar here. These lines were meant for internal testing, not public ears. But that’s what makes this so special. It’s a raw, unfiltered peek behind the curtain, like finding a developer’s doodle in the margins of a masterpiece. For me, it’s a reminder of why I fell in love with Oblivion—the quirks, the ambition, the sheer audacity of it all.
Pro Tips for Easter Egg Hunters
Experiment with Emotions – Mix and match to hear all of Todd’s lines. “Surprise” is a personal favorite; it’s like he’s genuinely shocked you found him.
Capture the Moment – If you’re streaming or sharing on X, record this. Your buddies will lose it when they hear Todd’s quips.
Explore the Test Room – The house has other oddities, like random items and textures. It’s a developer sandbox worth poking around in.
Connecting the Dots
This Easter egg isn’t just a one-off. It ties into Oblivion Remastered’s broader charm—blending nostalgia with new surprises. If you’re hooked on uncovering secrets, check out our guides on finding Anakin’s remains or scaling the Throat of the World. Each discovery feels like a love letter to fans who’ve stuck with Bethesda through thick and thin.
Why You Should Dive Into Oblivion Remastered
As someone who’s been gaming since the days of dial-up, I can tell you Oblivion Remastered is more than a glow-up. It’s a chance to relive a classic while uncovering secrets that still feel fresh. Tracking down Todd Howard’s NPC is a rite of passage—whether you’re pissing him off or winning his heart, it’s a story you’ll be telling your guildmates for years. So, fire up that console, type in coc toddtest, and see why this Easter egg is the talk of Tamriel.
