Overwatch’s 2026 Lunar New Year event celebrates the Year of the Horse with the return of Roadhog’s Catch-A-Mari mode. You compete to collect Lunar Pachi and outscore opponents while working through limited-time challenges tied to the event.
You can approach the mode with different heroes, though picking Orisa fits the theme. As you play, you unlock event-specific rewards and complete challenges that test how well you secure and deny points in Catch-A-Mari.
Overwatch Year of the Horse event
You can take part in the Year of the Horse celebration from February 13 to March 3, with roughly 17 days to finish a set of eight themed challenges. Completing them unlocks limited-time Lunar New Year cosmetics and progression bonuses tied to Season 1.
Available rewards include:
- Year of the Horse spray
- Year of the Horse name card
- Up to three loot boxes
- Season 1 Battle Pass XP
The event also features the returning Catch-A-Mari arcade mode, where you compete in a special Lunar New Year variant to progress through event objectives.
Overwatch Year of the Horse challenges and rewards
You unlock limited-time cosmetics and Battle Pass XP by completing event-specific objectives. Most tasks focus on simply playing matches, and wins count as double progress. Stadium matches also grant double credit, which helps you finish milestones faster.
Several objectives center on Roadhog’s Catch-A-Mari mode. You must score points, deny enemy points, and complete full matches to earn event items tied to the Lunar celebration.
Below is a full breakdown of every challenge and what you earn:
| Event Objective | Requirement | Reward |
|---|---|---|
| Happy New Year! | Complete 6 event challenges | 1 Epic Loot Box + 2,500 Battle Pass XP |
| Lunar-Mari Champion | Finish 6 Catch-A-Mari matches (wins count double) | Year of the Horse Name Card + 2,500 XP |
| Lunar-Mari Saved! | Deny 10 points in Catch-A-Mari | Year of the Horse Spray + 2,500 XP |
| Lunar-Mari Caught! | Score 10 points in Catch-A-Mari | 5,000 XP |
| Heroic Horse | Play 15 matches (wins/Stadium double progress) | 2,500 XP |
| Brave Bronco | Play 30 matches (wins/Stadium double progress) | 1 Standard Loot Box + 2,500 XP |
| Mischievous Mustang | Play 45 matches (wins/Stadium double progress) | 2,500 XP |
| Loyal Steed | Play 60 matches (wins/Stadium double progress) | 1 Standard Loot Box + 2,500 XP |
If you focus on consistent wins and rotate into Stadium when available, you can complete the match-based tiers efficiently. Catch-A-Mari objectives require active participation, so prioritize scoring and denying rather than passive play.
Overwatch Catch-A-Mari guide
Catch-A-Mari runs as a 3v3 mode, and the first team to reach 20 points wins. You score by securing eliminations and collecting the items that drop during fights. Matches move quickly, so you must stay active and aware of your surroundings.
When you defeat an opponent, they drop a red lantern-themed Pachimari. Walk over it to add one point to your team’s total. Move fast after each elimination, because the enemy can still contest space and delay your pickup.
If a teammate falls, they drop a blue Pachimari instead. Grab it before the opposing team does to deny their point. Quick reactions after a lost fight often prevent the score from swinging in the enemy’s favor.
Core objectives:
- Eliminate enemies
- Collect red drops to score
- Secure blue drops to deny
- Reach 20 points first
Team composition affects survival and control. A support hero improves sustain and helps you hold space long enough to collect drops safely. Balanced setups such as a tank, damage, and support offer stability, but you can also experiment with newer heroes for variety.
This mode does not use perks, so rely on base hero kits and coordination. Stay grouped, confirm pickups immediately, and track the score so you know when to play aggressively or protect a lead.
