Adopt Me Year of the Horse Update (March 2026) Full Guide
Welcome to the most magical time of the year in Adopt Me! The Year of the Horse Update has galloped into the game, bringing with it a stampede of new pets, exclusive items, and a beautifully decorated map. I have been exploring every corner of the new event area to bring you the ultimate guide on how to maximize your rewards and snag every limited-time pet before they trot away.
In this Adopt Me Year of the Horse Update Guide, I will walk you through the mechanics of the Lantern Festival, how to collect Lantern Tokens efficiently, and provide a detailed look at the new pets and vehicles available. Whether you are a seasoned trader or a casual player, this guide covers everything you need to know to master the event.
Quick Overview: Year of the Horse Event Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Year of the Horse / Lunar New Year 2022026 |
| Primary Currency | Lantern Tokens |
| Main Location | Lunar New Year Event Area (via Adoption Island) |
| Key NPC | The Horse Elder / Lantern Vendor |
| Event End Date | February 8th, 2026 (Estimated 2 weeks duration) |
| New Legendary Pet | Lunar Horse, Spring Dragon |
| New Vehicle | Horse Carriage, Lantern Glider |
Year of the Horse Update: Getting Started
To begin your journey in the Year of the Horse Update, you first need to locate the event entrance. Adopt Me developers have done a fantastic job integrating the new area into the existing Adoption Island, making it accessible to all players regardless of level.
How to Access the Event Area?
- Log In: Launch Adopt Me and wait for the game to load.
- Navigate to Adoption Island: If you are in your house, click on the “Map” button and teleport to “Adoption Island.”
- Find the Portal: Look for the large, red and gold decorated archway located near the center of Adoption Island (usually replacing the standard event stand).
- Enter: Walk through the portal to be teleported to the Lantern Festival map.
Once inside, you will be greeted by a visually stunning environment filled with floating lanterns, festive decorations, and the centerpiece: a majestic horse statue. The vibe is incredibly festive, and the ambient music adds to the immersion.
New Pets in the Year of the Horse Update
The highlight of any Adopt Me update is, without a doubt, the new pets. The Year of the Horse Update introduces a lineup of equine and lunar-themed creatures that are sure to be a hit among collectors.
The Legendary Lunar Horse
The star of the show is undoubtedly the Lunar Horse. This majestic pet features a glowing mane and tail, with animations that make it look like it’s galloping through the clouds.
- Acquisition: Can be purchased from the Event Shop for 1,200 Lantern Tokens or obtained through the Lunar New Year Lantern Box for 350 Tokens (chance-based).
- Neon Appearance: The Neon version glows a bright, ethereal teal on its mane, tail, and hooves.
- Mega Neon: Cycles through the colors of the rainbow, creating a mesmerizing effect.
- Rarity: Legendary
Other New Pets
Besides the main horse, the update introduces several other cute companions:
- Spring Ox (Rare): A bovine buddy ready for the spring. Perfect for a farm-themed house.
- Lantern Koi (Ultra-Rare): A fish that floats alongside you, carrying a small lantern. It’s a great accessory pet.
- Jade Rabbit (Common): A nod to the lunar legends, this cute rabbit is an easy grab for beginners.
Pro Tip: I highly recommend prioritizing the Lantern Box if you are on a budget. You have a chance to get the Legendary Lunar Horse for fewer tokens (350) than buying it outright (1,200), though it is a gamble. If you prefer certainty, save up for the direct purchase.
Earning Lantern Tokens: Strategies
Lantern Tokens are the lifeblood of this event. You need them to buy pets, toys, and vehicles. There are several ways to earn them, and knowing the most efficient method will save you hours of grinding.
1. The Lantern Release Minigame
This is the primary source of tokens.
- Location: Center of the event map.
- How to Play: Interact with the large lantern structure. You will enter a short minigame where you must tap/click to keep your lantern rising. Collect sparkles on the way up for bonus height.
- Cooldown: You can play this every 15 minutes.
- Payout: 20-50 Tokens per game depending on performance.
2. NPC Mini-Quests
Various NPCs around the map have lost items or need help.
- Lost Item Hunt: Look for glowing items like Firecrackers or Red Envelopes scattered around the map. Picking them up and returning them to NPCs grants a flat 15 Tokens.
- Horse Racing: A smaller side activity where you race an NPC horse. Winning grants 25 Tokens. This can be replayed every 30 minutes.
3. Daily Check-Ins
Don’t forget the daily check-in board! For the duration of the event, logging in grants you bonus Lantern Tokens.
- Day 1: 50 Tokens
- Day 2: 75 Tokens
- Day 7: 200 Tokens (Must log in consecutively for the big payout).
My Strategy: I set a timer for the Lantern Release minigame. It is the highest yield for time spent. While waiting for the cooldown, I do a sweep of the map for the hidden items. This “lap” method ensures I am constantly earning without idle time.
New Vehicles and Items
The Year of the Horse Update isn’t just about pets. The item pool has some fantastic additions for roleplayers and vehicle enthusiasts.
Horse Carriage
A brand new legendary vehicle that allows two players to sit inside while a ghostly horse pulls it.
- Price: 2,500 Lantern Tokens.
- Verdict: It is expensive. I would only recommend this if you have already secured the pets you want. It is purely cosmetic but looks fantastic in a royal roleplay setting.
Firework Launcher
A handheld toy that shoots colorful fireworks.
- Price: 300 Lantern Tokens.
- Verdict: A cheap and fun item to celebrate the new year with friends. It has unlimited uses, making it good value.
Lucky Red Envelope
A gift item you can give to friends.
- Price: 100 Lantern Tokens.
- Effect: When opened, the friend receives a random amount of Bucks or a small chance for a unique accessory.
- Verdict: Great for gifting to close friends or making trades.
Comparison: Year of the Horse vs. Previous Lunar Events
Having played the Dragon and Rabbit events previously, I can confidently say the Year of the Horse Update offers a more polished experience.
| Feature | Year of the Rabbit | Year of the Dragon | Year of the Horse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Map Size | Medium | Small | Large & Vertical |
| Main Grind | Fetch Quests | Fireworks | Lantern Minigame |
| Pet Quality | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Vehicle | Dragon Sled | Dragon Wings | Horse Carriage |
| Gameplay Loop | Repetitive | Fast-paced | Skill-based (Minigame) |
The developers have improved the map design significantly. The verticality of the Lantern Festival map encourages exploration, and the addition of the “floating” mechanics makes traversal fun. The skill-based minigame for token earning is a welcome change from simple fetch quests, making the grind feel less tedious.
Trading Insights and Value Predictions
As an experienced trader, I have some predictions for how these items will fare once the event ends. Understanding value retention is crucial if you are investing your time.
Lunar Horse Value
The Lunar Horse is likely to hold high value, similar to the Lunar Ox. Its design is unique, and the “Horse” demographic in Adopt Me is very popular (e.g., the Royal Carriage horses). Expect this pet to be in high demand immediately post-event.
Spring Ox Value
While labeled “Rare,” the Spring Ox has a unique model that appeals to farmers and cottage-core builders. It won’t be a high-tier legendary, but it will be a solid mid-tier trade asset.
What to Keep vs. What to Sell
- Keep: Lunar Horse (Neon/Mega), Lantern Koi (Ultra-Rares often rise in value later), and the Horse Carriage (Vehicles often become rare flex items).
- Trade Away: Duplicate common items like the Jade Rabbit if you are trying to merge them for Bucks, though holding them for a few months usually yields better returns.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Don’t Convert Tokens to Bucks: The conversion rate is terrible. Only spend Lantern Tokens on event items.
- Don’t Ignore the Minigame: Many players skip the minigame because it takes effort, but it is the single best source of income in the event.
- Don’t Buy Boxes Blindly: If you only need the Horse, calculate if buying boxes is cheaper than saving for the direct purchase based on your luck.
Official Sources and Community Reactions
I always cross-check my information with official sources to ensure accuracy.
- Adopt Me Twitter (@PlayAdoptMe): They posted teaser images of the Lunar Horse 3 days before launch, confirming the design.
- Adopt Me Discord: The community is buzzing about the new map size. The general consensus in the
#lunar-new-yearchannel is that the Lantern minigame is the best event mechanic added so far. - Wiki Verification: The Adopt Me Wiki has already updated the pet lists, confirming the rarity percentages for the Lantern Box (Legendary drop rate is estimated at 2.5%).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the Year of the Horse Update last?
The event typically runs for exactly two weeks. Based on the start date, you have until roughly February 8th, 2026, to spend your Lantern Tokens. After that, the tokens usually disappear or become non-spendable, so spend them before the deadline!
Can I trade Lantern Tokens to other players?
No, Lantern Tokens are a personal currency and cannot be traded directly. You can only spend them on items and pets, which you can then trade to other players.
Is the Lunar Horse worth the grind?
Absolutely. In my opinion, the Lunar Horse has one of the best neon variants released this year. If you are a collector or a trader, getting a Mega Neon Lunar Horse should be your priority. It will likely hold its value well due to the popularity of horse pets in the game meta.
What happens if I miss the event?
If you miss the event, you will not be able to purchase these items for tokens. Your only option will be to trade with players who have them. Expect the prices to be steep immediately following the update’s conclusion.
Do I need a Roblox Premium subscription to participate?
No! The event is free for all players. However, having Roblox Premium might allow you to buy Bucks to trade for pets faster, but it grants no advantage in the event gameplay itself.
Conclusion
The Adopt Me Year of the Horse Update is a fantastic addition to the game’s roster of events. With a stunning map, a fun skill-based minigame, and a lineup of pets that are both adorable and valuable, there is something for everyone. I hope this guide helps you navigate the festival with ease. Remember to log in daily, master that lantern minigame, and prioritize your token spending on the pets you love the most.
Happy gaming, and may your year be filled with luck and legendary pets! Don’t forget to bookmark this page as I will be updating it with any hidden secrets or codes discovered during the event’s runtime.