THE SHORT ANSWER
Rust's Lunar New Year 2026 event introduces the Ornate Horse Mask, Horse Armour, and Silly Horse Mask (three variants) as new paid cosmetics. Returning items include the Wall Divider Pack, Wallpaper Pack, Chinese Lantern, Lunar Spear, Dragon Rocket Launcher, and firework packs. The base game is 50% off on Steam through the celebration.
- Three new horse-themed cosmetics debut: Ornate Horse Mask, Horse Armour, and Silly Horse Mask with three variations
- Seven returning Lunar New Year items restored to the Steam item store
- Rust base game discounted 50% on Steam for the celebration
- Event launched February 17, 2026 marking the Year of the Fire Horse
New Horse-Themed Cosmetics Lead the Celebration
Facepunch Studios kicked off Rust's Lunar New Year 2026 event on February 17, introducing three brand-new cosmetic items centered on the Year of the Horse. The Ornate Horse Mask features hand-sculpted materials and an ornate design described as a "cultured collectable." The Horse Armour set offers an "elegant yet powerful" look intended to "strike fear into the heart of many a naked." Rounding out the new additions is the Silly Horse Mask, which comes in three unique variations — one notably sporting a horn.
All three new items are available for purchase through the Rust Item Store.
Returning Seasonal Items Restored
In addition to the new releases, Facepunch has brought back seven cosmetic packs from previous Lunar New Year celebrations. These are now available in the Steam item store:
- Wall Divider Pack
- Lunar New Year Wallpaper Pack
- Chinese Lantern
- Lunar Spear skin
- Dragon Rocket Launcher skin
- Small Firework Pack
- Large Firework Pack
The Wallpaper Pack alone contains seven distinct wallpaper skins, as showcased in recent community coverage.
Base Game Discounted 50%
To mark the occasion, Rust itself is currently 50% off on Steam. The discount applies to the base game purchase, lowering the barrier for new players joining during the event window. Facepunch has not specified an end date for the sale in the announcement.
Year of the Fire Horse Context
The announcement notes that 2026 marks the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac, specifically the Fire Horse. The studio describes this combination as embodying "resilience, speed and intelligence" paired with "energy, passion and ambition" — suggesting an "action-packed year" ahead for the survival sandbox.
The event follows Rust's established pattern of seasonal cosmetic drops tied to real-world holidays, with Lunar New Year items having become an annual tradition since at least 2022. Previous years introduced the Dragon Rocket Launcher and Lunar Spear, both of which return this year alongside the new horse-themed gear.