Season 5 Event 2023Prop HuntLimited Time

Mischief and Magic

Overwatch's Prop Hunt: hide as objects or hunt the hidden.

Mischief and Magic was Overwatch 2's original take on the iconic Prop Hunt game mode concept, released during the Season 5 fantasy-themed event in July 2023. The mode's narrative frames it as Rogue Kiriko having stolen an artifact from Alchemist Mei, with Royal Guard Genji tasked to hunt her down — but in gameplay terms, it is a pure two-team hide-and-seek competition. Rogues (Kiriko) transform into inanimate map objects and must blend into the environment to survive until time runs out. Knights (Genji) scan the environment visually and must locate and eliminate all Rogues before time expires. Teams swap roles each round; first team to win 3 rounds takes the match. With 12+ object forms available and a map reworked with Season 5 fantasy aesthetics, this became one of the most talked-about limited modes in Overwatch 2.

July 15 – August 10, 2023; returned during Anniversary 2023 (September). Has not returned since.

Kiriko (Rogue Kiriko skin), Genji (Royal Guard Genji skin)

Various maps reworked with Season 5 fantasy aesthetics

Objective

Rogues: Survive until time runs out by hiding as map objects. Knights: Locate and eliminate all 5 Rogues before time expires. First team to win 3 rounds wins the match.

Key Mechanics

Object Transformation (Rogues)

Rogues can transform into over 12 different map object forms — crates, barrels, pots, decorative items, and more. The object they transform into visually blends into the environment. Rogues can change their form during the match.

Rogue Mobility

Rogues cannot attack in any form, but retain all of Kiriko's mobility: standard movement, double jump, and wall-climb. This allows Rogues to reach elevated, hidden spots unreachable by standard walking.

Flashbang (Rogues)

Kiriko's Flashbang can temporarily stun a Knight who gets too close — buying time to escape or relocate. It doesn't deal damage but is a critical survival tool when a Knight is actively investigating your hiding spot.

Knight Combat (Genji)

Knights play as Genji with standard combat abilities. They must visually scan the environment to identify out-of-place objects and eliminate them. Genji's mobility makes him ideal for checking elevated positions quickly.

Round Swapping

Teams swap between Rogues and Knights each round. The team that wins 3 rounds first wins the match. Both teams must master the offensive (Knight) and defensive (Rogue) roles.

Visual Deduction

The core skill of this mode for Knights: identifying which objects appear naturally placed and which are in unusual positions or quantities. Rogues who transform into the correct object for a location are nearly invisible to casual scanning.

Lore & Background

The Season 5 event was themed around the Questwatch fantasy aesthetic: Genji as a Royal Guard, Kiriko as a trickster Rogue, and Mei as an Alchemist. The mode's fantasy framing gave each hero unique cosmetic variants. 10 event challenges rewarded 50,000 Battle Pass XP (5 full BP levels) and the free Epic Spiritwarder Ana skin upon completion.

Tips & Strategy

1As a Rogue, choose an object form that already exists in abundance in your chosen hiding spot — blending into existing clutter is harder to detect than a lone unique object
2Don't stay completely still as a Rogue — subtle micro-movements while Knights aren't looking let you relocate before being discovered
3As a Knight, check elevated positions first — Kiriko's wall-climb lets Rogues reach spots most objects cannot logically occupy
4Save your Flashbang until a Knight is actively looking at you — don't waste it preemptively
5As a Knight, systematically clear each section of the map rather than rushing — you have time on your side
6Rogues who move between rounds when teams swap can catch Knights off-guard in previously cleared zones

Quick Info

Event: Season 5 Event 2023
Mode Type: Prop Hunt
Availability: July 15 – August 10, 2023; returned during Anniversary 2023 (September). Has not returned since.

Heroes

Kiriko (Rogue Kiriko skin)
Genji (Royal Guard Genji skin)

Maps

Various maps reworked with Season 5 fantasy aesthetics

Back to all Game Modes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mischief and Magic in Overwatch 2?

Mischief and Magic is Overwatch 2's Prop Hunt mode from the Season 5 event. Rogues (Kiriko) transform into map objects and hide; Knights (Genji) search and eliminate them. First team to win 3 rounds wins. It was released July 15 – August 10, 2023, and returned briefly during Anniversary 2023.

Can Rogues attack in Mischief and Magic?

Rogues cannot deal damage in any form. Their only offensive tool is a Flashbang that temporarily stuns a Knight — buying time to escape but not dealing any damage. The Rogue role is entirely defensive: hide, survive, and outlast the time limit.

What objects can Rogues transform into in Mischief and Magic?

Rogues can transform into 12+ different map objects including crates, barrels, pots, decorative items, and other environmental props. The specific available forms vary by map. Rogues can change their object form during the match and retain full Kiriko mobility (double jump, wall-climb) in all forms.

Other Limited Game Modes

Starwatch Event 2023