Stardew Valley’s Next Update Should Focus On Fixing This One Animal Oversight

Stardew Valley, one of the most beloved indie games of the last decade, still has a major oversight of one of the most important animals players interact with. Despite receiving a massive update earlier this year, Stardew Valley still hasn’t added a lot of major features to horses. Being able to pet a horse, upgrade its stable, and build a relationship are all features that are still missing from the iconic farming simulator.

Every interactable person and animal in Pelican Town and the surrounding areas has a friendship meter where players can build their relationship over time, except for horses. So far, there is no way to befriend horses or a way to upgrade their stable. With horses being such a major part of daily gameplay for most players, it’s disappointing that they can’t build the same friendship that’s possible with all other farm animals.

Horses Are The Only Animal Without Hearts

Not To Make Hay Over This

Close

As of patch 1.6, horses are the only animal in Stardew Valley without a friendship bar. That means that when players tab over to the list of animals they’ve pet that day, their trusty steed has a conspicuous gap where the heart meter should be. All other animals have a way to be patted and loved, except for the poor horse, which sits out in an open stable through the heat of summer and the cold of winter.

Related You're Probably Using Scarecrows Wrong In Stardew Valley One Stardew Valley player shares their misfortune in just missing a crop order, proving why scarecrows - and their placement - are so important.

While Stardew Valley did add a way to increase a horse’s speed with a daily treat, that doesn’t contribute to the bond between the farmer and their horse. Since a lot of the gameplay is focused on building relationships, some which give benefits like recipes and gifts, it would make sense for the player’s horse to be included in that. Players should be able to show their love just for the sake of love, just like petting their dog or cat every day.

Stardew Valley Needs Upgradable Stables

These Horses Need A Better Home

Close

Just like how every other animal can be loved and appreciated every day, except for the horse, every other animal building can be upgraded and improved for the comfort of the animals inside except for the stable. The stable, which costs the steep price of 10,000g, five iron bars, and 100 hardwood, can never be upgraded. The tininess of the building is an asset, since it can be tucked in next to the farmhouse for easy access. The drawback is the horse inside is completely exposed to the elements throughout the entire year, in heat, rain, and snow.

The stable in Stardew Valley should be upgradable, just like every other farm building. For balancing purposes, the upgrade doesn’t need to add extra horses or any extreme benefits, but it would be nice to have the option to treat the horse to a better living situation. Other seasonal additions could be added as well, like a horse blanket or heater in the winter. Stardew Valley stresses the importance of taking care of animals, building relationships, and taking care of every aspect of the farm, but it seems that horses have gotten the short end of the proverbial carrot.