Stardew Valley's next update should focus on fixing this animal oversight

Valley of the Stars, one of the most beloved indie games of the last decade, still features a huge oversight of one of the most important animals that players interact with. Despite receiving a major update earlier this year, Valley of the Stars hasn't added many important features to horses yet. Being able to pet a horse, upgrade your stable, and build a relationship are features that are still missing from the iconic farming simulator.

Every interactive person and animal in and around Pelican Town has a friendship meter where players can build their relationship over time, except the horses. So far, there is no way to make friends with horses or improve your stable. With horses being such an important part of the daily game for most players, it's disappointing that they can't build the same friendship that is possible with all the other animals on the farm.

Horses are the only heartless animal

To not make a fuss about it

As of patch 1.6, horses are the only animal Valley of the Stars without a friendship bar. This means that when players access the list of animals they have petted that day, their trusty steed has a visible gap where the heart meter should be. Every other animal has a way of being petted and loved, except the poor horse, who sits in an open stable through the heat of summer and the cold of winter.

While Valley of the Stars added a way to increase the horse's speed with a daily treat, which does not contribute to the bond between the farmer and his horse. Since much of the gameplay is focused on building relationships, some of which offer benefits like recipes and gifts, it would make sense for the player's horse to be included in this. Players should be able to show their love just for love's sake, just like petting their dog or cat every day.

Stardew Valley needs upgradable stables

These horses need a better home

Just as all other animals can be loved and appreciated every day except the horse, all other animal buildings can be upgraded and improved for the comfort of the animals inside except the stable. The stable, which costs the exorbitant price of 10,000g, five iron bars, and 100 fine wood, can never be upgraded. The smallness of the building is an asset, as it can be installed next to the farm for easier access. The disadvantage is the horse inside is completely exposed to the elements all year roundin heat, rain and snow.

The stable in Valley of the Stars It must be upgradeable, just like any other farm building. For balancing purposes, the upgrade does not 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 can also be added, such as a horse blanket or a heater in the winter. Valley of the Stars emphasizes the importance of caring for animals, building relationships, and tending to all aspects of the farm, but it seems the horses got the short end of the proverbial carrot.