Understanding the dietary habits of your equine companions is a fundamental aspect of survival and progression in the sandbox world. While the game provides a few basic food items, players often wonder about the most efficient and sustainable way to feed these large animals. This guide delves into the specific mechanics of how horses process hay, detailing the various types available, the precise feeding process, and the tangible benefits players receive when they maintain a well-fed stable.
Hay Variants in the Game
The term "hay" encompasses several distinct items within the game’s inventory, and recognizing the differences is vital for effective animal husbandry. Unlike real-world botany, the digital representation focuses on utility rather than strict botanical accuracy. Players will encounter two primary agricultural products that serve as fodder, each with its own method of acquisition and application.
Hay Bales
The most common and efficient form of this resource is the Hay Bale. This compacted block is created by arranging nine pieces of Wheat in a crafting grid, making it a high-density storage unit for wheat crops. Because it stacks up to 64 items, it is the preferred method for transporting and storing large quantities of food. Using a Hay Bale is significantly faster than feeding individual wheat items, making it the go-to choice for players managing multiple animals or engaging in large-scale breeding operations.
Wheat Items
While Hay Bales are the standard, the base ingredient—Wheat—remains relevant for direct feeding. Players can obtain Wheat by breaking tall grass, a process that yields the item instantly without the need for crafting. Although less efficient for storage, Wheat is necessary for the breeding process. When held in the hand, it serves as the lure and incentive that encourages horses to approach and allows for the taming and reproduction mechanics to take place.
The Feeding and Taming Process
Interaction with these animals revolves around a specific sequence of actions that transform a wild creature into a loyal mount. The process is not instantaneous and requires patience, as it is governed by a hidden "temper" meter that decreases with each positive interaction. Feeding is the primary method of reducing this temper value, and the choice between Wheat and Hay Bales depends entirely on the stage of the interaction.
Initial Taming
To initiate the taming process, a player must approach a wild horse and right-click it while holding Wheat. Each piece of Wheat fed to the horse reduces its temper by 3 points. The animal will likely buck the player off several times during this phase, dealing fall damage if the player is not careful. Persistence is key, as the horse must be fed until its temper reaches zero, at which point it will display hearts and become passive, allowing for optional saddle placement.
Sustenance and Healing
Once tamed, the horse requires sustenance to restore health after a fight or to maintain its vitality. Both Wheat and Hay Bales can be used to heal the animal, restoring two health points (one heart) per item. However, the mechanics shift when it comes to feeding for saturation. If a player attempts to feed a healthy horse using the "feed" control (usually right-clicking while holding the food), the game actually utilizes the Hay Bale variant, even if the player are holding Wheat in their hand. This distinction ensures that players utilize their stored Hay Bales for general upkeep.
Breeding Mechanics
For players looking to expand their herds or acquire specific genetic traits, understanding the food source for breeding is essential. The mechanics dictate that tamed horses must be fed to enter "Love Mode," where they will seek out another horse and produce a foal. In this specific scenario, the game exclusively requires Wheat as the catalyst for the breeding process.
