Valve puts away the guns from PvP Fest and saddles up for a weekend of equestrian appreciation. From realistic sims to magical unicorns, the stable doors open February 19.
If you are suffering from whiplash, you aren’t alone. Just a few days ago, Steam was a battleground of blood, sweat, and tears during the “PvP Fest.” But starting tomorrow, the platform is trading in its assault rifles for apples and curry combs.
Valve has officially announced Steam Horse Fest, a short-but-sweet celebration of all things equestrian. The event kicks off tomorrow, Thursday, February 19th at 10:00 a.m. Pacific, and runs through the weekend, concluding on February 23rd.
According to the official announcement from “The Steam Team,” the festival will feature discounts and demos for “horse games and horse-adjacent games.” For those wondering where the line is drawn, Valve clarified: “Unicorns? Check. Donkeys? Check. Horses? Neigh. I mean, YES.”
The Mane Event
While “Horse Games” was once a genre largely relegated to the bargain bin of shovelware, the last few years have seen a massive renaissance in equestrian gaming. A dedicated community of “Horse Girls” (and Boys) has pushed developers to create deeper, more realistic simulations of stable management, breeding, and racing.
Steam Horse Fest appears to be a celebration of this growing niche. While the full list of discounted titles won’t be revealed until the stable doors open tomorrow morning, the category page suggests a mix of:
- Serious Simulations: Games like Rival Stars Horse Racing: Desktop Edition, which offer complex genetics and breeding mechanics.
- Cozy Adventures: Open-world exploration titles where the bond with your mount is the central mechanic.
- Fantasy Mounts: The inclusion of “unicorns” suggests we might see discounts on fantasy RPGs where magical steeds play a significant role (perhaps Hogwarts Legacy for the Thestrals/Hippogriffs, or The Witcher 3 for Roach).
A Short Gallop
Unlike the massive seasonal sales or the week-long genre fests, Steam Horse Fest is a sprint, not a marathon. Running for only four days (Feb 19–23), it serves as a “weekend spotlight” rather than a full-blown festival.
This shorter duration suggests the discounts might be more targeted. It is the perfect opportunity for parents looking for wholesome games for younger players, or for the surprisingly large demographic of gamers who simply want a game where the horse mechanics don’t feel like driving a tank.
The “Horse-Adjacent” Category
The press release’s mention of “donkeys” and “horse-adjacent” animals opens the door for some comedic inclusions. Will we see Goat Simulator? Will Shrek games (if any exist on Steam) make an appearance for Donkey?
More likely, this covers games like Kingdom Two Crowns, where players ride a variety of mounts, including stags and bears, or farming sims like Stardew Valley and Coral Island, where the horse is a vital tool for farm efficiency.
Trailer and Details
Valve released a short, playful trailer to set the mood, featuring a montage of galloping, jumping, and grooming.
Watch the Official Trailer: YouTube Link
For those ready to ride, the event page is already live (though discounts won’t trigger until 10 a.m. PT tomorrow).
Visit the Stable: Steam Horse Fest Category
So, brush off your riding boots and prepare your wallet. Whether you are looking for a realistic dressage simulator or just want to run around a magical forest as a unicorn, Steam has you covered this weekend.