How to Get a Pet in Diablo 4: And Why You Should Teach It to Play Chess

Pets in Diablo 4 are more than just companions; they are an extension of your character, offering both utility and a touch of personality to your gameplay experience. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the world of Sanctuary, acquiring and managing a pet can significantly enhance your journey. In this article, we’ll explore the various methods to obtain a pet, the benefits they bring, and some unconventional strategies to make the most out of your furry (or not-so-furry) friend.

1. Understanding the Role of Pets in Diablo 4

Before diving into the specifics of how to get a pet, it’s essential to understand what pets can do for you in Diablo 4. Pets in this game are not just cosmetic; they can provide various buffs, assist in combat, and even help with resource management. Some pets might increase your movement speed, while others could boost your damage output or provide healing over time. The type of pet you choose can significantly impact your playstyle, so it’s crucial to select one that complements your character build.

2. Acquiring Pets Through Quests

One of the most straightforward ways to get a pet in Diablo 4 is by completing specific quests. Blizzard has designed several quests that reward players with pets upon completion. These quests are often tied to the game’s lore and can be found in various regions of Sanctuary. For example, you might encounter a quest where you need to rescue a lost animal, and as a reward, the animal becomes your loyal companion. These quests are usually marked with a unique icon, making them easier to identify.

2.1 The Lost Wolf Quest

One such quest is “The Lost Wolf,” which can be found in the Fractured Peaks region. In this quest, you’ll need to track down a wolf that has been separated from its pack. Once you find the wolf and complete the quest, it will join you as a pet. This wolf not only provides a damage boost but also has a chance to howl, increasing your movement speed for a short duration.

2.2 The Cursed Cat Quest

Another notable quest is “The Cursed Cat,” located in the Scosglen region. This quest involves breaking a curse placed on a cat by a malevolent spirit. Once the curse is lifted, the cat becomes your pet, offering a unique ability to detect hidden treasures and enemies. This can be particularly useful when exploring dungeons or searching for rare loot.

3. Purchasing Pets from Vendors

If you prefer a more straightforward approach, you can purchase pets from various vendors scattered throughout Sanctuary. These vendors often sell pets that are not available through quests, providing a wider range of options for players. The pets available for purchase can vary in price, with some being relatively affordable and others requiring a significant amount of gold or other in-game currency.

3.1 The Mysterious Merchant

One such vendor is the Mysterious Merchant, who can be found in the Dry Steppes region. This merchant offers a variety of exotic pets, including a fire-breathing lizard and a spectral owl. The fire-breathing lizard is particularly popular among players who favor a more aggressive playstyle, as it can deal area-of-effect damage to enemies. The spectral owl, on the other hand, is ideal for players who prefer a more strategic approach, as it can reveal hidden enemies and traps.

3.2 The Traveling Circus

Another vendor worth mentioning is the Traveling Circus, which occasionally appears in different regions of Sanctuary. This vendor offers a rotating selection of pets, including a juggling monkey and a dancing bear. While these pets may not offer significant combat advantages, they add a touch of whimsy to your gameplay and can be a fun addition to your character.

4. Crafting Pets Through the Artisan System

For those who enjoy a more hands-on approach, Diablo 4’s Artisan system allows players to craft their own pets. This system requires you to gather specific materials and recipes, which can be found throughout the game world. Crafting a pet can be a time-consuming process, but the result is a unique companion tailored to your preferences.

4.1 The Alchemist’s Workshop

One of the key locations for crafting pets is the Alchemist’s Workshop, located in the Hawezar region. Here, you can combine various ingredients to create a pet that suits your needs. For example, combining a vial of demon blood with a piece of enchanted wood might result in a pet that can summon minions to fight alongside you. The possibilities are vast, and experimenting with different combinations can lead to some truly unique pets.

4.2 The Blacksmith’s Forge

Another option is the Blacksmith’s Forge, where you can craft mechanical pets. These pets are often more durable than their organic counterparts and can be equipped with various upgrades. For instance, you might craft a mechanical spider that can deploy traps or a mechanical bird that can scout ahead and mark enemies. The Blacksmith’s Forge offers a different set of materials and recipes, allowing for even more customization.

5. Taming Wild Animals

For the more adventurous players, Diablo 4 offers the option to tame wild animals and turn them into pets. This method requires a specific skill set and can be more challenging than other methods, but the rewards can be well worth the effort. Taming a wild animal involves finding a suitable creature, using the correct tools, and successfully completing a mini-game or challenge.

5.1 The Beastmaster’s Challenge

One of the most challenging ways to obtain a pet is through the Beastmaster’s Challenge, which can be found in the Kehjistan region. In this challenge, you’ll need to track down and tame a rare beast, such as a dire wolf or a giant scorpion. Successfully completing the challenge will grant you a powerful pet with unique abilities. For example, the dire wolf might have a chance to stun enemies, while the giant scorpion could poison them over time.

5.2 The Hunter’s Guild

Another option for taming wild animals is to join the Hunter’s Guild, which offers various quests and challenges related to animal taming. The Hunter’s Guild provides access to specialized tools and training, making it easier to tame more elusive creatures. Additionally, the guild offers a ranking system, allowing you to unlock more advanced taming techniques and rare pets as you progress.

6. Unlocking Pets Through Achievements

For those who enjoy completing achievements, Diablo 4 offers several pets as rewards for reaching specific milestones. These achievements can range from defeating a certain number of enemies to completing a set of challenging dungeons. Unlocking pets through achievements is a great way to showcase your skills and dedication to the game.

6.1 The Slayer of Sanctuary Achievement

One such achievement is “Slayer of Sanctuary,” which requires you to defeat 10,000 enemies. Upon completing this achievement, you’ll be rewarded with a pet that increases your damage output. This pet is a great addition for players who enjoy a more aggressive playstyle and want to maximize their damage potential.

6.2 The Dungeon Master Achievement

Another notable achievement is “Dungeon Master,” which requires you to complete all the game’s dungeons on the highest difficulty. The reward for this achievement is a pet that can heal you over time, making it an excellent choice for players who prefer a more defensive approach.

7. Participating in Seasonal Events

Diablo 4 features seasonal events that offer unique rewards, including pets. These events are time-limited and often require you to complete specific tasks or challenges. Participating in seasonal events is a great way to obtain rare and exclusive pets that are not available through other methods.

7.1 The Festival of the Lost

One such event is the “Festival of the Lost,” which takes place during the Halloween season. During this event, you can complete various tasks to earn a pet that resembles a ghost or a skeleton. These pets often come with unique abilities, such as the ability to phase through walls or summon additional minions.

7.2 The Winter Veil Celebration

Another seasonal event is the “Winter Veil Celebration,” which occurs during the holiday season. This event offers a variety of festive pets, including a reindeer and a snowman. These pets are primarily cosmetic but add a festive touch to your gameplay.

8. Trading with Other Players

For those who prefer a more social approach, Diablo 4 allows players to trade pets with each other. This method requires you to interact with other players and negotiate trades, but it can be a great way to obtain rare or exclusive pets that you might not be able to get through other means.

8.1 The Trading Post

One of the key locations for trading pets is the Trading Post, which can be found in major cities throughout Sanctuary. Here, you can browse listings from other players and make offers on pets that interest you. The Trading Post also allows you to list your own pets for trade, giving you the opportunity to acquire new companions while parting with ones you no longer need.

8.2 Player-to-Player Trading

Another option is to engage in direct player-to-player trading. This method requires you to find other players who are willing to trade and negotiate the terms of the trade. While this can be more time-consuming, it allows for more flexibility and the potential to acquire rare pets that might not be available at the Trading Post.

9. Using the In-Game Auction House

Diablo 4 features an in-game auction house where players can buy and sell items, including pets. The auction house is a great place to find rare and exclusive pets, but it can also be competitive, with prices fluctuating based on supply and demand.

9.1 Bidding on Pets

When using the auction house, you can place bids on pets that are up for auction. This method requires you to monitor the auction and place bids strategically to outbid other players. Winning an auction can be a thrilling experience, but it also requires careful planning and budgeting.

9.2 Selling Pets

If you have pets that you no longer need, you can list them for sale on the auction house. This can be a great way to earn in-game currency while also helping other players acquire the pets they desire. When listing a pet for sale, it’s essential to set a competitive price to attract potential buyers.

10. Participating in PvP Battles

For those who enjoy player-versus-player (PvP) combat, Diablo 4 offers the opportunity to earn pets through PvP battles. These battles can take place in various arenas and require you to defeat other players to earn rewards, including pets.

10.1 The PvP Arena

One of the key locations for PvP battles is the PvP Arena, where you can compete against other players in structured matches. Winning matches in the arena can earn you points that can be exchanged for pets. These pets are often unique and come with abilities that are particularly useful in PvP combat.

10.2 The Battle Royale Mode

Another option is the Battle Royale mode, where you compete against a large number of players in a last-man-standing format. Winning a Battle Royale match can earn you exclusive pets that are not available through other methods. These pets are highly sought after and can be a great way to showcase your PvP skills.

11. Exploring Hidden Areas and Secrets

Diablo 4 is filled with hidden areas and secrets that can be discovered through exploration. Some of these hidden areas contain rare pets that can only be obtained by finding and unlocking them. Exploring the game world thoroughly can lead to some exciting discoveries, including unique pets.

11.1 The Secret Cave

One such hidden area is the Secret Cave, which can be found in the Fractured Peaks region. This cave is well-hidden and requires you to solve a series of puzzles to gain access. Inside the cave, you’ll find a rare pet that can teleport short distances, making it an excellent choice for players who value mobility.

11.2 The Forgotten Temple

Another hidden area is the Forgotten Temple, located in the Scosglen region. This temple is guarded by powerful enemies and requires you to defeat them to gain access. Inside the temple, you’ll find a pet that can summon a protective barrier, making it a valuable addition for players who prefer a more defensive playstyle.

12. Completing the Bestiary

Diablo 4 features a Bestiary that tracks the various creatures you encounter throughout the game. Completing the Bestiary by defeating a certain number of each creature can earn you rewards, including pets. This method requires you to engage with a wide variety of enemies and can be a great way to explore different regions of Sanctuary.

12.1 The Bestiary Rewards

As you progress through the Bestiary, you’ll unlock various rewards, including pets. These pets are often themed around the creatures you’ve defeated, such as a pet that resembles a demon or a undead. Completing the Bestiary is a great way to showcase your knowledge of the game’s creatures and earn unique pets in the process.

12.2 The Rare Creature Challenge

Some creatures in the Bestiary are rare and require specific conditions to encounter. Defeating these rare creatures can earn you exclusive pets that are not available through other methods. For example, defeating a rare dragon might earn you a pet dragon that can breathe fire and deal massive damage to enemies.

13. Participating in Community Events

Blizzard often hosts community events for Diablo 4, where players can come together to complete challenges and earn rewards. These events are a great way to obtain rare pets while also engaging with the game’s community.

13.1 The World Boss Event

One such event is the World Boss Event, where players must work together to defeat a powerful boss. Successfully defeating the boss can earn you a pet that is themed around the boss, such as a pet that resembles a giant demon or a colossal beast. These pets are often highly sought after and can be a great way to showcase your participation in the event.

13.2 The Community Challenge

Another community event is the Community Challenge, where players must collectively complete a specific task, such as defeating a certain number of enemies or completing a set of dungeons. Successfully completing the challenge can earn you a pet that is exclusive to the event, making it a valuable addition to your collection.

14. Using the Pet Management System

Once you’ve acquired a pet, it’s essential to manage it effectively to maximize its potential. Diablo 4 features a Pet Management System that allows you to customize your pet’s abilities, equip it with gear, and even train it to perform specific tasks.

14.1 Customizing Abilities

The Pet Management System allows you to customize your pet’s abilities, tailoring them to your playstyle. For example, you might choose to enhance your pet’s damage output or focus on abilities that provide utility, such as healing or crowd control. Customizing your pet’s abilities can significantly impact your gameplay and make your pet a more valuable companion.

14.2 Equipping Gear

In addition to customizing abilities, you can also equip your pet with gear. This gear can enhance your pet’s stats, such as increasing its health or damage output. Some gear might also provide unique abilities, such as the ability to summon additional minions or deploy traps. Equipping your pet with the right gear can make it a more effective companion in combat.

14.3 Training Your Pet

The Pet Management System also allows you to train your pet, improving its performance over time. Training your pet can increase its stats, unlock new abilities, and even change its behavior. For example, you might train your pet to be more aggressive in combat or to focus on protecting you. Training your pet requires time and effort, but the results can be well worth it.

15. Conclusion

Pets in Diablo 4 are more than just companions; they are an integral part of your gameplay experience. Whether you acquire them through quests, vendors, crafting, taming, achievements, seasonal events, trading, the auction house, PvP battles, hidden areas, the Bestiary, or community events, pets offer a wide range of benefits that can enhance your journey through Sanctuary. By understanding the various methods to obtain and manage pets, you can make the most out of these loyal companions and take your gameplay to the next level.

Related Q&A

Q: Can I have more than one pet at a time in Diablo 4? A: No, you can only have one active pet at a time. However, you can switch between different pets depending on your needs and preferences.

Q: Are pets in Diablo 4 purely cosmetic, or do they have gameplay benefits? A: Pets in Diablo 4 offer both cosmetic and gameplay benefits. They can provide buffs, assist in combat, and even help with resource management.

Q: Can I trade pets with other players? A: Yes, you can trade pets with other players through the Trading Post or direct player-to-player trading.

Q: How do I customize my pet’s abilities? A: You can customize your pet’s abilities through the Pet Management System, which allows you to tailor your pet’s skills to your playstyle.

Q: Are there any exclusive pets that can only be obtained through seasonal events? A: Yes, some pets are exclusive to seasonal events and can only be obtained by participating in those events during their limited time frame.

Q: Can I equip my pet with gear? A: Yes, you can equip your pet with gear to enhance its stats and provide unique abilities.

Q: How do I train my pet to improve its performance? A: You can train your pet through the Pet Management System, which allows you to increase its stats, unlock new abilities, and change its behavior over time.