Diablo 4 Guide: How to Get Pets and What They Do
Aug-15-2025 PST
This guide will explain how to unlock pets in Diablo 4, the different types available, and what they do once they join you on your journey.
What Are Pets in Diablo 4?
Pets in Diablo 4 are primarily cosmetic companions that follow your character around the game world. Unlike minions or summons used in combat, pets do not deal damage, tank enemies, or provide buffs. Instead, they serve as a visual and interactive element, enhancing the game's immersion and providing a sense of personality to your hero.
Despite their lack of combat utility, pets have become a popular collectible among players for several reasons:
Cosmetic Appeal: Many pets are designed with whimsical or themed visuals, from skeleton hounds to floating familiars.
Customization: Players can express their style by choosing pets that match their character's aesthetic.
Collection Goals: Unlocking all available pets is a challenge that encourages exploration and engagement with the game's systems.
How to Unlock Pets in Diablo 4
Unlocking pets in Diablo 4 is tied to several in-game activities, including progression milestones, completing events, or purchasing from in-game vendors. Here's a breakdown of the most common methods:
1. Campaign Progression
Some pets are unlocked simply by reaching specific points in the main story. Completing key quests or defeating major bosses can grant pets as quest rewards. These pets often reflect the theme of the area or the narrative, giving you a little souvenir from your journey.
Example: Defeating a boss in a haunted area might reward a pet skeleton or ghostly familiar.
2. Seasonal and Event Rewards
Diablo 4 features seasonal events and limited-time challenges, similar to previous Diablo titles. Participating in these events often rewards unique pets that cannot be obtained through standard gameplay.
Players should actively check for seasonal events.
Completing event milestones, such as slaying a set number of elite monsters or finishing event-specific quests, can unlock these pets.
These pets are often highly sought after due to their rarity and unique appearance.
3. Achievement Unlocks
Certain pets are tied to in-game achievements. Achievements may involve exploration, defeating certain types of enemies, or reaching skill milestones. For instance, fully exploring a dangerous dungeon or clearing a zone without dying may grant a pet as a reward.
Check the achievements menu for any pets that are listed as unlockable rewards.
These pets are often rare and serve as badges of honor for completing challenging tasks.
4. In-Game Shops
Some pets can be purchased from in-game vendors using gold or other currencies. These pets are typically cosmetic-only and do not provide in-game bonuses, but they offer convenience for players who want to expand their collection quickly.
Vendors may also sell themed pets, matching the lore of specific zones or factions.
Prices may vary depending on rarity or the pet's aesthetic appeal.
5. Loot Drops
Certain pets can drop randomly from chests, crates, or rare monster encounters. While this method relies on luck, it provides a sense of surprise and excitement for players exploring dungeons and open-world areas.
Pets from loot drops are often minor creatures, such as small familiars, critters, or themed companions connected to the enemy type they dropped from.
Types of Pets in Diablo 4
Pets in Diablo 4 can be categorized into several types based on their theme, style, and the way they interact with the world:
1. Creature Companions
These pets resemble small animals or fantastical creatures, such as foxes, wolves, or small dragons. They follow the player closely and provide visual charm, often animated to show personalities like hopping, running, or reacting to the environment.
2. Summoned Familiars
These pets have a magical or ethereal appearance. They may include floating spirits, wisps, or tiny demons. While purely cosmetic, they often include light effects or animations, making them visually impressive companions during combat or exploration.
3. Themed Pets
Certain pets reflect specific areas, enemies, or storylines. For example, a pet obtained in a haunted forest may resemble a small skeleton or ghostly figure. Themed pets provide a souvenir effect, reminding players of achievements in particular zones.
4. Event and Seasonal Pets
Exclusive to limited-time events, these pets are often vibrant, rare, or whimsical. Seasonal pets can include Diablo 4 Items like festival-themed animals, holiday critters, or unique skins that set them apart from standard companions.
What Pets Do in Diablo 4
While pets in Diablo 4 are not combat units, they still provide several benefits and interactions:
Cosmetic Presence
The main purpose of pets is visual flair. Players enjoy watching pets follow their characters through dungeons, towns, and the open world.
Interaction
Some pets include minor animations that react to the environment or player actions. For example, a pet may hop over obstacles, react to attacks, or perform idle animations.
Collection and Status
Unlocking rare pets serves as a status symbol. Players can show off rare or limited-time pets to friends or during multiplayer sessions.
Customization
Players can swap pets depending on their preference. Some pets may match the theme of your character's outfit or complement your chosen class aesthetics.
Tips for Collecting Pets
Track Achievements
Regularly check the achievement list to see which pets are obtainable. Some require specific conditions, like defeating unique bosses or exploring hidden areas.
Participate in Events
Seasonal and limited-time events often offer the rarest pets. Logging in and completing event challenges ensures you don't miss exclusive companions.
Explore Thoroughly
Many pets can drop from rare chests, special enemies, or hidden dungeon areas. Exploration pays off both in loot and collectible pets.
Use In-Game Currency Wisely
For players looking to expand collections quickly, purchasing pets from vendors is an option. Save currency for the rarer pets that can't be obtained elsewhere. You can also buy Diablo 4 Items to get pets.
Share with Friends
Diablo 4's multiplayer modes allow you to showcase pets to friends. Coordinating unlocks during group play can enhance both collection and social gameplay.
Conclusion
Pets in Diablo 4 are a fun, cosmetic addition that enhances immersion and personalization. While they do not directly influence combat, they provide charm, personality, and a sense of companionship in the dark and foreboding world of Sanctuary. Unlocking pets involves a variety of activities, from completing quests, achievements, and events, to purchasing from vendors or finding them as random loot.
The wide variety of pets-from animal companions to ethereal familiars and themed event-exclusive pets-ensures that every player can find companions that match their style. Collecting pets also adds replay value and encourages exploration, giving players another reason to revisit dungeons, events, and open-world zones.
For players who enjoy customization and aesthetic expression in Diablo 4, pets are more than just cosmetic-they are a personal signature, a collectible hobby, and a way to show off accomplishments. Whether you're a casual adventurer or a hardcore collector, unlocking and enjoying pets in Diablo 4 adds depth and charm to the gameplay experience.