Mounts, Pets, and Companions: Enhancing Your MMO Experience

27 August 2025

Let’s be real: no MMO adventure is complete without a trusty mount, an adorable pet, or a loyal companion by your side. These additions aren’t just about aesthetics—they’re integral to how we experience our favorite virtual worlds. Mounts make travel epic, pets melt our hearts (and sometimes boost our stats), and companions? Well, they’re the co-op buddies who always show up, no excuses!

In this article, we’re going to dive deep into what makes mounts, pets, and companions so essential in MMOs, how they enhance our gameplay, and why we’re all so obsessed with collecting them. Whether you’re a battle-hardened MMO veteran or a newbie dipping your toes into the genre, you’ll find something here to increase your appreciation for these in-game allies.

What Are Mounts, Pets, and Companions in MMOs?

Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, let’s break it down. Mounts, pets, and companions might sound simple, but trust me, they’re anything but.

- Mounts: These are your speed demons! Think horses, dragons, motorcycles, or even giant rubber ducks (looking at you, Final Fantasy XIV). If it lets you zoom across the game world faster than on foot, it’s a mount.

- Pets: These little guys are mostly your non-combat buddies. They follow you around, look cute, and sometimes hold sentimental value. Some games even let pets offer minor in-game benefits like increasing resources or aiding in battles.

- Companions: Companions are the MVPs here. They’re AI-controlled allies who fight alongside you, heal you, or simply provide hilarious one-liners to lighten the mood. Think of them as your virtual best friend.

Each of these categories brings something unique to the table. Together, they transform the way we connect with MMOs as players.

The Emotional Attachment: Why We Love Them

Why do we care so much about virtual critters or mounts? It’s simple: they personalize our experience. I mean, who wouldn’t want a massive armored wolf mount to strike terror into their enemies—or a sparkly unicorn to flaunt their softer side? These things define us in-game. They provide a sense of identity, and let’s be honest, they give us major bragging rights.

Pets, for example, aren’t just cosmetic fluff in many games. They often carry sentimental value. Remember that little fox you got from a super rare drop? Or the pet that was handed down after a crazy guild event? If you’ve ever had a pet tag along in-game, you know how heartwarming it is to see them waddling behind you, humbly reminding you they’ve got your back.

Companions, on the other hand? They’re the ride-or-die partners we all secretly wish we had IRL. Whether it’s your rogue assassin helping you take down a tough boss or a healer who saves your skin at the last second, companions become as integral to the story as we, the players, are.

How Mounts, Pets, and Companions Enhance Gameplay

If you’re wondering why developers bother making mounts, pets, and companions such a big deal... it's all about enhancing immersion and gameplay. Here’s how:

1. Speed and Accessibility

We’ve all been there: staring at the map, realizing your next quest is halfway across the world. Mounts are the ultimate game-changer. Without them, crossing an enormous world would take forever. Plus, let’s admit it, gliding through the skies on a dragon or zooming past enemies on a futuristic hoverboard is downright empowering.

2. Combat Support

Some games elevate pets and companions to active participants in combat. For example, in games like World of Warcraft, hunters rely on their pets for added DPS (damage per second). Meanwhile, companions in The Elder Scrolls Online can act as tanks, healers, or damage-dealers, giving you flexibility in combat strategies.

3. Cosmetic Flexing

Let’s not underestimate the power of flexing. Rare mounts and pets are the ultimate status symbols in MMOs. You’re not just showing off your wealth—you’re flaunting your dedication, hard work, and maybe a little bit of good luck. Remember that time you spent 50 hours farming for that bright pink phoenix mount? Totally worth it.

Collecting Mounts, Pets, and Companions: A Game Within the Game

If you’re obsessed with collecting, you’re not alone. MMO players have turned collecting mounts, pets, and companions into an art form. For many, it’s not just about having them—it’s about how you got them.

Some games, like World of Warcraft, have made collecting a key part of their endgame content. Players hunt down rare mounts dropped by bosses, participate in special events for limited-time pets, and grind reputation with in-game factions for exclusive companions. It’s a hobby within a hobby, and it adds endless replayability.

Here’s why collecting is so satisfying:
- Rarity: Rare items carry weight. If everyone has it, it’s not special, right? That golden lion mount you spent weeks earning? Pure gold.
- Bragging Rights: There’s nothing like showing off your hard-earned rewards in major cities or guild hubs.
- Customizing Your Look: The right pet, mount, or companion ties an outfit together. It’s like accessorizing in real life—but cooler.

MMO Examples: Mounts, Pets, and Companions That Stood Out

Let’s geek out for a second. Here are some of the most memorable mounts, pets, and companions from popular MMOs:

1. Sparkle Pony (World of Warcraft): Love it or hate it, this sparkly horse became an icon.
2. Jetpack (Star Wars: The Old Republic): Because who doesn’t want to zoom through planets with a jetpack?
3. Bunny Minion (Final Fantasy XIV): This adorable rabbit is just the right amount of cute and cuddly.
4. Barbas the Daedra Dog (The Elder Scrolls Online): If you’ve met Barbas, you know he’s more than just a companion—he’s a talking legend.
5. Griffin Mount (Guild Wars 2): Not only stunning but also comes with gliding mechanics that feel amazing.

Tips to Maximize Your Mounts, Pets, and Companions Experience

Want to take your virtual squad to the next level? Here are some simple tips:

- Diversify Your Collection: Aim for a mix of mounts, pets, and companions to suit different moods or tasks.
- Stay Updated on Events: Many MMOs host seasonal events where rare collectibles appear. Don’t miss out!
- Match Your Aesthetic: Your mount or pet should complement your character’s appearance and vibe. Riding a creepy undead horse while wearing glowing white armor? Not the best fit.
- Experiment in Combat: If your companions work in combat, learn their strengths and weaknesses to maximize their effectiveness.

Why Mounts, Pets, and Companions Keep Us Hooked

At the end of the day, the allure of mounts, pets, and companions boils down to this: they make MMOs feel alive. They transform a massive digital world into something personal, memorable, and full of charm. When you’re riding your favorite mount or battling alongside your loyal companion, the game feels less like a grind and more like an adventure.

And let’s face it, we all want good company for those long, winding MMO journeys. Who better to fill that role than a sparkling griffin, a mischievous pet dragon, or a witty AI sidekick who thinks you’re the hero of the century?