In Terraria, animal companions, often referred to as pets, provide players with company and some light-hearted fun as they explore, build, and battle. Pets in Terraria are purely cosmetic and do not affect gameplay in terms of combat, but they add a layer of customization and personal flair to your adventures. Here’s a guide to some popular pets and how you can obtain them:

1. Pet Bunny

• How to Obtain: Use the Bunny License, which can be purchased from the Zoologist after completing at least 10% of the Bestiary.
• Description: A cute little bunny that follows you around.

2. Baby Dinosaur

• How to Obtain: Found in an Extractinator, which is a device used to convert Silt, Slush, or Desert Fossils into more useful items. The chance of obtaining the Baby Dinosaur is relatively low, making it a rare pet.
• Description: A small, friendly dinosaur that trails behind the player.

3. Zephyr Fish

• How to Obtain: Caught randomly while fishing in any biome, with a very low chance (1 in 800).
• Description: A small fish encased in a bubble, floating along beside you as you move.

4. Parrot

• How to Obtain: Dropped by Pirates during a Pirate Invasion, which is a Hardmode event triggered after defeating the Wall of Flesh or with a Pirate Map.
• Description: A colorful parrot that perches on your shoulder occasionally.

5. Companion Cube

• How to Obtain: Can be purchased from the Traveling Merchant for 5 platinum coins, making it one of the most expensive pets.
• Description: A reference to the «Portal» game series, this pet occasionally emits painful screams when the player takes damage.

6. Baby Grinch

• How to Obtain: A rare drop from the Ice Queen during the Frost Moon event.
• Description: A small, mischievous Grinch that follows you around, perfect for a more whimsical companion.

7. Turtle

• How to Obtain: The Seaweed, which summons the Turtle, is a drop while fishing in the Jungle biome.
• Description: A tiny turtle that slowly follows the player across land and swims quickly in water.

8. Baby Skeletron Head

• How to Obtain: Dropped by Skeletron with a 0.5% chance upon defeat.
• Description: A miniature version of the Skeletron head that floats beside you.

9. Shadow Mimic

• How to Obtain: Dropped by the Eater of Worlds or Brain of Cthulhu with a low chance.
• Description: A small, dark creature resembling the Chest Mimics found in-game.

How to Use Pets

• Activation: Pets are summoned by using their respective items, which are placed in the player’s inventory. Activating the item (usually by clicking it) summons the pet.
• Persistence: Once summoned, pets will follow you around indefinitely until you summon a different pet, log off, or click off their buff icon.
• Cosmetic Customization: Pets often match well with certain armor sets or themes, enhancing your character’s visual appeal.

Pets add an enjoyable aspect to Terraria by providing companionship without the added stress of managing another combat element. Whether you’re digging through caverns or fighting bosses, having a little friend along for the ride can make your adventures more enjoyable.