In Terraria, pets are loyal summonable creatures that follow the player around and provide companionship without assisting in combat. There are many pets available in Terraria, each with unique visuals and effects. Choosing the «best» pet often comes down to personal preference regarding aesthetics and how rare or challenging the pet is to obtain. Here’s a look at some of the most popular and visually appealing pets in Terraria, which many players consider among the best:

1. Companion Cube

• How to Obtain: Purchased from the Traveling Merchant for 5 platinum coins.
• Special Feature: The Companion Cube is a nod to the popular game Portal. It occasionally makes squeaking sounds on contact with the ground and can do a small amount of damage to the player if they fall too far, reminiscent of its behavior in Portal.

2. Zephyr Fish

• How to Obtain: Rare catch while fishing in any biome.
• Special Feature: This pet is admired for its rarity and the unique, constant swimming motion it displays as it follows you around.

3. Nectar

• How to Obtain: Dropped by the Queen Bee boss.
• Special Feature: Summons a small flying bee. It’s particularly popular because of its cute appearance and how it hovers around the player.

4. Seedling

• How to Obtain: Dropped by Plantera, a hardmode boss.
• Special Feature: Summons a small version of Plantera, one of the game’s iconic bosses. Its rarity and the challenge required to obtain it make it a favorite among players.

5. Tiki Spirit

• How to Obtain: Purchased from the Witch Doctor if the player has the Pygmy Staff equipped.
• Special Feature: A small tiki spirit floats and follows the player. It’s popular due to its unique and mystical appearance.

6. Baby Dinosaur

• How to Obtain: Has a chance to be obtained from an Extractinator when silt, slush, or desert fossils are used.
• Special Feature: Summons a cute prehistoric companion. It’s a favorite for its adorable animations and rarity.

7. Puppy

• How to Obtain: During the Christmas season (December 15th — 31st), the Puppy is a possible drop from Presents.
• Special Feature: The Puppy has a playful appearance and joyful animations, making it a popular choice during and after the holiday season.

8. Magic Lantern

• How to Obtain: Purchased from the Skeleton Merchant during a full moon.
• Special Feature: This pet also serves as a light source that highlights treasures and ores. It combines utility with companionship, making it extremely useful and favored by many players.

9. Black Cat

• How to Obtain: Available from Goodie Bags, which are obtained during the Halloween season.
• Special Feature: The Black Cat has a spooky, witchy aesthetic that appeals to many players, especially around Halloween.

10. Shark Pup

• How to Obtain: Found in Ocean Crates and rare catches while fishing in the ocean.
• Special Feature: A baby shark that follows the player around, popular for its charming looks and the rarity factor.

Each of these pets brings something unique to the table, whether it’s their rarity, the challenge in obtaining them, or simply their appearance and animations. The choice of the «best» pet often boils down to which one resonates most with a player’s personal tastes and play style.