Getting Rid of Your Furry, Scaly, or Otherwise Adorable Friends: A Guide to Dismissing Pets in Terraria
So, you’ve got a pet following you around in Terraria. Maybe the novelty has worn off, perhaps you need to optimize your screen real estate during a boss fight, or possibly you just want to switch to a different companion. Whatever the reason, understanding how to dismiss your pet is a crucial part of managing your Terraria experience.
The core mechanic is surprisingly straightforward: you need to unequip the pet summoning item from your inventory. Here’s a breakdown:
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Open your inventory: Press the
Esckey (or the appropriate button on your console). -
Locate the pet summoning item: This item will be equipped in one of your accessory slots, even though it technically doesn’t function as a traditional accessory.
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Unequip the item: Simply click on the equipped pet item. This will move it back into your main inventory.
That’s it! Your pet will vanish, and the corresponding buff icon will disappear. You are now pet-free, ready to tackle the Terraria world solo (or with a different pet!).
Deeper Dive: Understanding Pet Mechanics
While unequipping is the standard method, it’s essential to understand a few nuances about how pets function within Terraria:
Pet Slots and the “Eye” Icon
Each pet slot also has an “eye” icon. Clicking this icon will dismiss and resummon the pet, not just hide and reveal it. This is different from the accessory hide/show feature, which only affects the item’s visual appearance on your character. The eye icon acts as a quick toggle, ideal for temporarily dismissing your pet.
Multiple Pets? A One-Pet Policy
While you can own many pets in Terraria, you can only have one actively summoned at a time. Equipping a new pet item will automatically dismiss the currently active pet and summon the new one. There are some exceptions to this rule. You can simultaneously have a regular pet, a light pet, and certain summons that behave like pets (like the Zephyr Fish).
Pets vs. Summons/Minions
It’s crucial to distinguish between pets and summoned creatures or minions. Pets are purely cosmetic; they provide no combat assistance or other tangible benefits. Summons/Minions, on the other hand, actively fight alongside you. Dismissing a summon or minion typically involves using a specific item (like a magic mirror) or dying. The methods described above only affect regular pets.
Death and Pets
If your character dies in Terraria, your pet will disappear along with you. Upon respawning, your pet will not automatically reappear. You will need to re-equip the pet summoning item to bring it back.
FAQ: Pet Dismissal and Beyond
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to provide additional clarity on pet management in Terraria:
How do I switch between my different pets?
Simply equip a different pet summoning item. Equipping a new one will automatically dismiss your current pet and summon the new one. Remember, you can only have one “regular” pet active at a time.
Can my pets die?
No, pets are invincible. They cannot be harmed by enemies or environmental hazards. They are purely cosmetic companions.
What happens to my pet if I leave the world?
When you exit a Terraria world, your pet will disappear along with you. Upon re-entering the world, you will need to re-equip the pet summoning item to summon it again.
Is there a way to temporarily hide my pet without dismissing it?
No, not really. The “eye” icon dismisses and resummons your pet. There is no way to temporarily hide your pet without it disappearing altogether.
Can I have a pet and a light pet at the same time?
Yes! You can have one “regular” pet and one “light pet” active simultaneously. Light pets provide illumination, which can be extremely helpful in dark areas.
Where do I find pet summoning items?
Pet summoning items can be found in various locations, including treasure chests, enemy drops, and vendor shops. The specific method of obtaining each pet varies.
Do pets provide any stat bonuses?
No, pets are purely cosmetic and do not provide any stat bonuses or other gameplay advantages.
Is there a limit to how many pets I can own?
There is no limit to the number of pet summoning items you can collect and store in your inventory or chests. You can “own” as many pets as you can find!
Can I trade pets with other players?
Yes, you can trade pet summoning items with other players in multiplayer.
Are there any achievements related to pets?
There are no specific achievements directly tied to owning pets. However, some achievements might indirectly involve pets if they require exploring certain areas where specific pet summoning items can be found.
Does the type of pet affect the gameplay in any way?
No, all pets function identically in terms of gameplay. The only difference is their appearance.
Are there any hidden or secret pets in Terraria?
Terraria is full of secrets! Discovering hidden pets is part of the fun. Keep exploring, and you might stumble upon some rare and unusual companions.
Can I color my pets with dyes?
No, you cannot dye pets. Dyes only affect the appearance of your character’s armor and accessories.
Do pets interact with each other?
No, pets do not interact with each other. Each pet simply follows the player around independently.
What’s the best pet in Terraria?
This is entirely subjective! The “best” pet is the one you find most visually appealing or that you feel best suits your character. Some popular choices include the Baby Truffle, the Puppy, and the Dragon Egg.
Conclusion: Pet Management Made Easy
Dismissing or switching pets in Terraria is a simple process. By understanding the basic mechanics and nuances of pet management, you can easily customize your gameplay experience and enjoy the company of your favorite companions. Remember, while they don’t offer any combat advantages, pets add a touch of personality and charm to your adventures in the world of Terraria.
For more information about games and their educational potential, consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.