Can You Rename a Pet Twice in WoW? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you can rename a pet more than once in modern World of Warcraft, provided it’s not a Classic WoW hunter pet. The renaming process and limitations vary depending on the type of pet and the version of the game you’re playing. Let’s dive into the specifics of renaming pets in WoW, addressing common questions and scenarios.
Understanding Pet Renaming in World of Warcraft
The ability to customize your companion animals adds a personal touch to your World of Warcraft experience. Whether it’s a loyal hunter pet, a fearsome warlock demon, or a cute non-combat pet, giving them a name that resonates with you is part of the fun. However, the rules surrounding renaming are not uniform across all pet types and game versions.
Hunter Pets: Certificates of Ownership
For hunter pets in retail WoW (the current expansion), you can use a Certificate of Ownership to rename your animal companion. These certificates can be purchased from various vendors or obtained through gameplay. Once you have a certificate, simply use it, and you’ll be prompted to enter a new name for your pet. This process can be repeated multiple times, as long as you have a Certificate of Ownership available. There isn’t a limit to how many times you can rename a retail hunter pet, as long as you have the required certificate.
Classic WoW: One Rename Only
The situation is vastly different in WoW Classic. Here, the spirit of the original game is preserved, including its limitations. Hunter pets in WoW Classic can only be renamed once. This decision emphasizes the weight of your initial naming choice, harking back to a time when customization options were more limited. Choose wisely!
Warlock Demons: Random Names Only
Warlocks in modern WoW have the ability to rename their demons, but there’s a significant catch. You can’t choose the name yourself. Instead, you pay a demon trainer 50 gold to randomly generate a new name. This service can be used multiple times, but you’re at the mercy of the game’s name generator. Custom naming is not available for warlock demons.
Companion Pets: Fixed Names
Non-combat pets, also known as companion pets or vanity pets, generally cannot be renamed. These pets have fixed names assigned when they are acquired. This applies to pets obtained through quests, achievements, the in-game store, or the Trading Post. The name is part of their identity, and you’re meant to accept them as they are.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pet Renaming in WoW
Here are some common questions regarding pet renaming rules, limitations, and tips in World of Warcraft.
1. What are the general pet naming rules in WoW?
Companion pet names must be between 2-16 characters long. Accented characters are supported, but numbers and symbols are not allowed. This applies to any name you’re trying to give a hunter pet, provided you are playing in the retail version of WoW.
2. Why can’t I rename my pet?
There could be several reasons:
- You’re playing WoW Classic, and you’ve already renamed your hunter pet once.
- You’re trying to rename a companion pet, which cannot be renamed.
- You’re trying to give your pet a name with invalid characters (numbers, symbols) or a name that is too short or too long.
- You don’t have a Certificate of Ownership for your retail hunter pet.
3. Where do I get a Certificate of Ownership?
Certificates of Ownership can be purchased from Stable Masters in major cities or from certain vendors. The specific vendors and locations might vary slightly depending on the expansion you are playing.
4. Can I have two of the same pet with different names?
Yes, but only in specific circumstances. For hunter pets, you can tame two identical pets and give them different names. However, to have both out at the same time, you need to utilize the Animal Companion talent, which allows two hunter pets to be active simultaneously. One pet is your main pet, and the other is summoned through the talent.
5. What happens if I abandon a renamed pet?
If you abandon a renamed hunter pet and then tame it again, it will revert to its original name. The rename is not permanent if you release the pet back into the wild.
6. Can I trade or sell a renamed pet?
No. Pets, whether hunter pets or companion pets, cannot be directly traded or sold to other players. While some companion pets can be sold on the Auction House via cages, they retain their original, unchangeable name.
7. Are there any restrictions on names that are considered inappropriate?
Yes. Blizzard enforces naming policies, and inappropriate or offensive names are prohibited. If a player reports an inappropriate pet name, Blizzard may force a rename. Avoid names that are sexually suggestive, hateful, or violate the game’s terms of service.
8. Can I rename my pet cross-realm?
Yes, renaming a pet in modern WoW applies account-wide, regardless of the realm.
9. Can I use special characters in my pet’s name?
Accented characters are generally supported, but other special characters, such as symbols or emojis, are not allowed.
10. What if I accidentally renamed my pet to the wrong name?
If you accidentally renamed your pet to the wrong name in retail WoW, you can simply purchase another Certificate of Ownership and rename it again. However, if you made this mistake in Classic WoW, you are unfortunately stuck with that name, as you only get one rename opportunity.
11. Do I have to pay to rename a pet?
For retail hunter pets, you need to purchase a Certificate of Ownership, which costs gold. For Warlock demons, you pay 50 gold each time you want a random new name. Renaming Classic hunter pets the single time is free.
12. Can I rename my pet in the WoW mobile app?
No. The WoW mobile app does not support pet renaming. You must log into the game client on a computer to rename your pet.
13. Is there a way to restore my pet to its original name?
No, there is no direct way to revert a renamed pet to its original name, unless you abandon it and re-tame it, as mentioned earlier. Once a name is changed using a Certificate of Ownership (or the one-time rename in Classic), the original name is effectively lost, unless you utilize the method explained previously.
14. How does renaming work with the stable master?
The stable master primarily allows you to store hunter pets. It is also the location where you can purchase Certificates of Ownership to rename your pets in retail WoW. Stabling a pet does not affect its name; the name remains the same whether the pet is active or stabled.
15. Are there any resources for finding good pet names?
Yes, many online resources offer suggestions for pet names based on various criteria, such as race, class, personality, or even real-world animal names. These resources can be a great source of inspiration if you’re struggling to come up with the perfect name for your companion. You can also look for more insights related to gaming at the Games Learning Society (visit GamesLearningSociety.org).
In conclusion, while the ability to rename pets exists in World of Warcraft, it’s subject to specific rules and limitations that depend on the type of pet and the game version you’re playing. By understanding these rules, you can ensure that your loyal companions sport names that perfectly suit their personalities and your gameplay experience.