How to Supersize Your Companions: A Guide to Pet Size in World of Warcraft
So, you want a bigger pet in World of Warcraft? You’ve come to the right place! While there isn’t a universal “enlarge” button, several factors and methods influence your pet’s size, from leveling and consumable items to class-specific mechanics. This guide will break down everything you need to know about manipulating the dimensions of your loyal companions in Azeroth.
The Core Methods for Pet Size Alteration
The truth is, directly controlling your pet’s size is somewhat limited. The primary means of increasing pet size revolve around character progression and specific items. Let’s dive into the main methods:
- Leveling: The most consistent way to see your pets grow is simply by leveling your character. Hunter and Warlock pets automatically scale in size as you level up. This growth is gradual and often subtle, especially at lower levels. The visual difference becomes more apparent as you reach higher levels. If you’re playing a Hunter or Warlock and your pet seems small, keep leveling! You’ll eventually see them grow.
- Magical Pet Biscuits: This is a straightforward, albeit temporary, solution. Magical Pet Biscuits can be used on non-combat pets to double their size for a short duration. These biscuits are relatively easy to obtain, making them a fun way to temporarily embiggen your favorite companion.
- Kibler’s Bits: Once upon a time, Kibler’s Bits was used to increase the Strength and Stamina of combat pets and increased happiness. Now, these consumables make your pet larger, albeit temporarily.
- UI Scaling: While it doesn’t directly change the pet’s size, adjusting your UI Scale in the game settings can make your pet appear larger relative to your character and the environment. This is a visual trick, but can be effective if you want a more imposing presence.
Hunter and Warlock Pets: A Special Case
Hunters and Warlocks have a unique relationship with their pets regarding size. As mentioned, their combat pets grow in size as they level. This is a built-in mechanic tied to character progression. However, it’s important to note:
- The Felguard Exception: Warlocks often notice the size difference more readily with their Felguard. At low levels (e.g., level 10), the Felguard can appear remarkably small. However, by levels 20 and 30, the difference in size becomes much more noticeable. This makes the Felguard a good visual indicator of the scaling effect.
- Race Perception: The size of your character can influence how you perceive your pet’s size. For example, a pet might seem larger on a Gnome character compared to a Tauren character simply due to the relative scale. This isn’t an actual size difference, but a perceptual one.
- “Shrinking” Nerfs (Alleged): In the past, there were instances where players felt that Hunter pets were being “nerfed” by shrinking their size. These occurrences are largely attributed to visual bugs or unintentional side effects of patches. Blizzard generally aims for consistent pet scaling as players level.
Understanding Pet Scaling Mechanics
Beyond visual size, pet scaling also affects their combat capabilities. Here’s a brief overview:
- Stat Scaling: Pets gain stats based on the Hunter’s or Warlock’s stats. Specifically, they receive a percentage of the character’s Stamina, Armor, and Attack Power.
- Impact on Gameplay: While visual size doesn’t directly impact combat performance, the stat scaling ensures that your pet remains a viable and powerful companion as you level up. This is crucial for soloing content and contributing to group play.
- Scaling Factor: The scaling is calculated based on the Hunter’s statistics. Pets gain about 45% of their hunter’s stamina added to their stamina, pets get about 35% of their hunter’s armor added to their armor, and pets get about 22% of their hunter’s ranged attack power added to their melee attack power.
FAQs: Everything Else You Need to Know About WoW Pet Sizes
Here are some common questions about pet sizes in World of Warcraft:
1. Do all pets scale in size as I level?
No, only Hunter and Warlock combat pets scale in size as you level. Non-combat pets do not change size with your level, but you can temporarily enlarge them with consumables like Magical Pet Biscuits.
2. Where can I get Magical Pet Biscuits?
Magical Pet Biscuits can be purchased from various vendors, often found near Pet Battle trainers or in major cities. Check with vendors who sell pet-related items.
3. Does pet size affect combat stats?
No, the visual size of a pet does not directly affect its combat stats. However, Hunter and Warlock pets gain stats based on their owner’s stats, which makes them stronger as you level up.
4. Is there a way to permanently increase my pet’s size?
Currently, there is no way to permanently increase your pet’s size beyond what they naturally gain through leveling (for Hunter and Warlock pets). Consumables offer temporary size increases.
5. Why does my Warlock Felguard seem so small?
The Felguard starts small at low levels, but it grows significantly as you level up. The difference is especially noticeable when comparing a level 10 Felguard to a level 30 or higher Felguard.
6. Do different Hunter pet families have different base sizes?
Yes, different pet families can have different base sizes. For example, a Core Hound will naturally be larger than a Fox. However, all pets within a given family will scale similarly as you level.
7. Does my race affect how big my pet looks?
While your race doesn’t change the pet’s actual size, it can affect your perception of its size. A pet might seem larger on a smaller race like a Gnome compared to a larger race like a Tauren.
8. Are there any items that shrink pets?
There are no known items that intentionally shrink pets. Any reports of pets shrinking are typically due to visual bugs or unintentional side effects of game updates.
9. How do I change the size of my UI to make my pet seem bigger?
You can adjust your UI scale by going to the Game Menu, selecting System, navigating to the Graphics section, checking the box for UI Scale, and adjusting the slider.
10. What are the best pets for soloing content?
While not directly related to size, the best pets for soloing are often Clefthoof and Spirit Beasts. They offer strong defensive capabilities and survivability.
11. How many Hunter pets can I have?
Hunters can have up to 50 inactive pets in their stable, plus 1-5 active pets with them, depending on their level and Call Pet skill.
12. Is it worth using a pet as a Marksmanship Hunter?
While not always essential for DPS, a pet can be useful for Bloodlust/Heroism effects, the 5% Max Health bonus from a Tenacity pet, or specific Pet Family Abilities like Mortal Wounds.
13. How do I unlock Pet Battle trainers?
You must purchase Battle Pet Training from the Battle Pet Trainer in your capital city. This training is available on the full version of World of Warcraft.
14. Where can I learn more about Hunter pets?
Petopia is an excellent resource for Hunter pet information, including guides, forums, and details on different pet families.
15. Do pets level up in Clash of Clans and World of Warcraft?
Both do! In Clash of Clans, Hero Pets can be upgraded using Magic Items, similar to Heroes. In World of Warcraft, Hunter and Warlock pets grow as you level up, with size scaling.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Growing Companions!
While direct control over pet size is limited, the methods outlined above offer various ways to influence and enhance the visual presence of your companions in World of Warcraft. Whether through leveling your Hunter or Warlock, using temporary consumables, or simply adjusting your UI, there are plenty of ways to make your pets stand out. Remember that the perceived size of your pet can also be influenced by your character’s race and perspective.
And, as you delve deeper into the intricacies of gaming and learning, remember to explore the resources available at the Games Learning Society to further enhance your knowledge and understanding: GamesLearningSociety.org. Happy adventuring, and may your pets grow ever larger!