If you’ve ever played a Hunter in World of Warcraft, you’re constantly on the lookout for a more powerful pet. Even if you became emotionally attached to that bear or panther you tamed at level 10, there are plenty of creatures that make better World of Warcraft pets than old “Mr. Whiskers.”
Although some pets are better in certain situations than others depending on whether you want a tank or dps, there are some animals that stand out above the rest. Here is a list of the top 10 World of Warcraft pets along with where they are found, their ability modifiers, abilities, and whether they are best as a tank, dps, or general pet.
10. Nether Ray
Found in Outland, this WoW pet has a very stingray-like body with a long tail and two feathery feathers. She has crystalline growths and stripes running down her body, and all types are brightly colored. Nether Rays can be found in Netherstorm, Zangarmarsh, and Shadowmoon Valley (caster stats) with Fen Ray from the Underbog being the only non-caster for this creature. Nether Rays get a huge bonus to health (+10%), a minor bonus to damage (+3%), but take a hit with well below average armor (-10%) and can be considered a hybrid pet dps/tank with the emphasis on dps. His great “coolness” factor puts the Nether Ray at number 10 over other average or above average pets.
9. Wolf
Wolves are native to many parts of Azeroth and are a very popular hunter pet due to their wide variety of appearances and locations to find them along with their Furious Howl and Dash abilities. Wolves are average in damage and health, but above average (+5%).
8. Crocolisk
A crocolisk is a lizard-like creature, enormous in length and covered in thick, rough scales that extend from the end of the tail to the tip of the mouth. Mottled green with yellowish fangs, the beast stands on six stubby legs with webbed feet, each ending in short, black talons. Crocolisks are often found near bodies of water, particularly in Durotar, Loch Modan, and wetlands. This World of Warcraft pet can learn Cower, Bite, and Snarl, but does not offer a unique pet ability. Some Hunters get annoyed by the hissing sound they make when standing still, but their high armor (+10%) can make up for that and lower health (-5%) if you’re looking for a tanky pet.
7. Gorilla
Gorillas are found only in Stranglethorn Vale, Feralas, and Un’Goro Crater and can learn Shrink, Snarl, Bite, and their unique ability Thunderstomp that deals natural damage in an area and causes a high threat. Gorillas are not very popular as a WoW pet due to their scarcity and demanding diet (fruit and mushrooms), but their unique ability, medium health bonus (+4%), and damage bonus (+2%) make them a good hardy pet.
6. Wind Serpent
A brightly colored winged serpent with a feathered head, essentially a flying serpent. Found mostly in Horde territory, the Wind Serpent deals high damage (+7%) with average health and armor. What makes Wind Serpent a special World of Warcraft pet is its lightning breath ability that deals a decent amount of ranged natural damage that scales with the hunter’s ranged attack power. Unless fighting monsters with low armor or innate natural resistance, a Wind Serpent will have the highest dps of any pet. Be careful though, a large number of Wind Serpents have caster stats if you tame them as a pet. Stick with the ones in the Barrens, Thousand Needles, and Feralas just to be safe.