Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is filled with an array of content that captivates players, from thrilling boss fights and skilling grinds to the nostalgic simplicity of its graphics and interface. One of the more charming and sought-after features in the game is pets. These miniature companions follow players around, offering no gameplay advantage but providing a visual symbol of dedication, luck, and sometimes sheer stubbornness.
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of OSRS pets: how they’re obtained, what they represent, the community’s obsession with them, and why some players dedicate thousands of hours in pursuit of these adorable digital sidekicks.
What Are Pets in OSRS?
Pets in OSRS are non-combat followers that players can earn through various activities, typically from boss drops, skilling, and other achievements. While they do not assist in combat or provide bonuses, they are often viewed as status symbols within the game. Some pets are extraordinarily rare, with drop rates as low as 1 in 65,536, making them prized possessions for those lucky (or persistent) enough to obtain them.
There are three main types of pets in the game:
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Boss pets—Dropped by bosses, often with incredibly low drop chances.
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Skilling pets—Randomly obtained while training certain skills.
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Miscellaneous pets—earned through minigames, quests, or other unique content.
Boss Pets: A Trophy of PVM Mastery
Boss pets are arguably the most popular type of pet in OSRS. They are typically miniature versions of the boss itself. For example, defeating the fearsome General Graardor in the God Wars Dungeon might reward a player with the pet version, known as the “Pet General Graardor.” These pets serve as a badge of honor for many PVMers (Player vs. Monster).
Some of the most sought-after boss pets include:
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Zulrah (Pet Snakeling) – A rare drop from the snake-like boss Zulrah. Players often spend hundreds of hours grinding this boss for its profit and pet.
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Kree’arra (Pet Kree’arra) – Dropped by the Armadyl boss in the God Wars Dungeon.
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The Nightmare (Little Nightmare) – A hauntingly unique pet that symbolizes one’s willingness to brave one of the game’s more complex group bosses.
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Skotizo (Skotos)—A mini version of the demonic wilderness boss. Although not as difficult as others, Skotizo is limited in accessibility, making its pet somewhat elusive.
The odds of obtaining these pets vary by boss but are generally low. Some players go dry well beyond the listed drop rate, while others get lucky on their first few kills. Either way, owning a boss pet usually indicates a significant time investment.
Skilling Pets: For the Dedicated Grinder
For those more focused on peaceful progression than combat, skilling pets are a huge draw. These pets can appear randomly while performing activities in various non-combat skills. For instance, while chopping trees or catching fish, there’s always a minuscule chance you might get a surprise companion.
Some examples include
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Heron (Fishing Pet)—A sleek bird that watches over your fishing endeavors.
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Beaver (Woodcutting pet)—A cute, log-chewing friend that appears while cutting trees.
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Rock golem (mining pet)—Comes in different colors depending on what type of ore you were mining.
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Rift Guardian (Runecrafting pet)—A vibrant creature themed around the various types of runes.
Unlike boss pets, skilling pets are often more grind-intensive because of their rarity and the slow pace of XP gain in certain skills. This makes them a favorite among maxed players or those pursuing a “completionist” lifestyle.
Miscellaneous Pets: Unique and Quirky
Several pets in OSRS don’t fit into the combat or skilling categories. These pets are often tied to specific quests, minigames, or holiday events.
Examples include:
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Chompy chick—Obtained from the Chompy Bird Hunting activity.
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Phoenix—Acquired by burning logs in the Wintertodt minigame.
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Bloodhound—A reward from master clue scrolls. It’s a nod to the detective theme of clue hunts.
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Giant squirrel—Earned while training the Agility skill on rooftop courses.
Some of these pets are easier to obtain than others, but all add personality and variety to the game’s growing list of companions.
The Community and Pet Hunting Culture
The OSRS community has a deep love for pets. Entire clans, Discord servers, and Reddit threads are dedicated to pet hunting. Players often post about their latest acquisition, whether it’s their first or their 50th. The moment when a player finally receives a pet after thousands of kills or hours is often shared and celebrated across platforms.
This passion has also given rise to several in-game competitions, like pet hunting races, where players see who can acquire a specific pet first. For some, pets aren’t just cosmetic—they’re a central part of the gameplay experience.
Pet Insurance and Losing Pets
To protect against accidentally losing a pet, OSRS offers a pet insurance system. Players can insure their pets for a fee, which allows them to reclaim the pet if it’s lost due to death or dismissal. This feature is crucial, especially for those who earned a pet after thousands of hours and wouldn’t want to risk losing it due to a misclick or server lag.
Pet Transmogs and Cosmetics
Some pets can be transmogrified into different appearances. For example, the Rift Guardian pet can be changed to match the altar at which it was found. This customization adds a bit of personal flair and encourages players to hunt for specific variants.
Additionally, holiday events sometimes offer temporary cosmetic changes to pets, like party hats or spooky effects. While these don’t persist outside the event, they’re a fun way to dress up your companion and get into the seasonal spirit.
Final Thoughts
Pets in Old School RuneScape are more than just digital followers—they’re symbols of persistence, achievement, and sometimes pure RNG (random number generator) luck. Whether you’re a hardcore boss hunter, a chill skiller, or someone who enjoys the quirky aspects of Gielinor, there’s a pet out there waiting to follow you on your adventures.
While they offer no tangible gameplay benefits, the joy of seeing that message pop up—“You have a funny feeling like you’re being followed”—is a thrill many OSRS players dream of. For some, it’s the ultimate endgame.
And in a game that thrives on nostalgia, community, and challenge, what better reward than a tiny, loyal companion who’s been there for every grind, every kill, and every moment?
