New World of Warcraft Pet Has a Very Useful Feature, But There’s a Catch

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Summary

  • New WoW pet Xiao Liu can teleport to Mists of Pandaria dungeons or raids once every 20 minutes.
  • The China-only pet Xiao Liu might see an international release.
  • Xiao Liu differs from other WoW pets with unique functions, stirring concern among fans about in-game usefulness.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of WoW under my belt, I must confess that the latest addition to the World of Warcraft pet family – Xiao Liu, the teleporting red panda – has me both intrigued and slightly worried.

The thought of instantaneously appearing in the heart of any Mists of Pandaria raid or dungeon is an alluring prospect, one that could potentially save hours of tedious travel time. However, as someone who has spent countless nights grinding mobs for gold or farming dungeons for gear, the idea of a teleportation pet feels like cheating… almost.

The convenience of this new companion is unparalleled, but I can’t help but feel a tinge of nostalgia for the days when we had to traverse the vast landscapes of Azeroth on foot. The journey was often as rewarding as the destination, and the camaraderie forged during those long treks is something that can never be replicated by a single click.

That being said, I’m not entirely opposed to this new addition. In fact, I find myself secretly hoping that Xiao Liu makes its way to the international servers soon. After all, who wouldn’t want a cute, teleporting panda companion? And if it does come to pass, I can already imagine the jokes we’ll have at our disposal: “Hey, where did you go? Oh, just Xiao Liu-ing it up again.”

In all seriousness though, if Xiao Liu does become available worldwide, I hope that Blizzard finds a way to balance its usefulness with the spirit of adventure that WoW was built upon. After all, we’re still exploring Azeroth together – one step at a time.

The game “World of Warcraft” is now offering Xiao Liu, a cute companion pet that can transport players directly to any dungeon or raid within the “Mists of Pandaria” expansion. While it’s currently exclusive to China, hints indicate this practical and charming pet may become available in other regions over time.

Just recently, I’ve been thrilled to find myself back in the world of Azeroth once more as World of Warcraft resurfaced in China, thanks to Blizzard rekindling their alliance with NetEase. Gamers and developers alike have been buzzing with excitement, marking this occasion with the erection of a brand-new Gorehowl statue and various other celebratory events across China. To top it all off, Blizzard president Johanna Faries penned a heartfelt letter to commemorate this reunion, wrapping up 2024 on an incredible high note for us fans!

In China, a fresh addition to the World of Warcraft cash shop offers an unprecedented feature. Known as Xiao Liu, this blue-hued red panda pet was unveiled on December 18 and can be bought for approximately $15 (¥120). Although it’s adorable in its own right, what sets Xiao Liu apart is its unique ability to transport players to any dungeon or raid from World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria once every 20 minutes. To further highlight this pet, NetEase even created a heartwarming commercial as part of the announcement.

Xiao Liu, World of Warcraft’s First Teleportation Pet

  • A ¥120 ($16.44) pet that can teleport characters to any Mists of Pandaria dungeon or raid once every 20 minutes.
    • A recolored version of the new Teatuft Tamer humanoid red panda pet.
    • Only available in China for now, though evidence suggests it could see an international release later.

As a long-time player of World of Warcraft, I have always been eagerly waiting for new and exciting additions to the game. The recent discovery of images featuring Xiao Liu in NA and EU databases has certainly piqued my interest. Given my extensive experience with the game, I can say that the teleportation pet appears to be an intriguing addition to the collection, and I am hopeful that it will eventually become available in the West.

However, I must note that based on its visual similarity to the Teatuft Tamer pet – a reward from the Trading Post that was recently leaked – I suspect that Xiao Liu may undergo a name change as well as a price adjustment before it becomes accessible to players outside of China. This is not uncommon in the world of MMORPGs, and I’ve learned over the years to expect such changes when new content is introduced.

In conclusion, while I am excited about the prospect of adding Xiao Liu to my collection, I remain cautiously optimistic as I wait for official confirmation and any potential adjustments that may be made.

Xiao Liu isn’t the first companion with a unique role in World of Warcraft; Lil’ Ragnaros functions as a portable cooking hearth, Alvin the Anvil is a moveable repair station, the Argent Squire can be upgraded to serve as a shop, mailbox, or bank, and the Guild Herald provides access to the Guild Vendor. However, Lil’ Ragnaros’ additional feature is quite modest compared to these others, and the latter three are typically acquired through in-game activities. The introduction of a pet with teleportation abilities from the cash shop has raised some concerns among players, particularly following the release of World of Warcraft’s $90 Brutosaur mount.

As a dedicated fan, I’ve noticed that if the $260 Swift Spectral Tiger mount in World of Warcraft is any clue, China’s approach to microtransactions seems distinct from that of its Western counterparts. If Xiao Liu ever gets an international release, it will be fascinating to observe how Blizzard handles it, and potentially grasp the implications for future pets with practical in-game abilities.

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2025-01-03 03:24