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

World of Warcraft is officially selling Xiao Liu, a companion pet with the ability to teleport players to any Mists of Pandaria dungeon or raid. Though currently only available in China, evidence suggests this convenient and adorable World of Warcraft item may eventually make its way to other regions in the future.

Recently, World of Warcraft made its triumphant return to China following the restoration of Blizzard’s partnership with NetEase. Fans and developers alike have celebrated the milestone, with the construction of a new Gorehowl statue and other events in China, and Blizzard president Johanna Faries highlighting the reunion in a recent letter she wrote to close out 2024.

However, one new WoW cash shop item in China has a feature that hasn’t been seen in the game before. First revealed on December 18, Xiao Liu is a China-only blue-colored red panda pet for modern World of Warcraft that can be purchased for ¥120 – just over $15. While charming in its own right, what makes Xiao Liu special is his ability to teleport players to any dungeon or raid from World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria once every 20 minutes. NetEase even made an adorable commercial as a part of the announcement revealing this pet.

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.

At the moment, Xiao Liu is only available in China, but that could change in the future. Players have discovered images in the NA and EU databases featuring Xiao Liu, indicating the teleportation pet may come to the west eventually, though its name and price tag could change before then. Considering its visual similarity to the Teatuft Tamer pet – one of many World of Warcraft Trading Post rewards that was recently leaked – Xiao Liu may be renamed after these other charming creatures.

Xiao Liu isn’t the first pet with a special function in World of Warcraft. Lil’ Ragnaros can be used as a mobile campfire for cooking, Alvin the Anvil is a portable repair station, the Argent Squire can be upgraded to act as a shop, mailbox, or bank, and the Guild Herald gives access to the Guild Vendor. However, Lil’ Ragnaros’ extra feature is quite minor, and the latter three can be obtained through in-game activities. A teleportation cash shop pet, while undeniably useful, has some fans concerned – especially on the heels of World of Warcraft’s $90 Brutosaur mount.

Then again, if its $260 Swift Spectral Tiger mount in World of Warcraft is any indication, China’s approach to microtransactions is quite different from their western counterparts. If Xiao Liu does get an international release, players will have to see how Blizzard does it – and what it could mean for future pets with useful in-game functions.

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