This feels impossible to google due to a mix of people giving information from post-BigBang. It's my understanding that pets can: - Loot mesos (via meso magnet) and items (via item pouch) and have further range/smarter looting with the other pet equips - Heal my HP/MP when I fall below the designated HP/MP threshold I set in my options - I gotta feed them on occasion. I understand how hunger/closeness work and everything. What I need to know: what's different between different pets? Are they all functionally identical, or do some pets get different abilities? And does their 'vanity' equipment (eg, a tophat for a husky) actually benefit them, or is it purely their "use" items (eg, meso magnet) that actually buffs them? I ask because some pets (eg, White Tiger) actually say "speed up the leveling process" - is that just for flavor, or do you actually get a +EXP bonus while it's out? Meanwhile, other pets (Penguin) say they auto-loot, but say nothing about auto-heal/MP. If not all pets are the same, which is the "best" pet? Ie, is there 1 pet that gives all of the benefits? Or do I ultimately need to choose which pet perks I REALLY want and which I can forego? I've also acquired scrolls that give bonuses to pet equipment (eg, Pet equip scroll for speed+ or jump+ or whatever) -- does that buff MY speed/jump, or my pet's? I assume pet's, but can't be sure. Thanks in advance.
Their 'vanity' equipment is just for looks and if you want you can scroll them for minor speed and/or jump boost for yourself (answer to your first and last question). Some pets need more exp to level up than others. Another small difference is that some grow hungrier by 5 points each time, while others only 3 points. As far as I know that's the only difference but if someone else knows another (more significant) difference feel free to correct me.
Some pets have equips with 7 slots specific to that type of pet, other cheaper ones like bunny, kitty, etc. can only use 5 slot common pet equips. Other than that, it's mainly aesthetics.
Great to know that the speed/jump is applied to you and not the pet, and good to know I don't need to choose different pets for different perks. Thanks!
The speed is added to both the pet and the owner. The jump is added to the owner, but I am not sure whether it applies for the pet as I have not seen anyone scroll pet equipment for jump before. With added speed, you get to move faster, and your pet moves faster, making it loot drops faster.