World of Warcraft players in China have a new reason to celebrate as Blizzard introduces Xiao Liu, a charming red panda companion pet with a groundbreaking feature: the ability to teleport players to any dungeon or raid from the Mists of Pandaria expansion. While this feature is a first for WoW pets, it’s currently exclusive to China, leaving players in other regions hopeful for a broader release.
This announcement follows Blizzard’s recent return to the Chinese gaming market after renewing its partnership with NetEase earlier in 2024. The rekindled relationship has been celebrated with various events, including the unveiling of a massive Gorehowl statue and community festivities. Blizzard President Johanna Faries also highlighted the importance of the reunion in her end-of-year letter to fans.
Meet Xiao Liu: WoW’s First Teleportation Pet
Xiao Liu, introduced on December 18, is a recolored version of the Teatuft Tamer pet and is available for ¥120 (approximately $16). What sets Xiao Liu apart from other pets is its unique ability to teleport players to any Mists of Pandaria dungeon or raid every 20 minutes, making it a highly useful addition for players revisiting the iconic expansion. An adorable commercial released by NetEase further amplified the pet’s appeal.
Currently, Xiao Liu is only available in China, but dataminers have found evidence of the pet in the North American and European game files, sparking speculation about a potential global release. If it does become available in other regions, the pet might undergo changes to its name or pricing structure to align with Western market practices.
Not the First Pet with Utility, but a Unique Approach
While Xiao Liu’s teleportation ability is a first, it’s not the first pet to offer functional utility in WoW. Previous examples include Lil’ Ragnaros, which doubles as a campfire, and Alvin the Anvil, a portable repair station. Other pets like the Argent Squire and Guild Herald provide access to vendors, mailboxes, or banks, but these are obtainable through in-game activities rather than cash purchases. Xiao Liu’s pay-to-use teleportation feature has sparked debate among fans, some of whom are wary of the precedent it might set.
The controversy is heightened by the differing approaches to microtransactions in China compared to the West. China has previously introduced premium items, such as the $260 Swift Spectral Tiger mount, that have drawn mixed reactions. Xiao Liu’s exclusivity—and its potential arrival in other regions—raises questions about how Blizzard plans to handle such premium items in the global market.
What Xiao Liu Means for WoW’s Future
The introduction of Xiao Liu marks an interesting shift in how in-game utility is monetized in World of Warcraft. If the pet sees an international release, it could set a new standard for future companion pets offering unique gameplay advantages. For now, the red panda companion remains a China-exclusive, but with fans eagerly watching for updates, Xiao Liu might just teleport its way into the hearts of players worldwide.
