Hunters in World of Warcraft: Midnight (Patch 12.0–12.5) are set to gain access to one of the most diverse lineups of tameable creatures to date. Midnight introduces new taming mechanics, pet families, and highly thematic biome-based models. Whether you’re a collector with a 200-slot stable or a player focused on dungeon utility or PvP edge, this guide compiles everything revealed so far across alpha data, confirmed mechanics, and unlock requirements.
In this guide:
- How pet families, specs, and exotic abilities work in 12.x
- Complete list of new families and the Florafaun Taming system
- Overview of new pet appearances and their family classifications
- Unconfirmed datamined pets that may become tameable later
- Tomes and training items required to tame Mechanical, Undead, Dragonkin, and more
- Rare or hidden tames that reward persistence or timing
- Best pet choices per content type: raids, M+, solo, PvP
- Troubleshooting taming issues: spec locks, phasing, tomes, stable caps
Version Note & Scope
Hunters in World of Warcraft: Midnight (Patch 12.0–12.5) who love collecting pets are in for one of the most exciting expansions for pet taming in years. From vibrant plant-beasts to mechanical relics and undead apex predators, the expansion’s zones are filled with standout companions. Whether you’re a Beast Mastery completionist or just looking for the most practical tank in your stable, this guide breaks down what’s confirmed, what’s likely, and what’s worth preparing for. For many in the community, these new pets are the real prize. This guide will be updated as new Midnight patches are released.
How Hunter Pet Families Work
Before diving into what’s new, it’s essential to understand the core mechanics. Every tameable beast belongs to a family, which determines its core “family ability” (e.g., Mortal Wounds, Slow). This ability is fixed. However, each pet also has a specialization that grants two additional abilities. (Since 11.1, you can change a pet’s spec at any Stable Master.) It’s important to note these companions are separate from the turn-based pet battle system; they are active participants in your character’s combat, dealing physical damage and using a unique special ability.
Pet Specializations:
- Ferocity: The primary offensive choice, providing Primal Rage (Bloodlust/Heroism) and Predator’s Thirst (+10% Leech). This is the default for maximizing DPS.
- Tenacity: The defensive choice, granting Fortitude of the Bear (a temporary health boost and heal) and Endurance Training (+5% max health). Excellent for soloing and allowing your pet to tank tough enemies.
- Cunning: The utility choice, offering Master’s Call (a freedom effect) and Pathfinding (+8% passive movement speed). Highly valued for its mobility in PvP.
Exotic vs. Standard Pets:
Exotic families (e.g., Spirit Beasts, Devilsaurs, Worms, Stone Hounds) require Beast Mastery and grant an extra, family-unique ability.
Stable Capacity: Hunters have access to up to 200 inactive stable slots plus 5 active Call Pet slots (total 205). Dismissing a pet does not send it to the stable; abandoning a pet permanently deletes it.
New Hunter Pets in WoW Midnight (Patch 12.0–12.5)
The upcoming expansion is set to introduce a vibrant ecosystem of new pets from the wild.
New Families & Taming Skills
- Whip Tails (Exotic): A brand-new exotic family exclusive to Beast Mastery. These are large, impressive creatures with a void-inspired aesthetic. Abilities (e.g., Serrated Strike / Shadow Jump) are alpha-provisional.
- Florafaun Taming (New Skill): A significant addition is the “Florafauna” category. To tame these, you’ll need to obtain a special skill, Florafaun Taming. The acquisition method is currently unknown (TBD).
Florafauna Taming Unlock – How to Prepare
- What it likely covers: The majority of new plant-based beasts, including Potatoads, Saptors, and Devilsaptors.
- What is known: A distinct unlock is required. The exact method is unconfirmed in alpha.
- What to prep now (no regrets): Spend some time farming gold for a potential tome, clear stable space, and park a Hunter near new quest hubs.
- Tracking tip: Mark Florafaun looks in Table 1; wait for official patch notes to confirm the unlock method.
New Pet Models in Existing Hunter Families (Florafauna & More)
Florafauna creatures define much of the new ecosystem, with plant-infused variants appearing across multiple existing families. These include:
- Chloroceroses (Direhorns): Vine-wrapped, heavy plate models.
- Mandragoras (Hydras): Barky, fading bloom tints.
- Saptors (Raptors): Fern crests and seed-pod tails.
- Petalwings (Carrion Birds): Leaf-frond wings with idle pollen motes.
- Potatoads (Hoppers): Bulbous bodies with “derpy” blink frames.
- Grove Crawlers (Serpents): Smooth vine coils and segmented motion.
Midnight also expands the bestiary with more traditional wildlife and updates to fan-favorite families.
- Cats: Grimlynxes with stocky silhouettes and heavier fur.
- Birds of Prey: Amani Eagles with broad wings; Hexed (undead) versions require Undead Taming.
- Lizards: Spiky Amazards with a fast run cycle.
- Rodents: Capybaras, complete with relaxed idle animations.
- Scalehides: Pangos (pangolin-inspired) and the floral Thornmaws.
- Sporebats: Sporegliders with mushroom caps and spore trails.
For Beast Mastery specialists, the list of Exotic pets grows with several intimidating additions.
- Devilsaurs: The plant-rex silhouette of the Florafaun Devilsaptors.
- Worms: The carapaced Mukleeches and the lava-worm-like Consumptors.
Updated Looks for Existing Models
Many classic creatures from previous expansions are receiving visual overhauls, including Eversong & Amani Lynxes, Greater Dragonhawks, Eversong Mana Wyrms, Tallstriders, Mire Stalkers, and Light-infused Dragonhawks (status unconfirmed).
⚠️ Note: The pets below are present in Midnight’s data files but are not flagged as tameable in the current alpha. Their availability may change in future patches.
Datamined & Unconfirmed Pets in Midnight Alpha
If you are wondering what to expect from datamining, note that the following have models in the files, but their taming flags are unconfirmed.
- Light & Dark Phoenixes
- Magma Hydras
- Amani Bears
- Primal Ultradons
Midnight – New Families & Requirements
| Family / Type | Skill Needed | Spec-Lock | Sample Looks | Status |
| Whip Tails | None (BM Exotic) | Exotic (BM) | Amber-Brown/Blue/Orange/Red-Grey | Confirmed models; abilities provisional in alpha. |
| Florafauna (Potatoads, Saptors, Thornmaws, Mandragoras, Grovecrawlers, Chloroceroses, Petalwings, Devilsaptors) | Florafaun Taming (TBD) | Any (family varies) | Plant-infused variants | Confirmed models; unlock method TBD. |
Hunter Tomes & Unlocks – How to Tame Mechanical, Undead, and More
To obtain pets from these unique families, Hunters must often seek out special tomes or pursue alternate methods.
Hunter Tomes & Unlocks Quick-Reference
| Item | What It Unlocks | Source | Account-Wide? |
| Ancient Tome of Dinomancy | Direhorn Taming | Drop: Zandalari Dinomancers (Isle of Giants) | No |
| Mecha-Bond Imprint Matrix | Mechanical Taming | Crafted (Legion Eng.) / Auction House | No |
| Simple Tome of Bone-Binding | Undead Taming | Drops in Maldraxxus and its dungeons (Plaguefall, Theater of Pain). | Yes |
| Gargon Training Manual | Gargon (Stone Hound) Taming | Guaranteed from Huntmaster Petrus (Revendreth). Readable at level 60; account-wide once learned. | Yes |
| Blood-Soaked Tome of Dark Whispers | Blood Beast Taming | Drop: Zul in Uldir (Normal+) | Yes |
| How to Train a Dragonkin | Lesser Dragonkin Taming | Vendor: Valdrakken Accord (Renown 23) | Yes |
| How to School Your Serpent | Cloud Serpent Taming (Req. Dragonkin) | Vendor: Order of the Cloud Serpent (Exalted) | Yes |
| Tome of the Hybrid Beast | Feathermanes (Hippogryphs, Wolfhawks, Owlcats) | Vendor: Pan the Kind Hand (Trueshot Lodge). Requires Hunter Class Campaign. Character-specific (mailable). | No |
Rare Tames & Unique Pets Worth Tracking
Some of the most rewarding tames in the game aren’t tied to expansion content—they’re hidden challenges scattered across older zones and dungeons. Here are some must-know finds still relevant in Midnight.
- Tekton (Mechanical Sheep)
- Why noteworthy: A challenge tame that explodes on contact.
- How to tame: Requires the Mecha-Bond Imprint Matrix. Found on a ridge in Elwynn Forest (~51,14). Use a Freezing Trap to stop it from self-destructing during the encounter.
- OOX-Fleetfoot/MG (Mechanical Rocket Chicken)
- Why noteworthy: A high-speed tame only available on certain days.
- How to tame: Only spawns when you visit the Isle of Mechagon and Oglethorpe Obnoticus is present.
- Note: The OOX-Avenger/MG that spawns if Fleetfoot is killed is not tameable.
- N.U.T.Z. (Mechanical Squirrel)
- Why noteworthy: A summoned rare that retains its name.
- How to tame: In the Azshara Secret Lab, activate levers in sequence to summon it.
- Rezan (Undead Devilsaur – Exotic)
- Why noteworthy: A formerly untameable dungeon boss with a unique model.
- How to tame: Requires Beast Mastery and Undead Taming. Enter the Atal’Dazar dungeon to find and tame him.
- Huntmaster Petrus’ Gargons (Stone Hounds)
- Why noteworthy: Two saddled looks right next to the unlock source.
- How to tame: Defeat Huntmaster Petrus (Revendreth) → learn Gargon Training Manual → tame the two nearby Gargons before they despawn.
Best Hunter Pets for PvE, PvP & Solo – WoW Midnight
Choosing the best pet can significantly impact your effectiveness in open world content and new dungeons.
Content Picks by Role
| Content Type | Priority Utility | Recommended Spec | Example Families (Family Ability) | Notes |
| Raid (no Lust in group) | Primal Rage + sustain | Ferocity | Cat, Wolf, Raptor (any Ferocity) | Leech helps healers when you fight bosses. |
| Raid (Lust covered) | Survivability | Tenacity | Clefthoof* (Thick Hide), Turtle (Shell Shield) | A good tank pet helps maintain survival. |
| Mythic+ (kiting weeks) | Slow/Web/Pin | Cunning or Tenacity | Spider (Web), Crocolisk (Slow), Crab (Pin) | Useful when enemies need to be controlled. |
| Mythic+ (healing checks) | Mortal Wounds | Any | Carrion Bird, Raptor, Rodent, Hydra, Devilsaur* | Stops healing from reaching significant numbers. |
| Solo/World content | Tankiness/self-heal | Tenacity | Clefthoof*, Stone Hound*, Spirit Beast* | This Exotic trio covers most solo needs. |
| PvP (solo/2s/3s) | Root break + Mortal Wounds | Cunning | Raptor/Rodent/Hyena (MW), Bird of Prey (Snatch) | Cunning’s Master’s Call is meta-relevant. |
Family Ability Index
- Mortal Wounds: Carrion Bird, Devilsaur*, Direhorn, Hydra, Hyena, Lizard, Raptor, Ravager, Riverbeast, Rodent, Scorpid, Wasp, Whiptail* (TBD).
- Cleanse/Dispel: Bat, Moth, Ray, Spirit Beast*, Sporebat, Stag, Water Strider, Waterfowl.
- Defensive Cooldown: Beetle/Scorpid (Exoskeleton), Turtle (Shell Shield).
- Movement Speed Buff: Boar (Gore), Stag.
- Battle-rez: Stone Hound* (Eternal Guardian).
- Extra heal: Spirit Beast* (Spirit Mend).
*Exotic; BM only.
Legend: Spec changeable at Stable; TBD = alpha subject to change; Account-wide = once learned, all hunters on the Battle.net account can tame that family.
Hunter Pet Taming Issues – Troubleshooting Guide
If a tame isn’t working, it’s usually one of these. Don’t waste time troubleshooting mid-hunt—run through this list first.
- Spec Lock: Exotic families require Beast Mastery.
- Tome/Race Requirements: Check if you need a tome like the Simple Tome of Bone-Binding.
- Level Rules: You can only tame beasts that are your level or lower.
- Phasing/visiting-day spawns: If OOX-Fleetfoot/MG isn’t there, the day isn’t active.
- Stable overflow: You can hold 205 pets total; free a slot and retry.
- Alpha tags: If a Midnight look isn’t tameable, park a Hunter nearby and re-check after each minor patch.
Changelog
- v12.0 (Launch): Initial guide publication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What new hunter pets are coming in WoW Midnight (Patch 12.0–12.5)?
World of Warcraft: Midnight introduces several new tameable creatures for Hunters. These include entirely new families like Whip Tails, and a thematic set of Florafauna creatures such as Potatoads, Petalwings, Saptors, Mandragoras, and Devilsaptors. Many existing families are also receiving updated models, adding more visual variety for collectors.
How do I tame Florafauna pets in WoW Midnight?
Florafauna beasts require a new unlock called Florafaun Taming. While the exact method to obtain this skill has not been confirmed, it’s expected to involve either a tome, questline, or achievement tied to Midnight content. Without this unlock, you won’t be able to tame the majority of the new plant-based pet families.
What is the Florafaun Taming skill in WoW?
Florafaun Taming is a special skill that grants Hunters the ability to tame plant-infused beast families in the Midnight expansion. This includes unique subtypes like Thornmaws, Grovecrawlers, and Chloroceroses. It’s a key mechanic introduced in Patch 12.0 to expand the diversity of tameable companions.
Which hunter pets in Midnight are exotic?
Exotic pets in Midnight include families like Whip Tails, Devilsaptors, and Mukleeches. These pets are only available to Hunters using the Beast Mastery specialization and come with an exclusive third ability in addition to their standard kit, offering unique combat advantages.
How many pets can hunters stable in Midnight?
Hunters can store up to 200 inactive pets in their stable and assign 5 active Call Pet slots, giving a total capacity of 205. This allows for deep variety and flexibility when choosing pets for raids, PvP, or solo content.
What are the best hunter pets for Mythic+ in Midnight?
In Mythic+ dungeons, the best pets depend on affix weeks and group needs. Spiders (Web), Crocolisks (Slow), and Crabs (Pin) offer control, while pets with Mortal Wounds help manage healing-heavy encounters. Tenacity or Cunning specs are generally preferred for survival or utility.
What’s the difference between standard and exotic hunter pets?
Standard pets come from any family and can be used by all Hunters. Exotic pets are exclusive to Beast Mastery Hunters and offer an additional family-specific ability, such as healing (Spirit Beasts) or resurrection (Stone Hounds). Exotic families are often visually unique or thematically rare.
How do I tame Mechanical pets in WoW?
To tame Mechanical pets like Tekton or N.U.T.Z., Hunters must use the Mecha-Bond Imprint Matrix, crafted by Engineers during Legion or purchased from the Auction House. Once learned, this item allows the taming of any Mechanical beast across the game.
Are there any rare hunter pets in WoW Midnight?
Yes, several rare pets remain relevant in Midnight. Tekton (Mechanical Sheep) must be frozen before exploding. OOX-Fleetfoot/MG (Rocket Chicken) only appears on specific days. Rezan (Undead Devilsaur) is a former dungeon boss now tameable with the right skills.
How do I tame undead pets in WoW?
Undead pets require the Simple Tome of Bone-Binding, which drops from zones like Maldraxxus or dungeons such as Plaguefall and Theater of Pain. Once used, it unlocks Undead taming for all Hunters on your account.
What pets are best for solo play in Midnight?
The best solo pets offer durability and healing. Top choices include Clefthoofs (Thick Hide), Stone Hounds (Battle-Rez), and Spirit Beasts (Spirit Mend). These pets provide sustain through damage mitigation and self-healing—ideal for leveling and tough world quests.
What is the best PvP hunter pet in Midnight?
In PvP, Cunning pets with Mortal Wounds are highly effective. Raptors, Rodents, and Hyenas reduce healing received by targets, while Birds of Prey can remove crowd control with Master’s Call. Their mobility and utility make them strong in arenas and battlegrounds.
Can I tame a phoenix or magma hydra in Midnight?
Currently, Light and Dark Phoenixes and Magma Hydras appear in Midnight’s game files through datamining. However, they are not flagged as tameable in the current alpha builds. Their availability may change in future patches.
Are any pet looks datamined but not confirmed?
Yes, several new models are present in game files but remain unconfirmed as tameable. These include Amani Bears, Primal Ultradons, and Light/Dark Phoenixes. Players interested in unique appearances should watch patch notes and test servers closely.
Do I need tomes to tame special pet types?
Yes. Many unique families require unlocks via tomes or training manuals. For example, Mechanical pets need the Mecha-Bond Imprint Matrix, Dragonkin require the How to Train a Dragonkin item, and Undead taming needs the Simple Tome of Bone-Binding.
How do pet specs work in Patch 12.x?
As of Patch 11.1, all pets can freely change between Ferocity, Tenacity, or Cunning at any Stable Master. This allows Hunters to optimize their chosen pet for damage, survivability, or utility regardless of the pet’s family.
What is the strongest DPS hunter pet in Midnight?
Ferocity pets remain the strongest for raw DPS, offering Primal Rage (Bloodlust effect) and Predator’s Thirst (+10% Leech). Popular families include Wolves, Cats, and Raptors, all of which fit well in raid environments without external Lust.
What should I do if I can’t tame a pet?
If taming fails, check the following:
- Is the pet Exotic (BM required)?
- Is a tome or unlock missing?
- Is the creature higher level than you?
- Is the mob phased or only available on certain days?
- Is your stable full (limit: 205)?
- Is the pet simply not tameable yet in the current patch?
How do I unlock Dragonkin taming?
Buy the item “How to Train a Dragonkin” from the Valdrakken Accord vendor once you reach Renown 23. This unlock is account-wide, enabling all Hunters on your Battle.net account to tame Dragonkin.
Can I lose a hunter pet by dismissing it?
No. Dismissing a pet simply removes it from active use—it remains in your stable. To remove a pet permanently, you must manually abandon it through the pet menu. Always double-check before releasing a rare or exotic companion.
