In terms of features and gameplay, Neopets still stands as one of the best virtual pet sites. Its influence on the genre is undeniable, inspiring countless other games and helping to shape the virtual pet niche as we know it today.
When it comes to the second and third best, it really depends on the features and customization options that appeal to individual play styles. Subeta was a true game-changer—it was one of the first pet sites to introduce the customization of human avatars, which revolutionized the industry. This innovation encouraged other games, such as Marapets, Santae, Furvilla, Tattered Weave, and Dappervolk, to incorporate their own versions of human avatars and pet apparel customization.
The level of customization we see today—like dressing pets in detailed outfits—didn’t truly exist before human avatars became a staple in the genre. Neopets also played a major role in inspiring site owners to create their own games, further diversifying the virtual pet community. And, of course, none of this would have been possible without the success of early digital pets like Tamagotchi, which laid the foundation for the popularity of virtual pet sites.
