In the vast world of Neopets, Petpets have always been an essential part of the gameplay experience. These cute, quirky creatures attach themselves to your Neopet and offer a variety of benefits, from customization to enhancing your pet’s overall look. However, not all Petpets are created equal. Some Petpets, known as Old Petpets or UC (Unconverted) Petpets, hold a unique place in Neopia’s history. These Petpets were once a part of the game but were later transformed into new versions, creating a rare and nostalgic collection for Neopians today. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Old Petpets and explore how they became such a coveted aspect of the game.
The Transformation of Old Petpets
In the early days of Neopets, two major groups of Petpets were transformed: the Spooky Petpets and the Aquatic Petpets. This transformation process was not a choice made by players, but rather an event within the game that altered these Petpets automatically. On October 21st, 2002, Spooky Petpets underwent a change, and a year earlier, on August 29th, 2001, Aquatic Petpets also transformed. If a player had one of these Petpets in their inventory or safety deposit box, it was automatically converted into its new form. However, players who had these Petpets attached to their Neopets could keep them in their original form indefinitely, as long as they didn’t unequip them. Once unequipped, the Petpet would undergo the transformation like all the others.
This process made Old Petpets incredibly rare and highly sought after. Those who were able to hold onto these original versions, especially with the Petpet still equipped to their Neopet, were considered to have something truly unique. These old versions of the Petpets have since become nostalgic relics that players treasure as part of Neopets’ history.
Spooky UC Petpets – The Mysterious Transformation
Spooky Petpets are some of the most beloved Petpets in Neopia, and many of these were among the first to undergo the transformation. Let’s take a look at the old and new versions of some iconic Spooky Petpets:
| Old | New |
|---|---|
 Baby Vampire |
 Snorlkin |
 Cyclopian |
 Meowclops |
 Fat Cat |
 Baraga |
 Grackle Trap |
 Gremble |
 Redtail |
 Candy Vampire |
 Rotten Egg |
 Furwitch |
 Scary Jack |
 Snomorg |
 Skeleton Pirate |
 Goulblee |
 Sugar Rush |
 Pwerko |
These Petpets were once a part of the Spooky category but were transformed into more fantastical and whimsical creatures. Their original versions, like the Baby Vampire or the Cyclopian, have become highly prized by collectors due to their rarity and nostalgic value.
Aquatic UC Petpets – The Transformation After Maraqua’s Fall
Aquatic Petpets, once tied to the now-destroyed Maraqua, underwent a similar transformation. After the devastation of Maraqua, these Petpets were automatically changed into their new forms. Some of the old Aquatic Petpets that were transformed include:
| Old | New |
|---|---|
 Alfy |  Pfish |
 Auntie |  Leeble |
 Blumpy |  Tanizard |
 Boris |  Pepito |
 Bubbles |  Bubbles |
 Cleo |  Baby Blu |
 Clippers |  Frillabon |
 Conehead |  Cubett |
 Crabby |  Crabby |
 Flapjack |  Bubblisaur |
 Flippy |  Flippy |
 Goldy |  Goldy |
 Gomer |  Filamen |
 Gulper |  Gulper |
 Gumdrop |  Peo |
 Legs |  Crabula |
 Phishy |  Phnard |
 Pinky |  Bowla |
 Pokey |  Cheerlub |
 Pooka |  Pooka |
 Prissy |  Primella |
 Ruby |  Eelika |
 Scruffy |  Slugawoo |
 Seamonkeys |  Bleamix |
While some Aquatic Petpets remained relatively unchanged, others were given an entirely new look. These transformations were likely part of the game’s ongoing efforts to refresh the Petpet ecosystem, but they also inadvertently created a set of unique Petpets that have become iconic among Neopets fans.
Other Unconverted Petpets and Transformations
In addition to the Spooky and Aquatic transformations, some other Petpets were also altered in a similar fashion. For instance, the Petpet Isnewee was once quite different but was later changed into Mazzew due to their similar appearance. Meanwhile, Mongmong was transformed into Flishy as part of a larger effort to streamline Petpet designs. While these changes may not have been as widespread as those of the Spooky and Aquatic Petpets, they still contributed to the growing collection of unique, transformed creatures.
Do Old Petpets Still Win PPL?
One interesting question that often arises when discussing Old Petpets is whether they are still eligible for the Petpet of the Week (PPL) award. While it may seem like these retired Petpets should no longer be eligible for such honors, the answer is more complicated. According to Neopets’ editorial staff, old Petpets can still win PPL if their transformed versions are chosen. For example, if a Snorlkin (formerly Baby Vampire) wins the PPL, the old Baby Vampire Petpet is still eligible to win as well, since the old ID number is still linked to the Petpet in question. This means that owning an old version of a Petpet not only gives you a unique collector’s item but also ensures that it can still earn you accolades within the game.
Conclusion
Old Petpets (UC Petpets) are a unique piece of Neopets history that remain highly prized by collectors and players alike. Whether transformed from Spooky or Aquatic Petpets, these rare creatures offer a nostalgic connection to Neopia’s past. The players who still possess these original versions are considered fortunate, as they own a rare piece of the game’s legacy. Whether or not you collect Old Petpets for their rarity, their charm, or their potential for PPL awards, they are a fascinating part of Neopets’ ever-evolving world.