Neopets’ Greatest Hits: 25 Moments Shaping Neopia

     We have chosen an item that captures the magic and spirit of that year. So settle into your Queen Fyora Rocking Chair, grab some Doglefox Popcorn, and join us as we relive the memories that have brought us together.

     Y1 : Starter Blue Paint Brush

     In Y1, who could have imagined the journey that awaited Neopia? What began as a small, simple world quickly grew into a beloved community where players create, explore, and share countless heartwarming moments. From those early days of creating our first Neopet and exploring the shops in Neopia Central to playing hours of Kacheek Seek, this was where our story began. Now, 25 years later, Neopets remains the heart of what brings us all together.

     Y2 : Secret Laboratory Map

     Y2 was a big milestone for Neopets. Not only did we get our first ever plot, ‘The Virtupets Plot’, but it also marked the release of the Secret Labratory Map. Still to this day, the laboratory map remains a daily staple for many.

     The lab ray offers a daily change to zap your pet to gain stats, change your colour, or your species. For many Neopians, the lab ray has been an opportunity to get your pet painted a historically expensive color such as Faerie or Maraquan. Many Neopians also gamble in the hopes of earning an exclusive lab ray-only color, such as Ice or Robot! It’s no wonder that 24 years later, the lab map is still highly prized in Neopia.

     Y3 : Ice Caves Scratchcards

     In Y3, we were treated to what many still recall as one of the most iconic events ever! ‘The Ski Lodge Mystery’ on Terror Mountain. For those that were lucky enough to be around during this time, this event had us all on the edge of our seats, trying to piece together the clues to catch the culprit in this TNT whodunnit!

     Speaking of Terror Mountain, did you know that Y3 was also the year we were blessed with the Ice Caves Scratchcard Kiosk? For just 600np, you can visit the Kiosk Wocky to purchase your very own scratchcard. It wasn’t just about the prizes, it was the anticipation that just kept us coming back for more. And 23 years later that same excitement still lingers each time we hand over our hard earned neopoints, our fingers crossed for that big win!

     Y4 : Faerie Queen Doll

     We cannot discuss Y4 without mentioning the Champions of Meridell plot. The storyline, which lasted nearly a year, first introduced us to the lands of Meridell and Darigan Citadel.

     Y4 also brought us something equally unforgettable. It was the year in which we saw the Faerie Queen Doll released in the Hidden Tower. For just 2,000,000NP you too could be the proud owner of this rare collectible. Furthermore, allowing your pet to play with this item will unlock the iconic 'Fyora – Faerie Queen' Avatar. Even now, the Faerie Queen Doll remains one of those special items Neopians still dream about owning and adding to their gallery.

     Y5 : Lime Jelly

     Did someone say JELLY?!?

     Without explanation, some users came into possession of different flavours of jelly. When asked where they came from, they could not answer. Some users have theorized that there exists a “Jelly World” made entirely of jelly, but truly, it must be their minds that are made of jelly instead. We all know that such a world could not exist. That being said, the jelly is real, and rather tasty.

     It is said that Lime Jelly is sour enough to make your face pucker up and is big enough to serve two. Though, being honest I would probably just grab a spoon and eat the whole thing all to myself!

     Y6 : Lord Kass Amulet

     The Battle for Meridell, which began in Y6, first introduced us to Lord Kass, one of Neopia’s more famous (or should we say ‘infamous’) villains. After taking control of the Darigan Citadel, Kass turned his attention to Meridell, which led to a conflict that put the valour of heroes such as Jeran and Lisha to the test! Although Kass was ultimately defeated, his legacy will live on in Neopian history - and in the highly coveted Lord Kass Amulet.

     Y7 : Titanic Giant Squid

     Y7 kicked off the Curse of Maraqua plot, where King Kelpbeard and his crew faced off against the pirate, Captain Scarblade. Amidst the underwater drama, we saw the twins Isca and Caylis take centre stage. After the dust settled, peace returned to Maraqua and shortly thereafter, the Ye Olde Fishing Vortex opened its doors! You can have your pet cast a line daily, and those who level up to 80 might snag the elusive Titanic Giant Squid, earning themselves a sweet new avatar in the process. Fishing never felt so rewarding!

     Y8 : Yooyu

     The Yooyu took centre stage in the first Altador Cup, which was launched in Y8, shortly after the Altador Plot concluded. Many Neopians consider Yooyuball (the tournament’s main event) to be Neopia’s most important sporting event. The game is fast-paced and exciting as each team attempts to throw as many Yooyu’s into the other team’s goal as they can before the timer runs out.

     We have recently seen the 18th iteration of the Altador Cup, and still to this day, the Yooyu remains at the forefront, representing the spirit of the competition and capturing the hearts of both players and fans.

     Y9 : Lunar Cape

     Neopets celebrated the launch of the Lunar Temple in Shenkuu in Y9 - what would become a magical location for would-be astronomers! Here, you can explore the cosmic dance between Kreludor and Neopia by figuring out the moon’s phase by examining their locations on an astrological map.

     If you can correctly predict Kreludor’s current phase, you will be rewarded with a random prize with the Lunar Cape being one of the most sought-after.

     Y10 : Gorix and Cylara Coin

     Just when Neopia thought Dr. Sloth was defeated for good, The Return of Dr. Sloth swept over Neopia in Y10. With a plan to mutate the population using radioactive Kreludite, Dr. Sloth’s felt as chilling as ever. However, Neopians rallied together, cheering on the brave Gorix and Cylara. Their courage paid off, trapping Sloth within the Space Faerie’s token and saving Neopia—a moment still remembered by many.

     Y11 : Rainbow Worm Plushie

     The discovery of Moltara on the 12th Day of Storing, Y11, was nothing short of legendary. It all began with whispers across Neopia—rumours of mysterious fire-breathing monsters. Neopians speculated endlessly, each tale growing wilder, until an adventurous trio stepped up to uncover the truth. Fueled by curiosity and courage, Roxton A. Colchester III, Clara Chatham, and Jordie followed clues all across Neopia until they parachuted down a large mining shaft, discovering the long lost city of Moltara. Neopians were on the edge of their seats as the first images of Moltara arrived. The Magma Pool cast a bright orange glow and steam vents hissed all throughout Moltara City. For fans across Neopia, the discovery of Moltara felt like a magical invitation to explore and imagine what this new land held.

     Y12 : Sinking Faerieland Trinket

     Y12 brought all of Neopia to its knees when every Faerie turned to stone. The annual Faerie Festival had barely begun when the devastating news broke. Xandra, once trusted, had cast a spell that petrified every Faerie. Without the Faeries’ magic, Faerieland plummeted from the sky, crashing down near the Haunted Woods. All of Neopia felt the shock, as if a piece of each Neopian’s heart had been shattered. The Fall of Faerieland was an unforgettable moment, one that Neopians still speak of with awe and heartbreak to this day.

     Y13 : Krawken Plushie

     Until this year, the legendary beast known as the Krawken was thought to be nothing more than a myth—until it emerged and tore apart the islands of Krawk Island! With quick thinking from Gavril McGill and the crew of the Surly Peadacle, the scattered islets were towed together, forming what we now know as modern-day Krawk Island.

     Y14 : Get Off My Lawn Paint Brush

     On the 8th day of Hunting, Y14, Neopians were introduced to a special new paintbrush colour: Elderly! Released in celebration of Neopian Elders Day, this paintbrush honours the wisdom and experience of Elderly Neopians, adding a timeless and distinguished look to our beloved pets. Since its debut, a total of 37 Neopets—including Cybunnies, Grundos, Ogrins, Shoyrus, and Usuls—can be painted as either Elderly Girl or Elderly Boy.

     Y15 : Ring of the Sway

     After an Obelisk was unveiled after a mysterious earthquake in Tyrannia, six factions—Thieves Guild, Sway, Order of the Red Erisim, Brute Squad, Seekers, and Awakened—battled fiercely for weeks to claim it. Following a hard-fought struggle against unexpected spirits summoned by the Obelisk, the factions emerged victorious and discovered an ancient entity, the Oracle, within. Although a truce was briefly established, the rivalry endures, with factions continuing to battle in pursuit of the Oracle's power to this day.

     Y16 : Mechanised Laboratory Assistant

     This year, Neopia saw a sudden surge in random events that then vanished entirely, leaving only a distorted transmission from Dr. Landelbrot, a Lutari scientist. Neopians worked together to gather supplies and help him repair his Confusionator, the device responsible for creating random events across Neopia. Today, Neopians can assist Dr. Landelbrot daily at the Coincidence, completing quests to keep his invention running smoothly.

     Y17 : Official Ghoul Catchers Stamp

     Ghoul Catchers, released in Y17, was Neopets' first mobile game, offering a match-three puzzle game similar to Sutek's Tomb, but with a spookier ghost-themed twist! Players helped to clear ghosts that escaped from the Haunted Woods, driving them away from homes across the different areas of Neopia.

     Y18 : Turned Tooth

     Turned Tooth introduced an affordable yet powerful addition and quickly became a staple in all beginner and intermediate sets. It remained in vogue until Y18, when The Void Within made even more powerful weapons more affordable.

     Y19 : I Am Malum: The Story of the Misunderstood Lupe

     Mysterious disappearances in the Haunted Woods, wraiths appearing across Neopia, and even Fyora falling ill upon investigating... The Wraith Resurgence, which began after the Faerie Festival in Y19, was thought to be Malum’s fault, but it turned out he was a victim all along in a nefarious plot engineered by the Darkest Faerie herself. It turned out Malum (real name Reizo) was a friend of Kaia, who was also manipulated and impersonated by the Darkest Faerie. While Malum’s name was ultimately cleared, the Darkest Faerie still remains at large to this day.

     Y20 : Origami Gelert Plushie

     Three new paintbrush colours were released in Y20 - Origami, Toy, and Steampunk! Neopians rejoiced over the new colors they voted for, and then celebrated even further when new Premium perks were added. This is the first year that the Premium annual species change perk appeared, making it easier than ever for Neopians to get their dream pets!

     Y21 : Aurrick vs Claymaker Stamp

     Y21 was a busy year for Aurrick. After assisting Lyra from escaping her father Xendrik during the Lyra and the Lost Heirloom event, he starred in Legends and Letters. Neopians promptly abandoned their pets in the Neolodge as they flocked to their phones to help Aurrick capture the Claymaker after accidentally freeing the villain from his prison. The app gave out a handful of exclusive prizes, including this coveted stamp.

     Y22 : Caffeine Overload Usuki Bobblehead

     Y22 was a completely ordinary year in Neopia, and the annual Usukicon was no exception. This year featured one of the most popular Usukis to date. Surely the regulars at the Coffee Cave feel a sense of camaraderie with this sweet little bobblehead!

     Y23 : Caylis Dream Cavern Collectible Background

     The Month of Giving saw TNT give everyone up to 20 pet slots total! Premium members could now have up to 10 pets, and 10 more slots could now be bought in the mall. Neopians were overjoyed to be able to have more pets to wear the slew of new gorgeous wearables that launched this year, including Baby Bouncing Planet Garland, Glorious Pedestal Background, and the now-classic Radiant Glow.

     Y24 : Talpidat

     During this year’s Festival of Neggs, the Talpidat was discovered! And not just in its basic midnight-blue coat, but in Spring and Eventide colors as well! This adorable spooky petpet quickly captured the hearts of Neopians, and later inspired the creation of the Talpidat Bobblehead.

     Y25 : Smugglers Cove Pirate Plushie

     Following TNT’s move to become independent once more, Smuggler’s Cove saw activity for the first time in well over a decade! With no announcement and no warning, some lucky users were able to snag priceless treasures, including the much-coveted Grapes of Wrath and Maractite Bomb. Doubloons soared in price as a result of everyone trying their luck, and the user base celebrated the comeback of this iconic Krawk Island shore.

     Y26 : Kool Rainbow Kougra Bobblehead

     While Y26 has been a year defined by a gigantic, unignorable void in the sky and the grey-ing of Neopia, there has been one bright spot: the community we’ve built. Not just with volunteers at the Battledome and the NeoHospital, but in the collaboration thousands of users showed by working together to solve a puzzle hunt held on TNT social media over the course of several months. We were introduced to three new characters, including a rainbow Kougra named Max, and thanks to plenty of hints from TNT, we were able to work out a code to unlock a new avatar. The event was highly received, and many long-time users reveled in the nostalgia of collaborative puzzle efforts not seen since the Lost Desert and Altador plots.

     For 25 years, Neopia has become a world filled with wonder, friendship, and unforgettable moments. Each item and moment we’ve revisited in this article reflects the joy, innovation, and creativity that make Neopia more than a place—it’s a beloved community. As we look back over Neopian history, we are reminded of how Neopia continues to inspire and bring us all together, creating new memories and adventures for years to come.

     Happy birthday, Neopets! Be sure to grab a 25th Anniversary Cake Slice to celebrate!