The first thing a player must do after signing up for their free account, is create their own Neopet from a selection of 54 different species, giving it a name, physical characteristics, and even its own personality. Amusingly enough, Neopets are even able to own their own Petpets, which in turn are able to own their own Petpetpets.
It is important that users only use one email address to open up accounts on Neopets. If a user has been discovered as using more than one email address, they may have all their accounts banned. A player may, however, use their primary email address to open up multiple accounts if they wish, only one account may earn Neopoints though.
Once a pet has been created, it comes with its own statistics which are chosen at random. These stats are used while battling other players in order to determine the winner. Although Neopets never die they do become hungry and ill, so they still must be fed and taken care of. Everything needed for the care of a Neopet can be traded or purchased using Neopoints. Some items that can be acquired in the game can change the appearance of the Neopet, as well as its appearance, stats, and even gender. Should a player so choose, he or she may trade a Neopet for the Neopet of another player.
Players may interact with their Neopets in a wide variety of ways including but not limited to: reading to them, caring for them, and playing with them. Then can even train them to battle other Neopets in the Battledome. Additionally, you may build your pet his or her own Neohome which you may customize however you wish by buying furniture and extensions.
One of the most extensive section of the site's content is its numerous games. Before 2006, games were divided up into 3 distinct categories, namely: puzzle, action, and luck/chance. Now however, they are divided into many more different categories as there has been a huge number of games added to the list. These games are run primarily with Shockwave, PHP, and Flash and are usually based around contests, spotlights, and collecting items. There are a few different gambling games offered as well, however the age required to play these games is restricted to 13 and up.
Besides having fun, the main goal behind playing these games is to earn Neopoints, the currency of the fictitious world. Additionally, trophies and other rewards may be earned by playing these games if you score high enough. You may even play against other real world players in certain games in the World Challenge.
The site also offers a large number of contests on a regular basis that players may enter in order to compete for prizes. Here, winners are actually chosen by Neopets staff. These contests are offered in a wide variety of formats including writing a story, making a short film, or maybe just drawing a picture. Winners of these contests will win a trophy and/or some other type of reward.
A few of the site's main community features include the following:
- Neomail - an in game communication method that is much like standard email. Players write messages to one another freely, however one may not send messages to a player who has blocked them or a player who is under the age of 13 and does not have parental permission.
- Neoboards - are the site's public discussion boards for on topic discussions. There are a huge number of topics currently offered including Avatar Chat, Games, Guilds, Neoquest, Merchandise, Newbies, Other Worlds, etc.
- Guilds - are groups of Neopets players who team up due to similar interests and earn their own message board. These are divided into both public and private guilds. The former can be joined by anyone at any time, while the latter is restricted to invitation only.