Neopets, a long-running virtual pet community, offers various in-game freebies and promotional items that users can collect. The platform maintains strict policies regarding the use of multiple accounts, known as "side accounts," to ensure fair play. Understanding which activities are permitted on side accounts is essential for users who wish to maximize their collection of Neocash (NC) and other rewards without violating site rules. This article outlines the specific types of freebies that can be collected on side accounts, the restrictions on Neopoint (NP) collection, and the rules governing account usage, based on official site guidelines and community resources.
Permitted Freebies on Side Accounts
According to Neopets' official guidelines, users are allowed to collect specific types of free items on side accounts. These primarily include promotional items and gifts distributed by the Neocash (NC) Mall. The following freebies are explicitly permitted:
- NC Mall Goodie Bags: Occasionally, the NC Mall releases free goodie bags to commemorate site birthdays or other milestones. These bags contain Neocash items and may be collected on side accounts.
- NC Mall Welcome Gift: The free welcome gift available in the NC Mall is allowed on side accounts.
- Promotional Neocash Offers: Various events have historically offered free Neocash that could be claimed on side accounts. Examples include:
- A 150 NC goodie bag from the Petpet Park Mall's first birthday.
- 150 NC from the Nickelodeon game Monkey Quest (redeemable via linked account).
- 100 NC for signing up for the Altador Cup VII (2012) and 150 NC for Altador Cup VIII (2013).
- 50 NC to 200 NC prizes for the Daily Dare events (2009 and 2010).
- 50 NC rewards from the Halloween 2008 event and the December 19, 2008 Advent Calendar.
- 150 NC for participating in the Style Showdown (July 2009).
- 150 NC from the Qasalan Expellibox game (top prize).
Prohibited Activities and Restricted Freebies
To prevent abuse and maintain the economy, Neopets strictly prohibits certain activities on side accounts. Users are not allowed to collect the following on side accounts:
- Monthly Freebies: The monthly freebie of 2,000 NP and associated food items is restricted to the main account only. Users must be at least 30 days old to access this feature.
- Random Event Items: Items received from random events, such as Tarla’s prize alerts, the Giant Omelette, or the Giant Jelly, cannot be collected on side accounts.
- Neopoint Earning: Activities that generate Neopoints, such as playing games, restocking in shops, or using the Shop Wizard, are strictly prohibited on side accounts.
- Quests: Random event quests (e.g., from the Edna or Snow Faerie) are not allowed on side accounts, though user-initiated quests may be permitted under specific conditions.
Account Usage and Suspension Rules
The relationship between main and side accounts is governed by strict rules regarding usage and status changes:
- Suspensions: If a main account is suspended, the user is not permitted to use a side account as a replacement. Side accounts must remain inactive during a suspension period.
- Freezings: If a main account is frozen, a user may designate one side account to use as a temporary main account. If the main account was frozen due to a security compromise (scamming), the user may use a side account while working with "The Neopian Team" (TNT) to recover the main, though NP-generating activities should ideally be avoided until the main is restored to prevent the appearance of multi-account abuse.
- Gallery: Users are allowed to create and maintain galleries on side accounts, provided the gallery is funded by transferring items from the main account. Side accounts are eligible for the Gallery Spotlight.
- Transfers: It is permissible to transfer items and Neopoints between main and side accounts via trades or direct gifting.
Historical Context of NC Freebies
The availability of free Neocash has varied over the years, often tied to specific events or partnerships. For instance, the "Daily Dare" event in 2009 awarded 50, 100, or 150 NC depending on the trophy level (Bronze, Silver, or Gold). In 2010, the rewards were expanded to a range of 25 to 200 NC. External partnerships, such as the Monkey Quest game, also provided NC that could be transferred to Neopets accounts. These historical offers illustrate the types of NC rewards that have traditionally been eligible for collection on side accounts, aligning with the current policy that allows NC Mall-related gifts on multiple accounts.
Conclusion
Neopets users can maximize their freebies by carefully adhering to the distinction between main and side accounts. While Neocash gifts and specific promotional items are generally allowed on side accounts, Neopoints and daily random event items are strictly reserved for the main account. Understanding these rules helps users enjoy the game's free offerings while avoiding penalties such as freezing or suspension.