i'm trying really hard to get into it, but other than increasing my stats just so they look good, and doing well in potential future plots, aren't they just a huge np sink? what do you guys get out of it?

The Defenders of Neopia trophies, Balthazar Basher trophy (if you're REALLY good at it) Punchbag Bob trophy, some avatars, etc.

Or just bragging rights.

Battling your pet vs others is fun, all the weapons and combinations. It's really like asking why do people like Pokemon and Monster Hunter ect ... except you get such a broader more customizable experience.

 

That and as you said, avatars, trophies, plots ect.

Because people like the whole concept of "fighting monsters." That's why Pokemon and Digimon are so popular. Also, I'm assuming a lot of people on Neo are younger and play a lot of video games, nearly all of which involve combat to some degree, so that adds to it.

 

And, hey, NP sinks are a good thing. They help the economy. :P

I think I just like increasing my stats and then getting the occasional win out of it like the faeries ruin plot or the Defenders of Neopia trophies.

 

But yeah, it is definitely a huge np sink once your pet gets to the higher levels!

Just like there's a point to anything on Neopets. Customization is a big Neopets sink too.