Every familiar has many special abilities that they are able to use. Some are accessed by talking, using the familiar's special button, right clicking a familiar for another option, or simply summoning them.

Fighter

These familiars will fight alongside a player, and have combat levels similar to regular creatures. Until a recent update, a player had to be actively fighting and taking damage for his or her familiar to fight; but now safespot is available with Ranged or Magic, and still have your familiar fight.

Light enhancer

Some familiars can see well in the dark and will produce any light source a player carries brighter.

Skill Booster

These familiars in RuneScape can either temporarily improve your level in a given skill, or offer an 'invisible' boost that is always active. If that stat has already been raised by a potion the skill boost will not work.