Fortnite Sidekicks – Here’s Everything You Need to Know
- Sagar Mankar
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
Fortnite has officially confirmed that Sidekicks, the long-rumored companion feature, are making their return in Chapter 6’s Simpsons-themed mini-season, starting from November 1.
For months, leaks hinted at the comeback of pets, with dataminers teasing their arrival as far back as May. Now Epic Games has made it official, and the best part is we don’t have to wait until Chapter 7 in December; Sidekicks are dropping this weekend.
Sidekicks Arrive in Chapter 6
The first Sidekick to debut is Peels, a banana-styled pup inspired by the fan-favorite Peely character. You’ll be able to earn Peels through the Battle Pass, which is also bundled with Xbox Game Pass. At the moment, Epic hasn’t clarified if Peels will be a free unlock or tied to the Premium Battle Pass tier, but either way, it’s a fun addition that fits Fortnite’s quirky style.
From November 7, more Sidekicks will roll into the Item Shop, including familiar names like Bonesy, Spike, and Lil’ Raptor. Leaked images also suggest we’ll see themed companions for Fishstick and even a pug in a hoodie later on.
Customization and Sidekick Points
Sidekicks won’t give you a competitive edge, but they’ll follow you around, mimic emotes, and react to the action. Epic has also introduced Sidekick Points (SP), which you can earn and spend on cosmetics to customize your companion. Think color swaps, accessories, and apparel, even a new name, basically, a way to make your Sidekick feel like your own. According to Epic’s blog post, once you finalize a customization, it’s permanent, so choose wisely.
Looking Ahead
This mini-season also kicks off Fortnite’s long-awaited Simpsons collaboration, adding themed outfits, items, and locations to Battle Royale. With Chapter 7 launching in December, Epic has hinted that Sidekicks will play an even bigger role moving forward.
Fortnite Sidekicks FAQs
What are Sidekicks in Fortnite?
Sidekicks are companion pets that follow you in Fortnite across multiple modes, including Battle Royale, Save the World, LEGO Fortnite, and even Fortnite Festival (though they stay backstage there). They react to the world around you, mimic emotes, and add personality to your gameplay.
Do Sidekicks affect gameplay?
No. Sidekicks are purely cosmetic. They don’t provide any competitive advantage, can’t be hurt, and won’t interfere with combat.
How do you unlock Sidekicks?
The first Sidekick, Peels (a banana-themed pup), is available in the November 1 Battle Pass. More Sidekicks, including Bonesy, Spike, and Lil’ Raptor, will arrive in the Item Shop on November 7. Players who already own the Bonesy Back Bling will also receive Bonesy as a Sidekick.
How much do Sidekicks cost?
According to leaks and early listings:
Lil’ Raptor & Spike – 1,200 V-Bucks
Flopsticks & Cuddle Team Jr. – 1,500 V-Bucks
Can you customize Sidekicks?
Yes, but with restrictions. You can customize their appearance once (such as fur color or physical traits), and that choice is permanent. You can still change their name and accessories (like hats or hoodies) at any time.
What if I want to change my Sidekick’s appearance later?
You’ll need to buy the same Sidekick again to create a different look. Each Sidekick customization in your Locker must be unique — duplicate appearances aren’t allowed.
Why are players upset about Sidekick customization?
Many fans feel the system is too restrictive and expensive. Having to repurchase a Sidekick just to change its color has been criticized as “greedy,” especially since other Fortnite cosmetics (like Wraps) have historically been more flexible.
Can Sidekicks be used in all Fortnite modes?
Mostly, yes. They’re available in Battle Royale, Save the World, LEGO Fortnite, and developer-made islands (if enabled). They don’t appear in competitive playlists and won’t impact gameplay balance.