Fortnite players will soon have loyal companions by their side, as Epic Games teases a new “Sidekicks” feature – interactive pets designed to join battles, respond to gameplay, and add personality to every match.
Each Fortnite season or chapter brings around a new cosmetic type that players can flaunt during their Battle Royale matches and are sold in the Item Shop in regular rotation. One cosmetic type that has been highly rumored for the past few months is Companion pets.
While leaks have been blazing online about the said item, no confirmation was made by Epic surrounding the release of such an item – until now. Epic has finally confirmed that the companion pets cosmetic, known as Sidekicks, is arriving in Fortnite with the upcoming Simpsons season on November 1. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
Fortnite’s Next Update Turns up the Charm with Adorable Sidekicks Pets
Fortnite’s next update introduces Sidekicks, a collection of cute pets that join players as loyal companions. These adorable creatures follow you into battles, adding fun animations and personality to every match. Epic Games plans to roll them out next season, letting you pick from various designs to match your style. Expect them to boost the charm while keeping the action intense.
Fortnite has announced in a new blog post that Sidekicks are new pals in Fortnite that join your adventures in Battle Royale, LEGO Fortnite, developer-made experiences, and more. Players can enjoy their company as they react to the world around them.
Players can customize the Appearance of most Sidekicks one time in their Locker after obtaining them. Your choices are permanent, so make sure to preview the Appearance before locking it in. This feature is similar to the customizable Maya skin that was released in Chapter 2 Season 2 Battle Pass.
The first Sidekick in Fortnite will be Peels. Unlock Peels in the next Battle Pass on November 1, which arrives with the Simpsons season. Most Sidekicks can earn Sidekick Points (SP) to unlock cosmetics for themselves, just by tagging along with you when equipped.
Furthermore, more Sidekicks will be released in the Shop on November 7, including Bonesy, Spike, and Lil’ Raptor. Epic has also confirmed that, sooner, more Sidekicks for cat people will also be released. Players who own the Bonesy Back Bling will be granted the Bonesy Sidekick on November 7 as well.
How do Sidekicks unlock and earn Sidekick Points
Sidekicks in Fortnite unlock through Battle Pass rewards or Item Shop purchases. Peels debuted in the Chapter 6 Season 5 Battle Pass on November 1, 2025, while others like Bonesy, Spike, Lil’ Raptor, and Kitsune became available via the shop starting November 7, with some free upgrades for prior owners.
Equipping Sidekicks
Access the Locker, select the Sidekicks tab under emotes, choose your pet, and finalize base traits like body type, fur, ears, and colors-these lock in permanently for that instance. Accessories such as hats, shirts, and hoodies remain editable anytime, and names can change freely; multiple copies allow varied base designs.
Earning Sidekick Points
Play compatible modes like Battle Royale, Zero Build, LEGO Fortnite, or Festival with the Sidekick equipped to gain points, akin to XP from survival, kills, Storm Circles, and Accolades. Track progress in the Quests tab’s Sidekicks section, where stages unlock free rewards like emotes, reactions, and styles-e.g., Peels needs points across eight stages, Bonesy four.
Optimization Tips
Respawn Rumble maximizes time alive for faster points; interact via emotes or petting for minor boosts, ensuring the pet stays equipped and visible only to you. Points vary by Sidekick, with no fixed total, supporting ongoing customization without V-Bucks.
Which game modes award Sidekick Points fastest
Respawn Rumble awards Sidekick Points fastest due to frequent respawns that maximize time alive, kills, and Storm Circle survival. Battle Royale and Zero Build follow closely by rewarding survival, Accolades, and combat actions.
Compatible Modes
Sidekick Points accumulate in Battle Royale, Zero Build, LEGO Fortnite, Reload, and Fortnite Festival whenever the pet is equipped. Time spent in matches drives progress, with interactions like petting or emotes providing minor boosts.
Farming Strategies
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Play long sessions in Respawn Rumble to rack up survival XP equivalents rapidly.
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Prioritize Storm Circles and kills in solos/duos for efficient gains without quick deaths.
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Equip the Sidekick consistently and track via Quests tab’s Sidekicks section.
