Fortnite‘s Sidekicks, the adorable little pets that accompany you on your Fortnite adventures, have caused quite a stir with Fortnite fans — and not necessarily for all the right reasons.
As described by Epic Games, Sidekicks are new pals in Fortnite that join your adventures in Battle Royale, Fortnite Save the World, Fortnite Festival (your Sidekick will stay backstage), LEGO Fortnite, and developer-made experiences (Sidekicks can only tag along with you if the Island Developer has enabled Sidekicks in their island). They let you “enjoy their company as they react to the world around you.” You can design them yourself, including their personality and physical traits, all of which will be locked in as “permanent” details, but you’ll be able to change their name and accessories — think hats, hoodies, that kind of thing — at any time. And no, they do not offer a gameplay advantage of any kind, nor can be hurt or killed in combat. (Phew!)
The first is Peels, the super sweet pup made of bananas, who’ll unlock with tomorrow’s (November 1) Battle Pass. More, including Bonesy, Spike, and Lil’ Raptor, are set to drop on November 7, with something for cat lovers coming “not long after.” Bonesy will be granted to players who own the Bonesy Back Bling on the same date.
So far, so cute, right? The bit that’s really raising eyebrows, however, is the cost. As shared on the Fortnite subreddit, prices will differ, with Lil’ Raptor and Spike costing 1,200 V-Bucks, and Flopsticks and Cuddle Team Jr. a little more expensive at 1,500. As some are pointing out, this is a pretty steep price for the new feature, with the Fishstick-themed Sidekick, Flopstick, costing more than the original 1,200 skin.
Bro… The Sidekick costs more than the original skin. pic.twitter.com/HUi9oqa9N4
— Fortnite Leaks | Pluto V2 (@FortnitePV2) October 31, 2025
It gets even worse, though. Epic has cofirmed you can customize the appearance of your Sidekick one time and it’s permanent (you can unlock clothes for them, though and can change those whenever you want). This means that if you want to change your pet’s colors after making that initial, permanent one-time change, you have to buy the same pet again.
“You can customize the Appearance of your Sidekick one time after obtaining it,” Epic said. “You can purchase a Sidekick multiple times and give them different Appearances; however, each Sidekick customization you own in your Locker must be unique. Duplicate Appearances are not allowed.”
“The fact they locked customization behind needing to buy the same pet multiple times is probably the greediest thing Epig [sic] has ever done. Which honestly is a huge accomplishment for this company,” said one unhappy player.
“[This is] the death of reasonable microtransactions in Fortnite,” replied another. “Remember when they released Wraps, and unlike most games where you needed to unlock skins for each gun individually, wraps could be used on anything? Now we’re getting customization locked on bought items. No reason for this, except greed.”
“Either make them this price and have all styles selectable or lock the styles and put them at 500-600,” suggested someone else. “If you do both nobody is gonna bother.”
Don’t forget that Homer, Marge and co. are coming to Fortnite on November 1, 2025, with a mini-season that brings Springfield to the battle royale. Not much is known about it, other than the villainous alien duo, Kang and Kodos, will be wreaking havoc on the Fortnite map once Fortnitemares 2025 comes to an end, but here’s everything we know so far, including including start times in your local area, current teasers, and what to expect.
Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world’s biggest gaming sites and publications. She’s also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.
