A new cosmetic type has landed in Fortnite, evolving the original Pet Back Bling. These are the new Fortnite Sidekicks. Sidekicks are adorable companions that accompany players throughout supported game modes, like Battle Royale.
Some debate has arisen regarding the pricing of these items. However, many players enjoy the sense of an active in-game companion. We will dive into everything confirmed about Sidekicks, including their unique features, costs, and availability. You will also learn how you can get your hands on the Fortnite Peels.
The Evolution from Pets to Sidekicks
Sidekicks represent a major expansion of the older Pets cosmetic. Pets were first introduced as a Back Bling item in Chapter 1, Season 6. They simply sat on the player’s back.
Sidekicks have now evolved into fully fledged friends. They will actively run alongside you and be more dynamic in the game.
Gameplay Role and Interaction
Players should know that these Sidekicks are completely cosmetic. They are all for show. This means they cannot fight enemies and are invisible to enemy players. However, they are visible to teammates.
The sense of companionship is surprisingly strong. Sidekicks respond dynamically to the world and player actions. They will dance alongside you if you use an emote. They also have unique emotes and will show sadness if you are knocked down. Sidekicks are immune to all damage.
Customization: The One-Time Lock
A key difference between the original Pets and the new Fortnite Sidekicks is customization. Each Sidekick has unique features that can be personalized. This allows for a deeper connection between the player and their companion. (Credits: Epic Games)
Customization elements vary by the creature. General options include changing coat patterns and eye colors. Players can also change the name of their companion from the default.
The Monetization Debate
The major point of contention centers on the lock mechanism. Players can only customize their Sidekicks in Fortnite once. This simply means that once you choose a look for your sidekick, it is fixed and you will not be able to change it later.
However, if you do wish to get a different customized version of a sidekick, you would need to buy that same sidekick again. Players are already complaining, and we are hoping that devs will listen to the player feedback. We might see more customization options in the future of the game.
Peels the Banana Dog
The only Sidekick available at the beginning of November 2025 that was not for sale in the shop was Peels the banana dog. Fortnite Peels is part of the mini-season Battle Pass.
As a banana-themed companion, his customization is appropriately unique. Instead of changing coat color, players can change their ripeness. Options include underripe, regularly ripe, or overripe. This is a fun example of the little personalization touches available for cosmetics.
All Currently Available Fortnite Sidekicks
Following an update in mid-November, more Sidekicks became available. Many of these are evolutions of classic Pet Back Blings.
The Sidekicks available for purchase include:
- Bonesy: A German Shepherd/Golden Retriever-like dog and one of the first Pet Back Blings introduced.
- Cuddle Team Jr: A mini version of the pink Cuddle Team Leader skin.
- Doggo Jr: A small pug dog, a mini version of the humanoid Doggo skin.
- Flopsticks: A fish in a bubble, a miniature version of the Fishstick skin.
- Lil’ Raptor: A baby Velociraptor.
- Spike: A Doberman dog, a mini version of the humanoid Doberman skin, Duke.
The Future of Sidekicks
The potential for future Fortnite Sidekicks is vast. Community leakers have already hinted at exciting crossovers.
Prominent leakers have suggested that certain established characters could become Sidekicks. These are some fan favorites that most people hope to see in the future. You might be able to see Krypto the dog from the latest Superman film. Moreover, the rumors also suggest that players might be able to get Grogu from the Star Wars universe.
There might be even more original characters coming into the battle royal. These could be Fortnite Pets, and you could have your very own pig or dragon. The Sidekick feature is fairly new in Fortnite, and players can expect to see a lot more in the future.
How to Get Sidekicks in Fortnite and Their Cost
Acquiring the companions involves two main methods: the Battle Pass and the Item Shop.
Battle Pass Acquisition
The very first Sidekick, Fortnite Peels, is available as the first reward in the Battle Pass. However, players would need to purchase this battle pass to own the reward. You would need whenever a player buys the latest mini Battle Pass.
Fortnite Peels is the first reward unlocked when purchasing the mini-season Battle Pass. The cost of the Battle Pass is 1,000 V-Bucks.
Item Shop Prices
The other Sidekicks are available for direct purchase with V-Bucks. The Fortnite Sidekicks price varies by item:
- 1,200 V-Bucks: Bonesy, Lil’ Raptor, and Spike.
- 1,500 V-Bucks: Cuddle Team Jr, Doggo Jr, and Flopsticks.
It is important to note that players who already owned the original Bonesy Back Bling Pet cosmetic can obtain the Bonesy Sidekick for free.
The Cost Debate
Players are raising concerns over the prices of Sidekicks in Fortnite. This Fortnite Cosmetic is going to cost you around 1200 V Bucks. You will need to spend a minimum of $10 to get your hands on the battle pass and, in turn, this Sidekick. Most players complain that, for a cosmetic item that other players can not see, this new feature is actually expensive.
It remains unclear whether future Sidekicks will maintain this pricing structure. Hope remains that more companions will be obtainable through challenges or a lower V-Bucks cost.
Get Yours Now!
Fortnite Sidekicks are a charming and evolved cosmetic type that adds a new dimension to gameplay. While the single-use customization lock and the high Fortnite Sidekicks price are points of criticism, the appeal of having an active, responsive companion is undeniable. The future of this Fortnite cosmetic likely includes numerous creatures and exciting crossovers, ensuring the market for these companions remains strong.
