I’ve been following Fortnite’s evolving cosmetic system for years, and the addition of Sidekicks marks one of its most noticeable shifts. These small, AI-driven companions bring a new layer of personality to the game, letting players show off more than just their outfits. They arrived alongside the Simpsons Mini Season, starting with a Peely-inspired dog, and quickly expanded into a growing lineup that’s hard to overlook.
I’ve noticed that while the variety of Sidekicks continues to grow, much of the focus so far has been on dogs, leaving some players wondering when other animals will appear. The pricing and customization options have sparked debate, but Epic Games seems committed to expanding this feature. With so many new additions already in play, keeping track of every Sidekick has become part of the fun—and the challenge.
All Fortnite Sidekicks
Complimentary Sidekicks in Fortnite
At the moment, Fortnite hasn’t offered many sidekicks that cost nothing. The first one, Peels, appeared as a reward within a Battle Pass connected to The Simpsons season. Players with the premium version unlocked it early, while others had to progress through additional tiers to claim it. This setup gave players two versions of the same companion, each with different customization options.
Free players couldn’t access Peels unless they upgraded to the paid Battle Pass. While it hasn’t happened yet, I expect Epic Games will eventually release a sidekick that everyone can earn without spending V-Bucks. The game has a long record of giving away free cosmetics during events like Winterfest or major collaborations, so it seems likely that a no-cost sidekick will appear in a future update.
The current sidekicks available through the Item Shop or Battle Pass include:
| Sidekick Name | Type | Source | Theme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peels | Dog (Banana Dog) | Battle Pass | The Simpsons |
| Doggo | Dog | Item Shop | The Simpsons |
| Cuddle Team Jr | Creature | Item Shop | The Simpsons |
| Flopsticks | Fish | Item Shop | The Simpsons |
| Spike | Dog | Item Shop | The Simpsons |
| Lil’ Raptor | Dinosaur | Item Shop | The Simpsons |
| Mothman Jr | Moth | Item Shop | The Simpsons |
| Teacup Chi-Pup | Dog | Item Shop | The Simpsons |
| Plopper | Pig (Spider-Pig) | Item Shop | The Simpsons |
These companions share a consistent art direction tied to The Simpsons crossover, emphasizing humor and familiarity.
Custom Options for Fortnite Sidekicks
Each sidekick acts as a personal companion that can be visually customized. When I unlock a sidekick, I can modify its appearance through a variety of preset options. Some of these are available immediately, while others require me to earn Sidekick Points, a form of in-game currency gained by completing matches or challenges.
Customization involves selecting traits such as color, accessories, or expression. Once I finalize the design, the configuration becomes permanent. Unlike outfits or wraps, I can’t later adjust the look without starting over or obtaining a new version. This permanence has caused mixed reactions among players who prefer flexibility.
Despite the limitations, sidekicks remain purely visual. They don’t alter gameplay balance, provide boosts, or affect performance. Their purpose is to add a small layer of personality to my character loadout.
Customization Overview:
- Unlocked Options: Basic color and accessory choices
- Earned Options: Advanced traits purchased with Sidekick Points
- Lock-In Rule: Once saved, customization cannot be changed
- Visibility: Only visible to teammates during matches
This system encourages players to plan their design carefully before confirming it.
Functionality and Behavior of Sidekicks
Sidekicks operate as animated companions that follow the player during matches. They appear beside me in the lobby, on the island, and in certain game modes such as Battle Royale, LEGO Fortnite, and Fortnite Festival. Only teammates can see them in real time, which helps keep server performance stable.
Their behavior is limited to small animations, idle movements, and contextual reactions. They don’t attack, collect items, or influence gameplay mechanics. This design choice prevents any competitive imbalance while maintaining the aesthetic appeal.
From a technical standpoint, keeping sidekicks visible only to teammates reduces rendering load and latency. Fortnite already optimizes heavily for frame rate, so duplicating character models for every player would strain performance.
Although their effect on gameplay is minimal, sidekicks serve as an extension of player identity. They let me express my preferences through small details rather than direct power-ups. For players who enjoy visual customization, they add another collectible layer without affecting fairness or competition.
