Fortnite Expands Its Companion System with Sidekicks
Fortnite players on PS5 and PS4 will soon meet a playful new addition to the battle royale roster: Sidekicks. These animated pet pals accompany players through the entire match, offering a fresh layer of personality and interaction without directly altering core combat mechanics. The feature marks a notable evolution from the sport of cosmetics and emotes into a more persistent, companion-driven experience that aligns with the game’s love for quirky visual flair.
What Are Sidekicks and How Do They Work?
Sidekicks are small, animated companions that accompany players from landing until the match ends. They float, wiggle, and react to gunfire, loot drops, and environmental cues, adding a lighthearted aura to tense firefights. Unlike traditional “pet backblings” of earlier seasons, Sidekicks are designed to be more interactive and visible across the battlefield—yet they do not replace weapons or shield items. The intent is to give players a sense of companionship and continuity, while still preserving the strategic advantages of stealth and positioning that are essential in Fortnite’s combat loop.
Design and Variety
Epic Games has rolled out a diverse lineup of Sidekicks, ranging from mischievous critters to more stately animal pals. Each Sidekick features unique idle animations and reactions to in-game events, encouraging players to discover how different companions respond to high-stakes moments. Cosmetic teams often tailor these pets to pair with specific weapon wraps, emotes, or character skins, creating cohesive ensemble looks that players can show off in lobby previews and replays.
Impact on Gameplay and Player Experience
While Sidekicks are primarily cosmetic and sociable, many players wonder about potential downsides. Some fear visibility could reveal a player’s location or block critical lines of sight in crowded firefights. In response, developers have emphasized that Sidekicks are designed to be non-intrusive: their silhouettes are soft, their movements predictable but not distracting, and toggles are available for players who prefer a more minimalist loadout. The real value arrives in non-combat moments—elliptical humor during barely survived fights or celebratory reactions after a hard-earned victory—where the companions add personality without shifting balance.
Accessibility, Customization, and Controls
For players on PS5 and PS4, Sidekicks are integrated into the broader ecosystem of Fortnite’s cosmetics and customization options. They can be accessed through the in-game store or earned via seasonal challenges, depending on the season’s progression and player activity. Control schemes remain unchanged: Sidekicks don’t require additional inputs to function, and players can still prioritize weapon selection, building, and movement as usual. This approach keeps the core gameplay intact while offering a new social texture to a familiar experience.
Community Reception and Potential Trends
Early demonstrations of Sidekicks have sparked a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism within the Fortnite community. For many, these companions are a delightful extension of the game’s whimsical identity, a chance to display personality and fandom through a companion that travels with them. For some, the novelty could wear thin, and a subset might opt to disable Sidekicks to reduce clutter or potential distractions. In the long term, success will hinge on how well Sidekicks age with new updates, events, and collaborations, maintaining relevance without becoming a repetitive distraction.
What This Means for PS5 and PS4 Players
PS5 and PS4 players can expect a smooth rollout of Sidekicks through standard update channels. The feature aligns well with Fortnite’s cross-platform aspirations, ensuring that companions feel consistent whether you’re playing on console, PC, or mobile. For new players, Sidekicks may serve as a memorable entry point into Fortnite’s expansive cosmetic ecosystem; for veterans, they offer a nostalgic echo of the game’s earliest animated pet concepts—now evolved into a full-fledged, interactive companion system.
Bottom Line
Fortnite’s Sidekicks bring a fresh, playful layer to a familiar battlefield. They celebrate character, continuity, and creativity—core elements the franchise has long championed—while remaining mindful of competitive balance. Whether you embrace them as adorable sidekicks or toggle them off to keep sightlines clear, Sidekicks are likely to become a talking point as players weigh style against practicality in future matches.
