What are Fortnite Sidekicks and why they matter
Fortnite has continually evolved its cosmetic and gameplay features to keep players engaged. The latest addition, Sidekicks, brings animated pet pals that accompany players throughout a match. Available on PS5 and PS4, these Sidekicks are a natural evolution of the game’s existing pet backblings, offering a more dynamic way to show personality while you battle it out in the island’s varied environments.
From a design perspective, Sidekicks are visible, charming companions that move with you as you sprint, glide, crouch, or build. Their presence adds a micro-layer of strategy and self-expression: you can pick a Sidekick that suits your playstyle or mood, whether that’s a daring battle buddy or a relaxed, goofy friend along for the ride. This is not just a cosmetic change; it nudges players to consider how they express themselves in a crowded lobby and during tense moments in a high-stakes match.
How Sidekicks work in practice
In-game behavior centers on following you close enough to be a visual cue without obstructing your line of sight or causing excessive clutter. The goal is to feel like a loyal companion rather than a distraction. On PS5 and PS4, Sidekicks leverage the console’s performance to stay responsive, even as you deploy builds, engage in fights, or traverse large maps. The animation system ensures these pets don’t clip through objects or collide unnaturally with other players, maintaining a consistent, polished look across matches.
While Sidekicks are cosmetic, many players wonder about potential downsides. Some worry they will reveal location or block vision at critical moments. Developers have noted that Sidekicks can be toggled in the customization menu, and many players will opt to turn them off during high-stakes gunfights or when visibility is crucial. For casual play, however, Sidekicks add a layer of charm and personality that can brighten a long queue or a tough loss.
Why Sidekicks could reshape your Fortnite experience
The inclusion of pet pals taps into two trends in modern gaming: personalization through companions and a lighter, social vibe within competitive titles. Sidekicks give players a quick way to signal mood, affinity, or allegiance to a team without changing core gameplay balance. They can also spark new content loops, such as pet-specific emotes, rarity tiers, or limited-time Sidekicks tied to events and collaborations.
For players on PS5/PS4, the experience can vary with hardware capabilities. The more powerful PS5 can deliver smoother animations and more nuanced reactions from Sidekicks, while PS4’s hardware still provides a reliable, accessible option. In both cases, the feature is designed to be non-intrusive and easily managed through the in-game settings.
Tips for using Sidekicks effectively
- Customize early: Pick a Sidekick that aligns with your personality or playstyle, then adjust it in the customization menu before jumping into a match.
- Toggle as needed: If you’re entering a critical moment, consider turning the Sidekick off to avoid visual clutter or any potential line-of-sight concerns.
- Pair with emotes: Some Sidekicks work well with specific emotes, creating fun, expressive moments during lobbies and after victories.
- Watch for updates: Epic Games may rotate Sidekick options or introduce new pets with events, so stay tuned to patch notes and in-game announcements.
Conclusion: are Sidekicks here to stay?
Fortnite Sidekicks represent a thoughtful extension of the game’s aesthetic and social layer. They offer a way to stand out without affecting core mechanics, while also encouraging players to experiment with self-expression in a battle royale that rewards creativity. Whether you love the cute, the quirky, or the cool, there’s likely a Sidekick that fits your vibe. And if you’d rather focus on play, you can easily disable them and return to the classic combat experience—showing how Epic Games balanced novelty with player choice.
