After months of speculation, Fortnite has officially confirmed that animal companions are coming to the game. Back in May, some leaked files suggested that Fortnite may be adding a new type of animal companion some time in 2025, and that time has finally come.

This technically isn't the first time animal companions have come to Fortnite. All the way back in 2018, Fortnite Chapter 1 Season 6 added Pets to the game. These Pets were essentially Back Blings that reacted to certain in-game actions. Fortnite's newly confirmed Sidekicks function a little differently.

Fortnite Officially Introduces Sidekicks in Chapter 6 Season 5

Fortnite Sidekicks
Fortnite Sidekicks

Epic Games has announced that Sidekicks are coming to Fortnite on November 1, 2025. These Sidekicks will be small animal or animal-like companions that follow the player throughout their adventures in Fortnite's various modes, including Battle Royale, Save The World, LEGO Fortnite, and certain developer-made experiences.

Fortnite Sidekick Peels 2
Fortnite Sidekick Peels 2

Fortnite's Sidekicks won't affect gameplay and cannot be harmed during combat. They do, however, react to the world around them and interact with special Sidekick Emotes. After purchasing one of Fortnite's Sidekicks, players will be able to customize their appearance once. When customization is complete, players will be asked to preview their Sidekick's new look, and then their appearance will be locked in permanently.

Players can purchase the same Sidekick multiple times, just as long as they choose a unique appearance for each one.

Fortnite Sidekicks Lil Raptor Customization
Fortnite Sidekicks Lil Raptor Customization

That said, players will still be able to customize elements of their Sidekick after this initial appearance change. By taking these companions into battle, players will earn Sidekick Points, a new type of Fortnite currency that can be used to unlock cosmetics for their Sidekick.

Fortnite Sidekicks Lil Raptor
Fortnite Sidekicks Lil Raptor

The first Sidekick coming to Fortnite is Peels, an adorable banana-themed dog with some very expressive animations. Peels will officially be available in the Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 5 Battle Pass.

Bonesy, Spike, and Lil' Raptor will then hit Fortnite's Store on November 7, and Epic Games' announcement image teases Sidekicks inspired by Fishsticks and Doggo. Those who already own the Bonesy Back Bling Pet from the Chapter 1 Season 6 Battle Pass will get the Bonesy Sidekick for free.

Fortnite Sidekicks Peels
Fortnite Sidekicks Peels

All eyes were already on Fortnite's next season due to its upcoming crossover with The Simpsons. The confirmation that Sidekicks are finally coming to Fortnite after months of speculation is sure to make fans even more excited for Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 5.

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Fortnite
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Released
September 26, 2017
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T for Teen - Diverse Content: Discretion Advised, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
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Epic Games
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Epic Games
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Source: Fortnite Newsroom