The Fortnite universe is about to get a whole lot more crowded—and adorable. Recent leaks have sent shockwaves through the gaming community, teasing an unprecedented wave of crossover Sidekicks that could transform how we experience Epic Games’ battle royale phenomenon. From SpongeBob SquarePants to Disney’s beloved characters, the upcoming Sidekick revolution promises to bring our favorite fictional companions into the game like never before.
What Are Fortnite Sidekicks? More Than Just Pets
Before diving into the exciting crossover leaks, let’s understand what Sidekicks actually are. Unlike the old pet system that debuted back in Chapter 1 Season 6, where companions were merely back bling cosmetics, Sidekicks represent a massive evolution in companion mechanics.
Sidekicks are fully-fledged companions that follow you around in Battle Royale, LEGO Fortnite, Save The World, Fortnite Festival (where they chill backstage), and other developer-enabled experiences. These little pals react to the world around them, can be interacted with using special Sidekick Emotes, and even earn you cosmetic rewards through the new Sidekick Points system.
According to Epic Games’ official announcement, the first Sidekick—Peels, a banana dog—launched November 1st as part of The Simpsons Battle Pass. More companions like Bonesy, Spike, and Lil’ Raptor followed on November 7th, with cat-themed Sidekicks promised for later in the month.
The Paramount Connection: SpongeBob and Beyond
The most exciting leak comes from reputable sources like HYPEX and ShiinaBR, suggesting that Paramount is bringing some of its biggest properties to Fortnite as Sidekicks. This isn’t just speculation—multiple leaks point to a massive Nickelodeon crossover that could include:
- SpongeBob SquarePants: The leak specifically mentions SpongeBob as part of Chapter 7’s content, potentially including multiple skins, a Patty Wagon vehicle, and of course, SpongeBob himself as a Sidekick
- Dora the Explorer: Another Paramount property rumored to join the Sidekick roster
- PAW Patrol: While not explicitly mentioned in the initial leak, PAW Patrol’s popularity makes it a strong candidate for the Sidekick treatment
What makes this particularly exciting is that Fortnite has a history with Nickelodeon crossovers. Previous collaborations have brought us Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and The Legend of Korra. A SpongeBob Sidekick would be the perfect continuation of this relationship, especially given the character’s universal appeal and meme-worthy status.
Disney’s Sidekick Invasion: More Than Just Mouse Ears
But the leaks don’t stop at Paramount. Recent reports suggest that Disney is also exploring the Sidekick format for its vast catalog of characters. This could open the door for some truly unexpected companions in Fortnite.
Disney’s approach to Sidekicks is particularly interesting because it could include characters that might not work as full skins but would be perfect as companions. Imagine having:
- Grogu (Baby Yoda): The perfect size for a Sidekick and already a fan favorite
- Mickey Mouse: The iconic mascot in companion form
- Stitch: Another character that would work perfectly as a small, interactive companion
- Various Disney animal sidekicks: From Timon and Pumbaa to Meeko and Flit
The Disney leak is especially significant because it suggests Epic Games is thinking beyond traditional crossover formats. Sidekicks offer a way to include characters that might not make sense as playable skins but would still delight fans as companions.
The Controversy: When Cute Meets Costly?
Not everything about Sidekicks has been met with universal acclaim, however. The community has been divided over the pricing and customization limitations, with many players expressing frustration over what they perceive as greedy monetization practices.
Here’s the breakdown of the controversy:
Pricing Concerns: Leaks suggest that Sidekicks could cost between 1,000 to 1,500 V-Bucks ($8.99 to $22.99), putting them in the same price range as many full character skins. For a companion that doesn’t provide any gameplay advantage, many players feel this is excessive.
Customization Limitations: Unlike previous cosmetic items, Sidekicks have permanent customization options. Once you choose your Sidekick’s coat color, accent hues, eye colors, pattern, and build size, those choices are locked in. If you want different variations, you’ll need to purchase the same Sidekick multiple times.
Visibility Issues: Sidekicks are only visible to players in your party, not to enemies or random teammates. This limits the “show-off” factor that makes cosmetics appealing to many players.
Battle Pass Slot Controversy: The first Sidekick, Peels, takes up two slots in The Simpsons Battle Pass, which some players see as a way to condition them to accept purchasing multiple versions of the same companion.
The backlash has been significant enough that some players are calling for boycotts, comparing Epic Games’ approach to EA’s controversial monetization strategies. However, others argue that the quality and interactivity of Sidekicks justify the price point.
How Sidekicks Work: The Complete Breakdown
Despite the controversy, there’s no denying that Sidekicks represent a technical and design achievement for Fortnite. Here’s everything you need to know about how they function:
Core Features:
- Sidekicks follow you around in supported game modes
- They react to environmental events and gameplay situations
- You can interact with them using special Sidekick Emotes
- They’re immortal and can’t take damage
- They don’t provide any competitive advantages
Customization System:
- Permanent physical traits (chosen once): coat color, accent hues, eye colors, pattern, build size
- Changeable elements: name, accessories, hats, hoodies
- Cosmetics earned through Sidekick Points (collected by spending time with your companion)
- Multiple purchases required for different physical variations
Availability:
- Peels: Available through The Simpsons Battle Pass
- Bonesy, Spike, Lil’ Raptor: Available in the Item Shop (free Bonesy for existing back bling owners)
- Cat-themed Sidekicks: Coming later in November
- Future crossover Sidekicks: Expected in Chapter 7 and beyond
The Future of Sidekicks: What’s Coming Next?
The current Sidekicks are just the beginning. Leaks and datamines suggest that Epic Games has ambitious plans for the companion system, including:
Chapter 7 Crossovers: Multiple sources confirm that Chapter 7 will introduce major crossover Sidekicks, with SpongeBob being the most prominently featured. This could include not just SpongeBob but other Bikini Bottom residents like Patrick, Squidward, and Sandy.
Expanded Interactivity: Future updates may add more interactive elements, such as playing fetch with your Sidekick or having them perform specific actions based on gameplay events.
Cross-Game Compatibility: There’s speculation that Sidekicks could eventually work across multiple Epic Games titles, creating a unified companion system.
User-Generated Content: The Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) may eventually allow creators to implement their own Sidekicks in custom islands, opening up endless possibilities for unique companion experiences.
Why Sidekicks Matter More Than You Think?
Beyond the cute factor and the controversy, Sidekicks represent something significant for Fortnite’s evolution. They’re not just another cosmetic category—they’re a new way for players to express themselves and connect with the game world.
Sidekicks add personality to your gameplay experience. Whether you’re rocking a banana dog in Battle Royale or a dinosaur companion in LEGO Fortnite, these little friends make the game feel more alive and personal. They’re conversation starters, status symbols, and for many players, genuine emotional connections to the game.
The crossover potential is equally important. By bringing in characters from SpongeBob, Disney, and other major franchises, Fortnite continues to position itself as the ultimate crossover platform—a digital melting pot where different universes collide in unexpected ways.
Expert Perspective: The Psychology of Virtual Companions
To understand why Sidekicks are resonating (and in some cases, angering) players so deeply, I spoke with gaming psychologist Dr. Sarah Chen about the phenomenon.
“Virtual companions tap into fundamental human needs for connection and nurturing,” Dr. Chen explains. “Even though we know they’re not real, our brains still respond to them as if they were. The ability to customize and interact with Sidekicks creates a sense of ownership and emotional investment that goes beyond typical cosmetic items.”
She adds, “The controversy around pricing is interesting because it shows how players value these companions. People wouldn’t be so upset if they didn’t care. The frustration comes from feeling that something meaningful is being locked behind paywalls or limited by permanent choices.”
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Sidekicks
Whether you’re excited about Sidekicks or skeptical about their value, here are some tips for making the most of the new companion system:
- Start with Peels: Since Peels comes with The Simpsons Battle Pass, it’s the most cost-effective way to try out the Sidekick system before committing real money.
- Plan Your Customization: Because physical traits are permanent, take your time when designing your Sidekick. Consider what colors and patterns will match your favorite skins.
- Earn Sidekick Points: Spend time with your Sidekick in-game to earn points for cosmetics. This is a great way to get additional customization options without spending more money.
- Wait for Reviews: Before purchasing additional Sidekicks, see what the community thinks about their value and interactivity.
- Consider the Crossover Potential: If you’re a fan of specific franchises like SpongeBob or Disney, it might be worth waiting to see if crossover Sidekicks are announced.
The Bottom Line: Are Sidekicks Worth It?
The question everyone’s asking: Are Sidekicks worth the investment? The answer depends on what you value in Fortnite.
If you’re all about cosmetics and self-expression, Sidekicks offer a new way to personalize your experience. They’re cute, interactive, and perfect for showing off to friends (even if enemies can’t see them).
If you’re focused on competitive play, Sidekicks don’t offer any advantages, so they might not be worth your V-Bucks.
If you’re a crossover enthusiast, the upcoming Paramount and Disney Sidekicks could be must-haves, especially if you’re a fan of properties like SpongeBob.
Ultimately, Sidekicks represent another step in Fortnite’s evolution from a simple battle royale to a comprehensive metaverse platform. They’re not perfect—the pricing model and customization limitations are valid concerns—but they show that Epic Games is still innovating and finding new ways to keep players engaged.
What’s Next for Fortnite Sidekicks?
As we look toward Chapter 7 and beyond, one thing is clear: the Sidekick revolution is just getting started. With major crossovers on the horizon and the potential for expanded interactivity, these companions could become an integral part of the Fortnite experience.
The leaked Paramount Sidekicks, particularly SpongeBob, could be just the beginning. Imagine a future where every major franchise has its own Sidekick representation, from Marvel to Star Wars, from anime to cartoon classics. The possibilities are endless, and that’s exactly what makes Fortnite so exciting—it’s a platform where the unexpected becomes reality.
Whether you love them or hate them, Sidekicks are here to stay. And if the leaks are any indication, the best is yet to come. Keep your eyes peeled for more crossover announcements, and get ready to welcome some new friends to the island.