Epic Games' new "Fortnite" sidekick feature sparks backlash as players accuse the developer of turning cute companions into yet another overpriced cosmetic gimmick.
What do the players say about this new feature?
'Fortnite's' New Sidekicks Are Adorable but Expensive
"Fortnite's" latest mini-season has become an instant controversy magnet, not due to "The Simpsons" crossover, but because of its newest feature: sidekicks.
The adorable, Pokémon-styled companions follow players around in matches and can be named, petted, and dressed up. However, what should have been a fun addition has left many players frustrated over the high price tags and limited customization options.
Epic Games introduced sidekicks as a new way to customize gameplay. According to Polygon, you can customize your companion's coat, eye color, pattern, and size, but with a catch: once you set your sidekick's appearance, it's irreversible. If you want to change its look, you'd have to purchase another sidekick altogether.
The Cost of Companionship in 'Fortnite'
Players were quick to notice how costly these adorable digital friends can get. The Peels sidekick comes bundled with this season's Battle Pass, but upcoming sidekicks reportedly cost between 1,000 to 1,500 V-Bucks-that's roughly $8.99 to $13.99. You can freely rename your pet, but if you regret a design choice, you'll be paying again for a brand-new one.
Bro... The Sidekick costs more than the original skin. pic.twitter.com/HUi9oqa9N4
— Fortnite Leaks | Pluto V2 (@FortnitePV2) October 31, 2025
For comparison, older "Fortnite" pets-those that appear in back blings-are visible to other players. They require no extra purchases for customization and can even interact during matches. Sidekicks, on the other hand, are invisible to anyone outside your party, limiting their social appeal and leading many to question why they cost more than traditional cosmetics.
Players Push Back Against 'Greedy' Monetization
The backlash has been swift. One viral Reddit thread implored players to "PLEASE do not buy Sidekicks," referring to Epic's monetization as "disgusting" and exploitative. Others likened the system to EA's most maligned pricing schemes and said Epic is testing just how far fans are willing to go for cosmetic bragging rights.
"Fortnite" has always been a free-to-play game, with a long list of paid add-ons-from skins and emotes to battle passes and name-brand sneakers. But for some, the addition of paid pets crosses a new line. Critics call it another way that players, particularly younger ones, will be further pressured into spending just to fit in.
Will Epic Games Listen to the Community?
But despite the outrage, Epic may yet adjust the system. Players are reporting surveys asking for feedback about the sidekick prices and functionality, which implies changes could arrive in future patches.
Still, history shows that once "Fortnite" normalizes a new cosmetic market, such as it did with branded shoes, prices rarely go down.
For now, "Fortnite's" sidekicks remain both a charming addition and a costly experiment in player loyalty. How it chooses to handle the pricing strategy of these virtual pets will determine whether they will be a fan-favorite feature or another symbol of gaming greed.
Originally published on Player One
