BigTech CompaniesEntertainmentNewswireTechnology

Fortnite Pets Arrive: Meet the Dance-Off Banana Puppy

▼ Summary

– Epic Games is introducing Sidekicks to Fortnite, which are small cosmetic pets players can bring into battle royale and other in-game experiences.
– Sidekicks like Peels, Bonesy, Spike, and Lil-Raptor can be earned or purchased, with the first available in the November 1st battle pass and others in the in-game shop.
– These pets do not offer any in-game advantage but can be interacted with using emotes and react to the environment, though the exact mechanics are not yet detailed.
– Sidekicks are customizable with accessories but can only be customized once after acquisition, though players can own multiple copies with different customizations.
– Epic Games aims to enhance player engagement and encourage spending by adding these appealing cosmetic companions to the game.

Epic Games is introducing a charming new feature to its blockbuster title with the arrival of Fortnite Sidekicks, small companion pets that players can bring along into Battle Royale matches and other game modes. These adorable additions serve as purely cosmetic collectibles, offering no competitive edge, but they provide a fresh layer of personalization and fun for dedicated fans.

The first Sidekick to join the roster is Peels, a cheerful yellow banana puppy. Players can unlock Peels through the upcoming battle pass starting November 1st. For those seeking more variety, the in-game item shop will release additional companions in November, including Bonesy, Spike, and Lil-Raptor. Epic has also hinted that a feline Sidekick is in development, promising even more choices for players to collect. Future collaborations with popular intellectual properties are widely anticipated, which could bring familiar characters into the game as Sidekicks.

Although Sidekicks don’t impact gameplay stats, they come with unique interactive emotes that let players engage with their pets directly. These companions are designed to react dynamically to their surroundings, though the specific mechanics of these reactions have yet to be fully detailed. A short tutorial video released by Epic offers a closer look at how Sidekicks will function within the game.

Customization is a key part of the Sidekick experience, but it comes with an important limitation. According to official guidelines, each Sidekick can only be customized once after being acquired. However, players are allowed to purchase multiple copies of the same Sidekick, as long as each one has distinct customization options. This means you could own a red Lil Raptor and a green Lil Raptor simultaneously, but not two identical green versions.

Companion pets have long been a beloved feature in video games, and Fortnite’s take is no exception. Even though they are purely cosmetic, having a loyal little friend tagging along, dancing, performing tricks, or just adding personality to the action, creates a more engaging and lighthearted experience. For Epic Games, it’s also a clever strategy to encourage players to invest a bit more in their favorite game this season.

(Source: Euro Gamer)

Topics

sidekicks introduction 95% cosmetic items 90% customization options 85% character variety 85% monetization strategy 80% battle pass 80% player engagement 75% in-game shop 75% interaction features 75% release timeline 70%