In Fortnite, Back Bling is a cosmetic worn on a character’s back; a Sidekick is a companion cosmetic that stays near the player and reacts to the world. They are separate item types, and Epic says Sidekicks provide no gameplay advantage and take no damage.
Sidekick vs. Back Bling at a glance
| Feature | Sidekick | Back Bling |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A companion cosmetic that stays by the player and reacts to the world. | A wearable cosmetic attached to a character’s back. |
| Gameplay effect | Epic Games Player Support says Sidekicks do not provide a gameplay advantage and do not take damage. Players can interact with them using Sidekick Emotes. (Epic Support) | Epic lists Back Bling as its own cosmetic category; the cited support material does not describe it as a companion. |
| Appearance customization | Some Sidekicks can be customized once, with appearance choices becoming permanent when locked in. Not all Sidekicks are customizable. (Epic Support) | The cited Epic sources do not establish a Sidekick-style one-time appearance lock-in rule for Back Bling. |
| Where it can be used | Epic’s compatibility chart lists Battle Royale, Save the World, LEGO Fortnite Odyssey, Festival, and developer-made experiences; it does not list Rocket Racing. | Epic’s chart lists Battle Royale, Save the World, Festival, and developer-made experiences; it does not list LEGO Fortnite Odyssey or Rocket Racing. (Epic Cosmetic Compatibility) |
How Sidekicks behave
Epic introduced Sidekicks as companions that accompany players and respond to the world. They are cosmetic company, not combat support: according to Epic Games Player Support, they do not take damage and provide no gameplay advantage. Sidekick Emotes let players interact with them.
How Sidekick customization works
For a customizable Sidekick, go to the Locker after obtaining it, review its appearance, and lock in the selection. Epic says this appearance customization is available once and the resulting choices are permanent. Some Sidekicks cannot be customized. Names and accessories can be changed, and Epic says a player may purchase a Sidekick more than once to choose different appearances, provided each owned customization is unique. (Epic Support; Epic’s launch announcement)
Where each cosmetic works
Epic’s compatibility chart gives Sidekicks and Back Bling separate compatibility listings:
#1 Best Overall
- GILDED TROOPER: Board the Battle Bus and drop in with Fortnite Legendary Tomatohead!
- FORTNITE: 6-inch action figure is inspired by the video game Fortnite
- ARTICULATED: Feature 28 points of articulation to win any Battle Royale
- ACCESSORIES: Comes equipped with Back Bling and Harvesting Tools
- BONUS CODE: Code for virtual item included: Pink Streak
- Sidekicks: Battle Royale, Save the World, LEGO Fortnite Odyssey, Festival, and developer-made experiences; not Rocket Racing.
- Back Bling: Battle Royale, Save the World, Festival, and developer-made experiences; not LEGO Fortnite Odyssey or Rocket Racing.
For developer-made islands, the island developer must enable Sidekicks. In Fortnite Festival, Sidekicks remain backstage. Check Epic’s compatibility chart for the listed experience support.
Sidekicks as creator-controlled NPCs
Epic announced on June 5, 2026, that creators could use Sidekicks as scriptable NPCs in Unreal Editor for Fortnite. The announcement describes adding them through the NPC Spawner, adjusting Sidekick-specific behavior and appearance options, and using Cosmetic Sync so an NPC can take the form of a player’s owned Sidekick. Epic said islands using the feature could be published starting July 23, 2026. This creator feature is separate from equipping a Sidekick as a player cosmetic. (Epic’s announcement)
Rank #2
- KLOMBO HAS ARRIVED – Kids ages 10+ can build an enormous LEGO Fortnite creature from the battle royale game
- PEELY & ORO MINIFIGURES – Peely and Oro can ride on Klombo's back, just like in the popular game, for epic Fortnite adventures
- POSEABLE ACTION FIGURE – This Klombo Fortnite toy features fully movable legs, opening mouth for feeding, and rotating tail to recreate favorite game moments and poses
- "FEED ME KLOMBERRIES!" – Buildable Fortnite figure comes with its own Klomberry bush and detachable LEGO berries to calm an angry Klombo
- GIFT FOR FORTNITE FANS – Makes a perfect birthday present for boys and girls who love Fortnite toys and building challenges that combine creativity with their favorite game
Does owning Back Bling give you a Sidekick?
Not as a general rule. There was one specific launch-era exception: Epic said owners of the Bonesy Back Bling would receive the Bonesy Sidekick on November 7, 2025. That announcement applied to Bonesy and does not establish that owning other Back Bling grants a Sidekick. (Epic’s October 30, 2025 announcement)
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How Sidekicks were introduced
Epic’s October 30, 2025 launch announcement said Peels would be unlocked in the next Battle Pass on November 1, while Bonesy, Spike, and Lil’ Raptor were due in the Shop on November 7. These are historical launch details, not confirmation of current Shop availability or prices. The announcement also described hats and hoodies as earnable with Sidekick Points from spending time together. (Epic Games)
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Quick Recap
Best Value
- Toy Partner FNT FNT0088 Accessory Set Multi-Coloured
- brand: Fortnite
- manufacturer: Fortnite
Rank #4
- PEELY: Board the Battle Bus and drop in with Fortnite Legendary Peely!
- FORTNITE: 6-inch action figure is inspired by the video game Fortnite
- ARTICULATED: Feature 28 points of articulation to win any Battle Royale
- ACCESSORIES: Comes equipped with Back Bling and Harvesting Tools
- BONUS CODE: Code for virtual item included: CODE
Rank #3
- GILDED TROOPER: Board the Battle Bus and drop in with Fortnite Legendary Skull Trooper (Gilded)!
- FORTNITE: 6-inch action figure is inspired by the video game Fortnite
- ARTICULATED: Feature 28 points of articulation to win any Battle Royale
- ACCESSORIES: Comes equipped with Back Bling and Harvesting Tools
- BONUS CODE: Code for virtual item included: Mecha-jolly
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
