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I’ve been tracking Sidekick releases since they first dropped in Fortnite, and let me tell you – the Kitsune Sidekick announcement has the community buzzing like never before. This adorable fox companion is making its way to the Item Shop, and if you’re a veteran player from Season X, you’re in for a fantastic surprise. After hours of research and connecting with the Fortnite community, I’m excited to share everything you need to know about getting your hands (or paws?) on this legendary pet.
| Quick Answer | Details |
|---|---|
| Who Gets It Free? | Players who owned the original Kitsune Pet Back Bling from Season X Battle Pass (Tier 28) |
| Release Date | January 3rd, 2026 |
| Automatic Grant | Yes – will appear in your locker automatically if you qualify |
| Price for Others | 1,200-1,500 V-Bucks (estimated) |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
The answer is straightforward but exciting: if you unlocked the Kitsune Pet Back Bling way back in Season X (2019) at tier 28, you’ll receive the Kitsune Sidekick completely free when it releases on January 3rd, 2026. Epic Games officially confirmed this on their social media, following the same pattern they used with the Bonesy Sidekick.
This isn’t just speculation – it’s official. Fortnite’s Twitter account confirmed that players who own the Kitsune Back Bling will be granted the Kitsune Sidekick on January 3rd. This marks an amazing thank-you gesture to long-time players who’ve stuck with the game through thick and thin.
Let me break down exactly who’s eligible for this freebie. Back in August 2019, Fortnite’s Season X Battle Pass included the Kitsune Pet Back Bling at tier 28. This wasn’t a particularly difficult unlock – most players who actively played during that season managed to reach this tier within the first few weeks.
The qualification is simple: if the original Kitsune Pet Back Bling is sitting in your locker right now, you’re golden. Epic Games will automatically grant you the new Kitsune Sidekick on January 3rd. You don’t need to do anything special, enter any codes, or claim it manually. It’ll just appear in your collection.
The reason the community is so confident about Kitsune being free isn’t based on wishful thinking. When Epic released the Bonesy Sidekick in November 2025, they gave it free to everyone who owned the original Bonesy Pet Back Bling from Chapter 1, Season 6. That back bling was also a Battle Pass reward, unlocked at Tier 12.
This established a clear pattern: Epic Games rewards veteran players who earned these pets years ago by gifting them the upgraded Sidekick versions. Since Kitsune follows the exact same circumstances – being a beloved Battle Pass pet from the past – it’s following the same redemption path.
Mark your calendars for January 3rd, 2026. This is when the Kitsune Sidekick officially launches in Fortnite. Based on typical Item Shop rotation patterns, expect it to appear around 00:00 UTC (7 PM EST on January 2nd). The Kitsune Sidekick will be part of the Fox Clan Set, maintaining its thematic connection to the Drift cosmetic line.
Here’s everything we know about the release:
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | January 3rd, 2026 |
| Availability | Item Shop (for purchase) / Automatic Grant (for eligible players) |
| Set | Fox Clan Set |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Estimated Price | 1,200-1,500 V-Bucks |
| Special Rewards | Loading Screen by Afu-Chan (first bonus reward) |
| Multiple Styles | Yes – unlockable through Sidekick Points |
If you didn’t play during Season X or missed that Battle Pass, don’t worry – you can still get Kitsune. The Sidekick will be available for purchase in the Item Shop. While Epic hasn’t officially confirmed the exact price, analyzing other Uncommon Sidekicks gives us a strong estimate.
Most Uncommon rarity Sidekicks in Fortnite are priced between 1,200 and 1,500 V-Bucks. Popular examples include Lil’ Dill (1,200 V-Bucks) and similar companions. Given Kitsune’s Uncommon rarity classification, expect it to fall within this range. My best guess? 1,200 V-Bucks, matching the standard pricing for this tier.
Unlike the static back bling version from Season X, the Kitsune Sidekick comes packed with multiple styles you can unlock. This isn’t just a cosmetic sitting pretty in your locker – it’s a companion that grows and evolves with you as you play.
The Sidekick system allows you to earn Sidekick Points simply by playing Fortnite with your companion equipped. These points unlock various rewards including:
The first bonus reward confirmed for Kitsune is a special loading screen created by artist Afu-Chan, who’s known for their beautiful Fortnite community artwork.
What truly sets Sidekicks apart from the old Pet Back Blings is their interactivity. Kitsune won’t just hang on your back – it’ll follow you around during matches, react to your actions, and bring personality to every game.
Here’s what you can expect from your Kitsune Sidekick:
In-Game Behavior: Kitsune will walk behind you on the ground, keeping pace with your movements. It’ll react when you emote, celebrate when you get eliminations, and respond to the environment around you.
Customization Options: While you can only set Kitsune’s permanent physical appearance once (body type, fur pattern, base colors), you can change accessories and its name anytime. This means if you want multiple versions with different looks, you’d need to purchase it multiple times.
Cross-Mode Compatibility: Take Kitsune with you across Battle Royale, Zero Build, Save the World, LEGO Fortnite, Fortnite Festival, and most Creative maps. Your companion sticks with you through different game modes.
Privacy Feature: Only you and your squadmates can see your Sidekick. Enemies won’t see it, meaning Kitsune won’t give away your position during intense build battles or stealth plays.
If you’re new to the Sidekicks feature, let me give you a quick rundown. Sidekicks are the evolution of the Pet Back Blings that Fortnite introduced back in 2018. The original pets were cute but limited – they sat in backpacks and had minimal animation.
Sidekicks changed everything. Introduced with the Chapter 6 Mini Season 2 Battle Pass in November 2025, these companions are fully mobile AI-driven cosmetics that follow you around. Think of them as your personal cheerleaders, walking beside you through every match.
The first Sidekick was Peels, a banana-dog version of the beloved Peely character. Since then, Epic has released numerous companions including Bonesy, Spike, Lil’ Raptor, various cats, SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, and many more. Each brings unique personality and charm to your Fortnite experience.
Sidekicks are purely cosmetic – this is crucial to understand. They provide absolutely zero gameplay advantage. You won’t get extra health, shields, ammunition, or any tactical benefit. They won’t warn you about enemies or help you in combat. They’re designed purely for fun and personalization.
Here’s how the Sidekick system operates:
Acquisition: Get Sidekicks through Battle Passes (like Peels), purchase them from the Item Shop (most common method), or receive them free if you own related cosmetics (like Bonesy and Kitsune).
Initial Customization: When you first unlock a Sidekick, you enter the appearance customization screen. You’ll choose permanent physical traits like body/fur type, ears, horns, and base coloring. Once you lock these in, they’re permanent for that specific copy of the Sidekick.
Ongoing Customization: After locking in physical traits, you can still modify accessories (hats, shirts, hoodies), change the Sidekick’s name, and equip different emotes you’ve unlocked through Sidekick Points.
Using Your Sidekick: Equip your chosen companion from the Locker menu before jumping into a match. Your Sidekick will appear in the lobby and follow you throughout compatible game modes.
Sidekick Points are a special form of XP unique to each individual Sidekick you own. Think of them as a progression system that rewards you for spending time with your companions. Each Sidekick has its own separate point tracker and unique rewards to unlock.
The concept is beautifully simple: play Fortnite with your Sidekick equipped, earn points passively, unlock exclusive cosmetics for that specific companion. There’s no complex grinding or challenge requirements – just play naturally and watch your points accumulate.
Earning Sidekick Points mirrors how you gain regular XP in Fortnite, but with some nuances I’ve discovered through testing:
Passive Earning: Simply having your Sidekick equipped during any compatible match earns points. You’ll gain points for match time, survival duration, and general gameplay.
Quest Completion: Finishing daily challenges, weekly quests, and special missions while your Sidekick is active grants bonus points. I’ve found that Winterfest quests are particularly generous right now.
XP-Heavy Activities: Actions that grant significant XP also boost your Sidekick Points. This includes opening chests, getting eliminations, completing milestones, and discovering named locations.
Game Mode Strategy: Battle Royale and Zero Build modes seem to offer the most consistent point earning. LEGO Fortnite also works well if you prefer a more relaxed pace. Fortnite Festival keeps your Sidekick backstage but still awards points.
Efficient Farming: If you want to maximize points quickly, focus on matches where you can complete multiple quests. Combine daily challenges with weekly objectives while your Kitsune is equipped for compound point gains.
Want to see how many points you’ve accumulated? Here’s how to check:
Each Sidekick typically has 4-8 unlockable rewards, each requiring a specific point threshold. Bonesy has 4 rewards, while Peels offers 8. We don’t know Kitsune’s exact reward count yet, but based on its Uncommon rarity, expect around 6-8 items to unlock.
To truly appreciate the Kitsune Sidekick, let me take you back to where it all began. Season X (also called Season 10) launched in August 2019 and was one of Fortnite’s most memorable seasons. It featured the “Out of Time” theme with time-bending mechanics, bringing back modified versions of favorite POIs through “Rift Zones.”
The Battle Pass was packed with incredible cosmetics, including the Catalyst skin – a female counterpart to the hugely popular Drift outfit from Season 5. Kitsune was Catalyst’s matching companion pet, available at tier 28 of the Battle Pass. The adorable orange fox with white accents became an instant favorite among players.
Kitsune was classified as an Epic rarity Pet Back Bling, meaning it sat in a backpack on your character’s back. It had some animation (the fox’s head would move and react), but it was quite limited compared to what we’re getting with the Sidekick version.
Getting to tier 28 in Season X wasn’t particularly challenging for active players. Most people who purchased the Battle Pass and played regularly throughout the 10-week season easily surpassed this tier, making Kitsune a relatively common pet among Season X participants.
Kitsune belongs to the “Drift Set” (also associated with the Fox Clan Set), one of Fortnite’s most beloved cosmetic families. Drift himself was a free skin from the Season 5 Battle Pass, earning legendary status in the community. His pink-haired, street-art aesthetic with a mystical fox mask resonated with millions of players.
When Epic introduced Catalyst as Drift’s counterpart in Season X, giving her the Kitsune pet companion felt natural and thematic. The fox imagery tied perfectly to both characters’ Japanese-inspired design elements. Six years later, bringing Kitsune back as a Sidekick continues this legacy while introducing it to newer players who missed Season X.
If you’re one of the lucky veterans with the original Kitsune Pet Back Bling, here’s your simple path to the free Sidekick:
Step 1 – Verify You Own the Original Kitsune
Before January 3rd, double-check your locker to confirm you have the Kitsune Pet Back Bling. Navigate to your Locker, go to Back Blings, filter by Pets, and look for Kitsune (orange fox). If it’s there, you’re all set.
Step 2 – Wait for January 3rd
Epic will automatically grant the Kitsune Sidekick to eligible accounts on January 3rd, 2026. You don’t need to claim it manually or enter any codes. Just log in after the Item Shop refreshes.
Step 3 – Check Your Locker
After logging in on January 3rd, navigate to your Locker and scroll down to the Sidekicks section. Your Kitsune Sidekick should be waiting there. If it doesn’t appear immediately, give it a few hours – Epic mentioned it might take some time to roll out to all eligible accounts.
Step 4 – Customize Your Kitsune
Now the fun begins! Select Kitsune to enter the customization screen. Choose your preferred physical appearance traits carefully – remember, these will be permanent once locked in. Pick your fox’s body type, fur pattern, base colors, ear style, and any other available options.
Step 5 – Name Your Companion
Give your Kitsune a unique name. This can be changed later if you decide on something different, so don’t stress too much about getting it perfect right away.
Step 6 – Lock In and Play
Confirm your appearance settings to lock them in permanently. Equip Kitsune from your Locker before jumping into matches, and start earning Sidekick Points to unlock additional rewards!
Didn’t play during Season X? No problem – here’s how to get Kitsune through the Item Shop:
Step 1 – Prepare Your V-Bucks
Make sure you have 1,200-1,500 V-Bucks available. If you need to purchase V-Bucks, you can do so through the in-game store or various platform stores. Consider any V-Buck earning opportunities through the Battle Pass or Save the World if you’re trying to minimize spending.
Step 2 – Check Item Shop on January 3rd
The Item Shop refreshes daily at 00:00 UTC (7 PM EST). On January 3rd (technically evening of January 2nd EST), check the shop for the Kitsune Sidekick.
Step 3 – Preview Before Purchasing
Before buying, use the preview feature in the Item Shop. This lets you see Kitsune animated in 3D, view all included styles, and check the unlockable rewards through Sidekick Points.
Step 4 – Purchase Kitsune
If you’re happy with what you see, select Kitsune and confirm your purchase. The V-Bucks will be deducted from your account, and Kitsune will be added to your locker immediately.
Step 5 – Complete Customization
Follow the same customization process as described above for free recipients. Take your time choosing permanent physical traits since you can’t change them later without purchasing another copy.
Step 6 – Start Your Journey
Equip Kitsune and jump into matches to start building your Sidekick Points and unlocking exclusive rewards!
I’ve learned some hard lessons customizing my Sidekicks (looking at you, Bonesy with the purple fur I regretted three hours later). Let me save you from similar mistakes:
Take Your Time: Don’t rush the initial appearance lock-in. Spend at least 10-15 minutes previewing different combinations. Screenshots different looks to compare them side-by-side if needed.
Consider Your Main Skins: Think about which Fortnite outfits you wear most often. Choose Kitsune colors and styles that will complement your favorite skins. If you main Drift or Catalyst, you might want the classic orange and white fox look.
Check in Different Lighting: Preview your Kitsune in various locker backgrounds and lighting conditions. Some color combinations look great in one setting but clash in another.
Research First: Look up community posts showing different Kitsune customization options. YouTube videos and Twitter posts from other players can give you ideas and help you visualize options you might not have considered.
Multiple Copies Strategy: If you absolutely can’t decide between two drastically different looks, consider purchasing multiple copies of Kitsune. Yes, it costs additional V-Bucks, but it’s the only way to have multiple distinct versions.
Name Thoughtfully: While you can change the name later, choose something meaningful initially. Many players name their Sidekicks after real pets, mythological creatures, or inside jokes with friends.
Want to unlock all of Kitsune’s rewards quickly? Follow these strategies I’ve tested across multiple Sidekicks:
Daily Quest Focus: Make completing your daily challenges a priority with Kitsune equipped. These refresh every 24 hours and provide consistent point gains.
Quest Stacking: Try to stack multiple quest objectives that can be completed in the same match. For example, if you have quests for “damage opponents,” “open chests,” and “visit named locations,” plan a route that accomplishes all three efficiently.
Team Up: Playing with friends in squads can make completing challenges easier and faster. Plus, having companions (both human and Sidekick) makes matches more enjoyable.
Winterfest Events: During seasonal events like Winterfest (currently active), special challenges offer bonus XP, which translates to bonus Sidekick Points. Don’t miss limited-time opportunities.
Creative Maps: Some Creative maps designed for XP farming also work well for Sidekick Points. Search for “XP” maps in Creative and play with Kitsune equipped. Just make sure the map creator has Sidekicks enabled.
Consistent Play: Regular play sessions (even short ones) accumulate points faster than sporadic marathon sessions. Try to log in daily with Kitsune equipped for at least a few matches.
While Epic hasn’t released the complete reward list for Kitsune yet, we can make educated predictions based on other Sidekicks. The Bonesy questline offers these types of rewards:
Accessories: Hats, hoodies, sweaters, scarves, and other wearable items for Kitsune. These change your fox’s appearance without altering the permanent physical traits you locked in.
Reactions: Special animations that your Sidekick performs in response to specific situations. Reactions can be used across ALL your Sidekicks, not just Kitsune, making them particularly valuable.
Emotes: Unique emotes specifically for your Sidekick. You can trigger these by interacting with your companion during matches or in the lobby.
Cosmetic Items: Special visual effects, color variations, or themed accessories that fit Kitsune’s Fox Clan aesthetic.
Bonus Content: Loading screens, sprays, or other complementary cosmetics. We know Kitsune includes a loading screen by artist Afu-Chan as one of the early rewards.
Based on my experience with Peels and Bonesy, here’s a realistic timeline for unlocking all Kitsune rewards:
Remember, these are estimates. Your actual time will depend on match length, quest completion efficiency, and whether you’re actively focusing on challenges or just playing casually.
No, you don’t need the current Battle Pass to receive the free Kitsune Sidekick. The only requirement is owning the original Kitsune Pet Back Bling from Season X (2019). If you have that in your locker, you’ll get the Sidekick automatically on January 3rd, regardless of whether you purchase any current or future Battle Passes.
Yes, but you’ll need to purchase additional copies from the Item Shop. Each copy you buy can be customized differently with unique permanent physical appearances. Some players do this to have multiple versions with different color schemes or styles. However, each purchase costs the full V-Buck amount.
Absolutely not. This is a critical point – Sidekicks are 100% cosmetic. Kitsune won’t help you spot enemies, provide shields, deal damage, warn you of danger, or offer any tactical benefit whatsoever. It’s purely for fun and personalization. Epic designed Sidekicks this way intentionally to maintain game balance.
No, enemies cannot see your Sidekick. Only you and your squad members (in duos, trios, or squads) can see each other’s Sidekicks. This is a deliberate design choice to ensure Sidekicks don’t give away your position or create visual clutter for opponents. You can use Kitsune without worrying about it compromising your stealth.
If you weren’t playing Fortnite during Season X or didn’t reach tier 28 in that Battle Pass, you won’t receive the free Kitsune Sidekick. However, you can still purchase it from the Item Shop starting January 3rd for an estimated 1,200-1,500 V-Bucks. This allows newer players to enjoy Kitsune even though they missed the original release.
Partially. The permanent physical traits (body type, fur pattern, base colors, ears) cannot be changed once locked in – these are permanent. However, you CAN change accessories (hats, hoodies, items), the Sidekick’s name, and swap between unlocked emotes and reactions anytime. If you want a completely different look, you’d need to purchase another copy of Kitsune.
Yes! Sidekicks are allowed in all competitive modes including Arena, ranked play, and official tournaments. Since they provide no gameplay advantage and are invisible to enemies, Epic permits their use everywhere. Many professional players use Sidekicks during competition without any issues.
Epic typically keeps Sidekicks in the Item Shop for several days to a week during their initial release. However, they rotate back regularly, so if you miss the January 3rd launch, don’t panic. Kitsune will likely return to the shop periodically, similar to how other popular Sidekicks rotate through.
This gets tricky. Fortnite’s standard refund policy applies to Sidekick purchases – you have three lifetime refund tokens that can be used within 30 days of purchase. However, once you customize and lock in Kitsune’s permanent appearance, using a refund token becomes more complicated. My advice: be absolutely certain before locking in those physical traits.
While Epic hasn’t confirmed specific future releases, the Fox Clan Set has been consistently popular since Drift’s debut. Given the success of Sidekicks and the community’s love for fox-themed cosmetics, I’d be surprised if Epic doesn’t release additional fox variants or companions. Keep an eye on leaks and official announcements for potential Shadow Kitsune or other fox Sidekick variants.
Bonesy was the first Battle Pass pet-turned-Sidekick, setting the precedent that Kitsune is following. Both share similar origins (Battle Pass pets from years ago) and both are being granted free to owners of the original versions.
Bonesy Advantages: Bonesy has become incredibly popular due to its dog appearance and widespread original ownership (Season 6 was highly played). It has four unlockable rewards through Sidekick Points, making it quicker to fully complete.
Kitsune Advantages: Kitsune’s fox aesthetic is more unique and exotic compared to the common dog theme. It’s part of the beloved Fox Clan/Drift Set, giving it thematic connections to popular cosmetics. Early indications suggest Kitsune may have more unlockable rewards than Bonesy.
My Take: If you own both original pets, you’ll get both Sidekicks free – lucky you! If you’re choosing which to purchase, pick based on personal aesthetic preference. Dog people will love Bonesy; fox enthusiasts will adore Kitsune.
Peels holds special status as the very first Sidekick, introduced with The Simpsons collaboration. It’s a banana-dog hybrid that perfectly captures Fortnite’s quirky humor.
Peels Advantages: As a Battle Pass reward, Peels is effectively “free” if you purchased that season’s pass. It has eight unlockable rewards, more than most Sidekicks. The banana-dog concept is uniquely Fortnite.
Kitsune Advantages: More elegant and realistic aesthetic compared to Peels’ goofy design. Kitsune fits better with serious or anime-inspired skins. The fox theme has broader appeal outside of Fortnite’s specific meme culture.
My Take: These cater to completely different player types. Peels is for players who embrace Fortnite’s silly side; Kitsune is for those who prefer cooler, more traditionally attractive cosmetics.
Epic promised cat Sidekicks shortly after the initial Sidekick launch, and several feline companions are now available. For animal lovers, the cat vs. fox debate is real.
Cat Sidekick Advantages: Cats offer variety (different breeds, colors, patterns). They have widespread appeal among pet lovers. Multiple cat types mean more options to match different aesthetics.
Kitsune Advantages: The fox is more exotic and less common as a pet-style companion in games. Kitsune has specific lore connections to Fortnite’s Drift/Catalyst storyline. The fox’s mystical associations (Japanese kitsune folklore) add depth.
My Take: This comes down to personal preference between “cute domesticated pet” (cats) vs. “cool mystical creature” (fox). Both are excellent choices. I personally lean toward Kitsune for its unique status and beautiful design.
If you’re getting Kitsune free on January 3rd, congratulations! Here’s how to maximize this gift:
Screenshot Your OG Status: Take screenshots of your Season X Kitsune Back Bling and your new Sidekick together. This documents your veteran status and makes for great social media posts.
Share With the Community: Join the conversation on Twitter, Reddit, and Discord. Share your Kitsune customization choices and connect with other Season X veterans receiving this reward.
Try Different Combos: Since you didn’t spend V-Bucks on Kitsune, you might feel more experimental with customization. Don’t be afraid to try bold color combinations or unique appearance traits.
Focus on Sidekick Points Early: Start earning points immediately so you can unlock all of Kitsune’s rewards quickly and enjoy the full customization experience.
Use It as a Flex: Having the free Kitsune shows you’re a Fortnite veteran. Rock it proudly alongside your Catalyst skin or other Season X cosmetics to showcase your OG status.
Kitsune works beautifully with many skins, but some combinations are chef’s kiss perfect:
Best Pairings:
Creative Pairings:
Want to make your Kitsune truly unique? Consider these advanced approaches:
Color Theory: Study basic color theory before customizing. Complementary colors (opposite on color wheel) create striking looks, while analogous colors (next to each other) offer harmony. For example, pairing orange fur with blue accessories creates appealing contrast.
Seasonal Themes: Customize Kitsune to match seasonal events. Snowy white variants for winter, vibrant colors for summer, autumn tones for fall.
Squad Coordination: If you play with a regular squad, coordinate your Sidekicks. Have each person customize their Kitsune (or different Sidekicks) in a color-coded manner so your squad has a unified but distinct appearance.
Lore Integration: Research Japanese kitsune folklore and incorporate traditional color symbolism. White foxes (byakko) represent good fortune; red/orange represents fire elements; black is associated with time manipulation.
Accessory Planning: Before locking in physical traits, check what accessories will be unlockable through Sidekick Points. Choose base colors that will complement future hats, hoodies, and items you’ll earn.
The Kitsune Sidekick is more than just a cosmetic—it’s a celebration of Fortnite’s history and its loyal community. Whether you’re a Season X veteran unlocking it for free or a newer player picking it up from the Item Shop, Kitsune offers charm, personality, and meaningful customization through the Sidekick system.
With interactive behavior, unlockable styles, and deep ties to the Drift legacy, Kitsune is a standout companion that rewards both nostalgia and creativity. Don’t miss the chance to add this iconic fox to your Fortnite journey.
