
Fortnite’s latest 39.30 update just dropped the Remus Sidekick, and I’m here to tell you exactly how to claim this adorable wolf companion completely free! If you owned the original Remus back bling from Chapter 1 Season 7, Epic Games is rewarding your loyalty with an automatic free grant. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting, customizing, and making the most of your new furry friend.
The Remus Sidekick is Fortnite’s newest AI-driven cosmetic companion that transforms the beloved Chapter 1 Season 7 pet back bling into a fully interactive sidekick. This wolf companion follows you throughout Battle Royale, LEGO Fortnite, Festival mode, and other supported game modes, reacting dynamically to your gameplay with unique animations and personality.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | January 22, 2026 (Update 39.30) |
| Type | Epic Sidekick Cosmetic |
| Free For | Players who own Chapter 1 Season 7 Remus Back Bling |
| Item Shop Price | 1,200 V-Bucks |
| Original Source | Chapter 1 Season 7 Battle Pass (Tier 35) |
| Customization | One-time appearance lock, unlimited renaming |
| Game Modes | Battle Royale, Zero Build, LEGO Fortnite, Festival, Save the World |
Unlike the static back bling that just sat on your back, this Sidekick version runs alongside you, shows emotions during combat, celebrates your victories, and brings genuine companionship to every match. The transformation from pet to sidekick represents Epic’s evolution of cosmetic companions, making them more interactive and engaging than ever before.
Not everyone qualifies for the free Remus Sidekick. Epic Games is specifically rewarding long-time players who supported Fortnite during its early chapters. Here’s exactly who gets this wolf companion for free:
You MUST own the original Remus back bling from Chapter 1 Season 7 Battle Pass. This pet cosmetic was available at Tier 35 of the Season 7 Battle Pass, which ran from December 2018 to February 2019. If you played during that season and reached at least Tier 35, you should qualify for the free grant.
The Remus back bling featured a grey wolf pet that sat in a small backpack on your character. This was one of the first pet cosmetics introduced to Fortnite, making it particularly nostalgic for veteran players. The back bling came in multiple styles that could be unlocked by progressing through the Battle Pass, showing Epic’s early experimentation with customizable pets.
Getting your free Remus Sidekick is incredibly straightforward. Epic Games handles everything automatically, so you won’t need to complete any quests or special challenges. Here’s the exact process:
Step 1: Launch Fortnite After the 39.30 Update
Make sure you’re playing Fortnite after the January 22, 2026 update. The Remus Sidekick grant system activates automatically once the update goes live. Log in using the same Epic Games account that owns the original Remus back bling from Season 7.
Step 2: Check Your Locker for Automatic Grant
The Remus Sidekick should appear in your locker automatically within minutes of logging in. Epic’s system scans your account inventory, detects the original Remus back bling, and instantly grants the Sidekick version. You don’t need to click anything or accept a gift – it just appears.
Step 3: Navigate to Your Locker
From the Fortnite main lobby, navigate to your Locker tab (the menu where you customize your character appearance). Look for the Sidekicks section on the left sidebar. It’s marked with a paw print icon and sits below your Back Bling cosmetics.
Step 4: Filter by Sidekicks
Once in your locker, click on the Sidekicks category. If you have trouble finding your Remus Sidekick among other cosmetics, use the sort or filter options to display only sidekicks. Your new wolf companion should be clearly visible in your collection.
Step 5: Select and Customize Remus
Click on the Remus Sidekick to select it. You’ll immediately enter the customization screen where you can design your wolf’s appearance. This is your one-time opportunity to choose colors, patterns, and physical traits, so take your time!
Troubleshooting: What If Remus Doesn’t Appear?
If you owned the original Remus back bling but don’t see the Sidekick version in your locker after logging in, try these solutions:
Epic Games established this generous precedent with the Bonesy Sidekick back in November 2026 and continued it with the Kitsune Sidekick in January 2026. The free grant system serves multiple purposes for both players and Epic:
Rewarding Veteran Players: Long-time Fortnite fans who supported the game during its early seasons receive exclusive benefits. This creates goodwill and acknowledges player loyalty.
Encouraging Item Shop Sales: By showing players how amazing Sidekicks are through free grants, Epic motivates purchases of other companions. It’s essentially a free trial that demonstrates the value of the Sidekick system.
Preserving Cosmetic Value: Players who spent V-Bucks or earned Battle Pass pets don’t feel cheated when those cosmetics evolve into better versions. Epic respects your past investments by upgrading them rather than making you repurchase.
Building FOMO: Free grants create urgency around Battle Pass completion and limited-time cosmetics. Future players will wish they had participated in past seasons, driving engagement with current content.

Customization represents one of the most exciting yet controversial aspects of Fortnite Sidekicks. You get ONE permanent chance to design your Remus companion, so understanding the system is crucial before you commit.
When you first select your Remus Sidekick, you’ll enter a detailed customization screen with multiple options for colors, patterns, and physical traits. Here’s what you need to know about this permanent system:
What Gets Locked Permanently:
What You Can Change Anytime:
The customization lock exists because Epic treats each Sidekick appearance as a unique entity. If you want Remus in different colors, you’ll need to purchase another copy from the Item Shop at 1,200 V-Bucks. While this frustrates many players, it creates genuine uniqueness – your Remus won’t look like anyone else’s.
Based on my extensive testing and community showcases, here are the most popular and visually striking Remus customization combinations:
1. Classic Grey Wolf (Authentic Look)
This combination stays true to the original Season 7 design while enhancing it with the Sidekick’s improved animations:
2. Arctic White Wolf (Majestic Theme)
Perfect for winter skins or players who want a striking, elegant companion:
3. Shadow Black Wolf (Stealth Aesthetic)
Ideal for dark skins like Shadow or Chaos Agent:
4. Fire Wolf (Aggressive Style)
For players who want their companion to match explosive playstyles:
5. Nature’s Guardian (Earth Tones)
Perfect for nature-themed skins and peaceful aesthetics:
Before you lock in your Remus appearance, follow these expert strategies to ensure you’re completely satisfied:
Take Your Time (15-20 Minutes Minimum)
Don’t rush this one-time opportunity. Spend at least 15-20 minutes cycling through all available options. Epic won’t let you change your mind later, so thoroughness beats speed.
Screenshot Everything
Take screenshots of your top 3-5 favorite combinations using your device’s screenshot function. Create a comparison folder so you can review options side-by-side before finalizing.
Test in Different Lighting
Use the preview rotation feature to see your Remus from all angles. The customization screen lighting differs from actual gameplay, so imagine how colors will look in various Fortnite biomes (snow, desert, forest).
Match Your Main Skin
Coordinate Remus’s colors with your most-used character skin. If you primarily run dark skins, choose complementary dark wolf colors. If you prefer bright, colorful outfits, your Sidekick should match that energy.
Consider Long-Term Appeal
Ask yourself: “Will I love this design in 6 months?” Trendy color combinations might feel dated quickly, while classic natural wolf colors have timeless appeal.
Watch Community Showcases
Before customizing, search YouTube, TikTok, and Twitter for “Remus Sidekick customization” to see what other players created. You might discover inspiring combinations you hadn’t considered.
Use the Randomize Feature Carefully
Epic includes a randomize button that generates random combinations. While this can spark ideas, don’t rely on it for your final choice. Random rarely produces optimal results.

With over 20 Sidekicks now available in Fortnite, understanding how Remus compares to other options helps you appreciate what makes this wolf companion special.

Both Remus and Bonesy represent free grants for players who owned original back blings, but they offer distinct experiences:
Bonesy (Dog Sidekick):
Remus (Wolf Sidekick):
The main difference is personality presentation. Bonesy feels like a playful pet, while Remus carries a more serious, protective companion vibe. Wolf fans will gravitate toward Remus, while dog lovers prefer Bonesy’s approachable charm.

The Kitsune Sidekick released on January 3, 2026, making it the most recent free grant before Remus. Here’s how they compare:
Kitsune (Fox Sidekick):
Remus (Wolf Sidekick):
Kitsune commands premium pricing (1,500 vs 1,200 V-Bucks) due to its unique fox design and mystical customization options. Remus offers better value for wolf enthusiasts who prefer a natural, grounded companion.
Several Sidekicks cost 1,500-1,800 V-Bucks in the Item Shop. Here’s where Remus stands in that comparison:
Premium Sidekicks like Doggo Jr., Flopsticks, and SpongeBob justify their higher cost through:
Remus at 1,200 V-Bucks offers competitive value because:
If you’re choosing between purchasing Remus at 1,200 V-Bucks versus a premium 1,500+ Sidekick, consider your skin collection and personal preference. Wolf companions suit tactical, nature, and dark-themed loadouts, while premium options might match specific collaboration skins better.
Once you’ve customized your Remus Sidekick, you’ll want to start unlocking exclusive accessories through the Sidekick Points system. This progression mechanic rewards you for playing with your wolf companion equipped.
Sidekick Points (SP) represent a special currency earned automatically when playing Fortnite matches with any Sidekick equipped. These points unlock cosmetic accessories that can’t be purchased with V-Bucks – they’re exclusively earned through gameplay.
How SP Accumulation Works:
Each Sidekick features a unique questline with exclusive accessories. Based on the pattern established with other Sidekicks, Remus likely includes these reward tiers:
Tier 1 Rewards (500-1,000 SP):
Tier 2 Rewards (1,500-3,000 SP):
Tier 3 Rewards (5,000-10,000 SP):
Total SP Required for Full Remus Questline: Approximately 15,000-20,000 points based on patterns from Bonesy and other Sidekicks.
Maximize your Sidekick Points earning with these proven strategies:
Method 1: LEGO Fortnite Extended Sessions
LEGO Fortnite offers the best SP farming efficiency:
Method 2: Battle Royale Team Rumble
Team Rumble mode provides reliable SP earning:
Method 3: Festival Mode Performances
Perfect for music game enthusiasts:
Method 4: Zero Build BR (Casual Play)
Ideal for players who prefer combat over building:
Weekly SP Earning Schedule (Personal Recommendation):
Following this schedule, you’ll unlock all Remus accessories in approximately 6-8 weeks of casual play.
Understanding where and how your Remus companion appears ensures you maximize its value across Fortnite’s diverse game modes.
Remus shines brightest in traditional Battle Royale modes. Your wolf companion displays full reactive animations and personality:
Combat Reactions:
Exploration Behaviors:
Vehicle Interaction:
Your Remus transforms into LEGO brick style while maintaining wolf personality:
LEGO Mode Features:
LEGO Fortnite is my favorite mode for experiencing Remus because the relaxed pace lets you appreciate your companion’s animations fully.
Remus takes on a concert crew role during Festival performances:
Festival Mode Behaviors:
PvE missions provide extended Sidekick time:
Save the World Features:
Mode Restrictions:
Epic maintains flexibility to disable Sidekicks in modes where they might cause performance or fairness concerns.
If you don’t qualify for the free grant, Remus will become available for purchase in the Fortnite Item Shop. Here’s everything you need to know about buying this wolf companion.
Standard Pricing:
Initial Item Shop Appearance: Following the free grant period, Remus will likely debut in the Item Shop within 7-14 days of the 39.30 update. Epic typically allows a grace period for automatic grants before opening purchases to all players.
Rotation Frequency: Based on other Sidekick patterns:
Never miss Remus when he hits the shop:
Method 1: Follow @FortniteStatus on Twitter/X Epic’s official account announces all Item Shop updates at daily reset (00:00 UTC / 7:00 PM ET).
Method 2: Use FNBRco Item Shop Tracker This community website provides:
Method 3: Set Personal Calendar Reminders Based on rotation patterns, set reminders to check the shop:
Method 4: Enable App Notifications The Fortnite Companion app sends push alerts:
Yes, but only for specific players. The Remus Sidekick is free if you own the original Remus back bling from Chapter 1 Season 7 Battle Pass (Tier 35). Epic Games automatically grants the Sidekick version to eligible accounts. If you don’t own the original back bling, you’ll need to purchase Remus from the Item Shop for 1,200 V-Bucks.
Check your locker for the Remus back bling pet cosmetic from Season 7. If it’s in your inventory, you qualify for the free Sidekick. You can also visit the Epic Games website, log into your account, and review your cosmetic purchase history to confirm ownership. The original Remus was available at Tier 35 of the Chapter 1 Season 7 Battle Pass from December 2018 to February 2019.
Yes, but you’ll need to purchase it from the Item Shop for 1,200 V-Bucks. The free grant only applies to players who earned the original Remus back bling during Season 7. The Sidekick version will appear in the regular Item Shop rotation, typically within 7-14 days after the free grant period ends.
No quests required! Epic Games automatically adds the Remus Sidekick to your locker if you own the qualifying back bling. Simply log in after the 39.30 update, check your Sidekicks section in the locker, and your wolf companion should be waiting. The grant system scans your account inventory automatically.
No, physical appearance customization is permanent and locked after you confirm your choices. This includes fur colors, patterns, eye color, and body traits. However, you CAN rename Remus anytime and change accessories earned through Sidekick Points. If you want Remus with different colors, you must purchase another copy from the Item Shop.
Remus costs 1,200 V-Bucks in the Fortnite Item Shop, which equals approximately $10 USD. This is standard pricing for most Sidekicks (premium ones cost 1,500-1,800 V-Bucks). You can purchase V-Bucks directly through Fortnite or third-party authorized retailers like PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, or Nintendo eShop.
No, Remus is 100% cosmetic with zero gameplay impact. He won’t detect enemies, mark loot, assist in combat, or reveal your position. Sidekicks exist purely for visual enjoyment and personality expression. Epic designed them specifically to maintain competitive balance while adding fun companion features.
No, enemy players cannot see your Remus during competitive modes like Battle Royale. Only you and your squad members can see each other’s Sidekicks. This visibility system ensures your companion never gives away your position or creates competitive disadvantages. In social modes like Festival, other players can see your Sidekick.
Remus appears in Battle Royale, Zero Build, LEGO Fortnite, Fortnite Festival, Save the World, and most Creative maps. He does NOT appear in Rocket Racing or certain Creative experiences where developers disable Sidekicks. Your wolf companion automatically adapts his appearance and animations to match each game mode.
Epic Games typically keeps automatic grant systems active indefinitely for players who own qualifying cosmetics. As long as you own the original Remus back bling, you should be able to claim the free Sidekick whenever you log in, even months after the 39.30 update. However, it’s best to claim it sooner rather than later to avoid any potential system changes.
Yes, when Remus appears in the Item Shop, you can purchase and gift it to friends using Fortnite’s gifting system. The recipient receives the Sidekick immediately and can customize it themselves. However, you cannot gift the free grant version – that only works for your own account. Friends must either own the qualifying back bling or receive a gifted Item Shop purchase.
Yes, Sidekicks rotate through the Item Shop regularly. After the initial appearance, Remus will return approximately every 60-90 days based on typical Sidekick rotation patterns. Epic occasionally brings back popular companions during thematic events or special occasions, so you’ll have multiple opportunities to purchase if you miss the first shop appearance.
Maximize your experience with these expert strategies from my months of Sidekick testing:
Remus looks incredible with these skin combinations:
Perfect Matches:
Color Coordination: Match your Remus customization to your most-used skins. If you main dark tactical skins, customize Remus with black/grey tones. If you prefer colorful outfits, go bold with your wolf’s appearance.
Before locking in your Remus appearance, take multiple screenshots from different angles. Save these to create a digital record of your choice. This helps if you ever forget your exact customization or want to match accessories later.
Equip Remus in EVERY match to maximize Sidekick Points earning:
Connect with other Remus owners through social media:
Don’t wait to claim your free Remus if you qualify. While Epic’s grant system typically stays active indefinitely, claiming immediately ensures you don’t encounter any technical issues or system changes. Log in, check your locker, and customize your wolf as soon as possible.
The Remus Sidekick represents one of Epic Games’ best legacy reward systems. By automatically granting this wolf companion to Chapter 1 Season 7 players, Epic shows genuine appreciation for long-time fans while introducing the Sidekick system to new players through Item Shop availability.
If you qualify for the free grant, claim your Remus immediately and take your time customizing this loyal companion. The wolf’s fierce yet protective personality makes it perfect for tactical, nature, and dark-themed loadouts. Combined with the Sidekick Points progression system, Remus offers weeks of engagement through exclusive accessory unlocks.
For players purchasing from the Item Shop, 1,200 V-Bucks represents fair value for a high-quality companion with extensive customization options. While premium Sidekicks cost more, Remus delivers timeless wolf aesthetics that never go out of style.
Now get out there, claim your wolf companion, and let Remus accompany you on every Victory Royale!