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A number of Fortnite players are experiencing let down, and this isn't due to the latest in-game events. The game's current mini-season, which brings a Simpsons-themed map, also unveiled a brand-new feature known as sidekicks. There's no deny that these latest pets are adorable. But, the associated prices have left numerous players stunned at the developer's efforts to monetize almost every part of the game.

Understanding Companion Pets?

Sidekicks are basically like Pokémon, but with a few drawbacks. You can name them, and these pets will follow you during a game. These sidekicks are indestructible, and you can interact with them. Other players not in your party are unable to view these pets — and displaying one's companions is arguably half the enjoyment of owning them. Sidekicks can be outfitted with outfits and emotes, but the debate centers on their looks. Each pet's overall appearance is only able to be changed once, at which point that selection becomes permanent. You can choose a sidekick's fur shade, accent hues, eye colors, pattern, and its body type.

A Costly Customization Mechanism

Should a player afterward decide that they'd like their sidekick to appear a bit altered, it's not possible to just continue to modify the look. You have to purchase a new sidekick. Furthermore, these pets aren't cheap. Most players are getting the banana-themed sidekick, since it's included with this season's battle pass. According to leaks, future sidekicks could be priced at anywhere between 1,000 to 1,500 V-Bucks; to put that in perspective, 1,000 V-Bucks costs $8.99 and 2,800 V-Bucks cost $22.99. You can rename a sidekick whenever they want.

Player Reaction and Parallels

Most pets haven't been officially released so far, meaning the cost could easily be adjusted. Yet regardless of whether the developer makes companions cheaper, a lot of the frustration comes from the reality that gamers could have to pay for a single kind of sidekick more than once. For some, the pricing scheme seems particularly egregious considering the game has previously introduced pets that ride around as part of back blings. Back bling pets lack a restriction on changes and can be seen by fellow players in the game. Backpack pets can't be given a name or use gestures, but other players can occasionally interact with them — which is better than being invisible completely.

The absence of unique features and limited engagement options have many players feeling underwhelmed. Why can't a player, for example, interact playfully with their fancy fruit-themed pet? Some point out that sidekicks sometimes fail to keep up with the player if a game is fast-paced, or observe that Peels occupies two spots in the battle pass — which supports the notion that the developer is squeezing players for money. Greedy is a word that's coming up often in these conversations, with some comparing pet monetization to similar aggressive pricing schemes in titles like EA Sports FC. Additionally, it doesn't help that certain sidekicks are expected to be pricier than their outfit versions.

"We urge you to do not purchasing Sidekicks," urges one highly-voted online thread that advises fellow players to proverbially vote with their wallets.

"I know these pets are cute," the post adds, "we realize they are enjoyable. I know we have all been anticipating them. However the greed on display is disgusting and must not be supported."

A Bigger Picture of In-Game Spending

Over the past few years, Fortnite's special occasions and collaborations have expanded in scale and aspiration, but the no-cost-to-start game still must generate income. As such, the sheer number of cosmetics players can currently purchase has grown nearly overwhelming. Beyond standard items like back accessories, gliders, pickaxes, and emotes, you could possibly use cash on shoes, music tracks, musical tools, Lego pieces, cars, tires, custom paint jobs, battle passes, and a membership. Companion pets do not just require payment, but also bring in a host of new monetization options for the company. Presumably, players will soon be in a position to pay for things like sidekick appearances, costumes, gestures, and additional engagement options.

Every one of these customization items are completely optional and not necessary to have fun with the game, yet equipment can nonetheless influence a player's community interactions. Younger players, for example, at times face teasing for using flashy enough outfits. A similar situation also occurred when the company introduced licensed shoes, which can range from 600 to 1,000 V-Bucks. That shoe cost model was not well received either, and some fans vowed that they'd avoid fall prey to the temptation at the time. However in the end, purchasing shoes became normalized. Now, companion pets are further pushing the limits of how much a gamer might be willing to pay to be distinctive amongst the crowd.

What is Next for Sidekicks?

Pets are currently a relatively new feature, and they exist a title that changes regularly. A few fans are reporting that they've gotten a questionnaire that gauges how people think about pet mechanics and pricing, and this might potentially indicate that the company's strategy are still subject to change. Yet if Fortnite shoes are a sign, sidekicks probably won't get more affordable overall — instead, there may be a broader selection of prices to shop.

After all, where certain individuals are raging at the game item costs, different players are feeling nothing but joy for their new competitive friends.