4 min read
Fortnite could soon be adding another layer of personalization to its ever-evolving ecosystem. Recent leaks have revealed that Epic Games is preparing to introduce purchasable Companion Styles, allowing players to customize and upgrade their in-game pets and sidekicks, a feature that could reshape the cosmetic economy inside the game.
What the Leak Reveals
According to data miners and several Fortnite leaker accounts, the next update may include “Companion Styles”, offering different visual designs, animations, and even emotes for pets that accompany players in matches. Early visuals reportedly show creatures like mini Mecha robots, stylized dragons, and animated drones that can mirror a player’s mood or react to victory moments.
The leak emerged after encrypted files were discovered in the most recent patch, labeled “CompanionVariants,” hinting at a new in-game store category separate from traditional skins, gliders, and emotes.
The Customization Revolution
Fortnite has long been a leader in cosmetic innovation. From iconic collaborations with Marvel and Star Wars to introducing reactive skins and dynamic emotes, Epic Games continues to blur the line between self-expression and gameplay.
This new feature takes personalization further by giving players an emotional sidekick that can evolve over time. Sources close to Epic’s internal roadmap claim that each companion style may include tiered rarity levels, upgrade paths, and even event-exclusive versions, giving collectors another reason to return to the Item Shop.
Game analyst Benjy Greenfield commented, “This is a logical next step in Fortnite’s evolution — turning cosmetics into living, interactive companions makes the game feel more social and alive.”
Companion Styles: New Monetization Strategy
Epic Games’ business model continues to rely heavily on microtransactions through the V-Bucks system. However, the introduction of companion styles could diversify its revenue streams. Unlike traditional skins that are purely visual, these pets could feature small utility bonuses, like victory animations, map scanning, or party-sync gestures.
Leakers also claim the update might launch as part of a “Play Your Style” campaign, coinciding with Chapter 6, Season 5’s mid-season drop. Marketing materials point to a “celebration of individuality,” echoing Fortnite’s ongoing push to integrate player identity into gameplay loops.
Community Reactions on Companion Styles
The Fortnite community has responded with a mix of excitement and skepticism. On Reddit, players on r/FortniteLeaks expressed curiosity about how deep the customization will go, and whether it could affect gameplay fairness.
One user wrote,
It’s basically going to be like hire an NPC… instead of a person it’s a pet… I’m really disappointed it’s not cosmetic only.
Another player shared optimism about the concept, saying,
Considering only you will see it (and teammates), it’s kinda weird… So thanks! I felt the pets were getting forgotten so I’m glad they are getting brought back in an update.
Elsewhere on Discord and X, fans discussed how companion customization might fit into existing collections. Some compared it to “mini-skins,” while others worried about the “pay-to-shine” model creeping deeper into Fortnite’s identity.
Streamer Nick Eh 30 echoed community sentiments during a recent stream, saying, “Fortnite has always been about expression. If my companion can hype me up after a win, that’s just awesome. As long as it’s fair for everyone, I’m in.”
A Broader Trend in Gaming?
The idea of in-game companions is not unique to Fortnite. Games like Overwatch 2, Apex Legends, and Valorant have all experimented with customizable companions or weapon buddies, showing that players crave deeper personalization. Epic’s move, however, signals the first time such a feature could be monetized at scale within a battle-royale framework.
Industry observers suggest that companion styles could become a new collectible economy within Fortnite. Very much like trading cards or limited edition cosmetics once were, but anchored entirely in creative expression rather than competitive advantage.
While Epic Games has not officially confirmed the leak, insiders expect a teaser announcement in the coming weeks, possibly during the Fortnite Festival Halloween event.
If confirmed, the rollout could begin by late November 2025, with exclusive companion styles released seasonally thereafter.
