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Some Fortnite players are feeling disappointed, and this isn't due to the latest virtual happenings. Fortnite's newest limited-time event, that introduces a Springfield world, has also rolled out a brand-new mechanic known as sidekicks. There's no ignore that the latest companions are cute. However, the associated prices have left numerous fans stunned at the company's attempts to profit from nearly every aspect of the game.

Understanding Companion Pets?

Sidekicks are basically similar to Pokémon, though having a few limitations. Players can give them a name, and these pets will accompany your character throughout a match. They are indestructible, and players can pet them. Other players outside the player's squad are unable to see sidekicks — and displaying your companions is arguably a big part of the enjoyment of owning them. Sidekicks are able to be outfitted with outfits and gestures, but the debate revolves around their looks. A pet's main design can only be changed once, at which point that choice becomes permanent. You can choose a sidekick's coat color, secondary colors, iris tones, pattern, and their body type.

A Expensive Customization System

If you afterward choose that they'd like their pet to look slightly altered, it's not possible to just further customize the appearance. You have to purchase another companion. Furthermore, sidekicks aren't inexpensive. Most players are obtaining the banana-themed sidekick, because it's packaged in the current battle pass. According to unofficial reports, future pets may 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 are $22.99. You can change the name of a companion as many times as you'd like.

Player Reaction and Comparisons

Most sidekicks have not been formally released yet, meaning the pricing could well be adjusted. Yet even if the developer sets companions more affordable, much of the frustration comes from the fact that players could need to pay for a single type of pet more than once. To certain players, the cost structure feels particularly egregious considering the developer has already introduced companions that are carried around inside backpack accessories. Backpack companions lack a customization limitation and can be seen by fellow participants in the game. Back bling buddies cannot be given a name or perform emotes, however other players can occasionally engage with them — and this is better than being unseen completely.

Lack of unique features and limited interaction choices have many gamers feeling disappointed. For instance, why is it not possible to a player, for example, play fetch with your fancy fruit-themed pet? A few note that companions do not always stay close with the player if a match is moving quickly, or observe that the banana pet occupies two spots in the reward system — and this reinforces the notion that the developer is pressuring the community for money. Greedy is a term that's coming up frequently in such conversations, with some comparing sidekick pricing to other aggressive monetization models in games like popular sports games. Additionally, it adds to the issue that certain sidekicks are expected to be pricier than their character skin versions.

"We urge you to avoid purchasing Sidekicks," pleads a highly-voted online post that encourages fellow players to proverbially express disapproval by not spending.

"I know these pets are cute," the post continues, "we realize they are enjoyable. We are aware everyone has been anticipating them. However the greed on display is disgusting and should not be rewarded."

A Bigger Picture of In-Game Spending

In recent years, Fortnite's events and collaborations have grown in scale and aspiration, yet the no-cost-to-start title still needs to earn revenue. Therefore, the total number of cosmetics users are able to now buy has become almost overwhelming. In addition to standard items like back accessories, gliders, pickaxes, and gestures, players might potentially use cash on footwear, songs, musical tools, building blocks, vehicles, tires, custom paint jobs, battle passes, and a subscription. Companion pets do not just require payment, but also introduce a range of new revenue avenues for the developer. It is likely, users will soon be able to pay for things like sidekick looks, outfits, gestures, and additional interaction options.

All of these cosmetics are completely optional and unneeded to enjoy the game, but equipment can still influence a player's social interactions. Kids, for example, sometimes face teasing for using flashy enough skins. A similar situation previously transpired when the developer introduced brand-name shoes, which may be priced from 600 to 1,000 V-Bucks. The shoe cost model was not popular as well, and a few players vowed that they'd avoid fall prey to the pressure back then. But in the end, buying footwear became commonplace. Today, companion pets are additionally pushing the limits of how much a player might be willing to pay to be distinctive within the crowd.

What's Ahead for Companion Pets?

Pets are currently a fairly new addition, and they exist a game that updates frequently. A few fans are reporting that they've gotten a questionnaire that gauges how people think about sidekick functionality and pricing, and this might potentially mean that the company's strategy are remain fluid. But if the game footwear are a sign, companions probably will not get cheaper overall — instead, there may be a wider selection of costs to shop.

Ultimately, while some players are raging at Fortnite item costs, others are experiencing only happiness for their new battle royale pals.