How To Get Kitsune Sidekick for Free in Fortnite

Fortnite Sidekicks have quickly become fan-favorite cosmetics, giving players a fun companion that follows them into every match. Even though Chapter 7 Season 1’s Battle Pass didn’t include any new Sidekicks, Epic Games surprised players by offering the Kitsune Sidekick completely free for a limited time. As Winterfest 2025 comes to an end, this free reward has caught the attention of many players looking to expand their locker without spending V-Bucks. The Kitsune Sidekick can be unlocked if you meet specific in-game requirements, and not everyone will automatically qualify. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how the free Kitsune Sidekick works and how you can check whether you’re eligible to claim it before the opportunity disappears.

How To Unlock Kitsune Sidekick for Free in Fortnite

Only a specific group of Fortnite players can unlock the Kitsune Sidekick for free, and eligibility depends on owning an older cosmetic. If you have the original Kitsune back bling from Chapter 1 Season X, you’re in luck. That back bling was unlocked at Tier 28 of the Season X Battle Pass, and Epic is now upgrading it into a full Sidekick, similar to how the Bonesy Sidekick was handled during The Simpsons mini-season.

To get the Kitsune Sidekick, simply log into Fortnite after the Item Shop refresh on January 3, 2026, using the same account that owns the original Kitsune back bling. If you qualify, the Sidekick will be added to your locker automatically. In case you don’t see it right away, open your locker, filter by Sidekicks, and the Kitsune Sidekick should appear there. From that point, you can customize it, equip it, and bring it with you into Battle Royale or LEGO Fortnite. There are no quests, challenges, or extra steps required—Epic handles everything automatically for eligible players.

If you never unlocked the Kitsune back bling back in Season X, unfortunately you won’t receive this Sidekick for free. It also can’t be obtained through codes, promotions, or gift cards. In that case, your only option is to wait until the Kitsune Sidekick becomes available in the Fortnite Item Shop at a later date.

FAQs

Is the Kitsune Sidekick free for everyone in Fortnite?

No, it isn’t a universal free reward. Only players who already own the original Kitsune back bling from Chapter 1 Season X will receive the Kitsune Sidekick at no cost.

Can players buy the Kitsune Sidekick later if they don’t qualify?

Yes. If you don’t own the original Kitsune back bling, you’ll still have a chance to get the Sidekick once it shows up in the Fortnite Item Shop, which is scheduled for January 4, 2026.

Conclusion

Getting the Kitsune Sidekick for free in Fortnite is a nice bonus for longtime players who owned the original Kitsune back bling from Chapter 1 Season X. If you qualify, the process is simple, automatic, and doesn’t require completing quests or using codes—just log in with the right account and the Sidekick should be waiting in your locker. For players who don’t meet the requirements, there’s no need to worry, as the Kitsune Sidekick will still be available later through the Item Shop. Overall, it’s a solid reward that adds value for veteran players while still giving everyone else a chance to pick it up down the line.