If you’re playing Fortnite and wondering how to get the nifty little companion known as the Bonesy Sidekick without spending V-Bucks, you’re in the right place. This article lays out the steps clearly, so you won’t miss out and you’ll be able to show off your new buddy in style.
Bonesy is part of the new Sidekick system in Fortnite. Sidekicks are animated companions that follow your character around in supported modes — they don’t change gameplay, but they add a cosmetic layer of personality.
Bonesy used to be a back-bling accessory in older seasons, but now he’s been upgraded to a fully animated Sidekick. Knowing this helps you understand why ownership of the old Bonesy back-bling matters for getting him free.
When did the Sidekick system and Bonesy become available?
Here’s a quick timeline:
- The Sidekick system officially launches on November 1, 2025, when the first Sidekick (Peely) becomes available via the Battle Pass.
- Other Sidekicks, including Bonesy, Spike, and Lil’ Raptor, become available in the Item Shop on November 7, 2025.
- For players who already owned the Bonesy back-bling, the Bonesy Sidekick is granted free on November 7 (or shortly thereafter) and appears in your Locker.
So if you’re reading this after that date and have the right prerequisites, you should be able to claim it instantly.
How to Get Bonesy Sidekick for Free
Here’s exactly how you unlock Bonesy without spending any V-Bucks:
- Check if you own the original Bonesy Back Bling
- If you previously purchased or earned the Bonesy back-bling accessory in older Fortnite seasons, you qualify.
- If you do not own that, then Bonesy is not free for you — you’ll have to purchase him in the shop when available.
- On or after November 7, check your Locker
- When Bonesy becomes available, go into your Fortnite Locker and open the Sidekicks tab.
- If you qualified, Bonesy should appear in your list and be ready to customise and equip.
- Equip and Customise Bonesy
- Select Bonesy as your Sidekick. Choose his physical traits (fur/skin type, body type, ears, horns, and colour). These traits are permanent and cannot be changed later.
- Then customise his name and accessories (hats, hoodies), which can be changed later.
- Once done, Bonesy will accompany you in supported Fortnite modes.
Important Details & Tips
- Permanent physical traits: Once you set Bonesy’s base appearance, you cannot change it — to change the base look, you’d need to purchase a new version.
- Accessories & naming flexibility: While the base look is locked, accessories and his name can be changed later. This helps you keep things fresh.
- No gameplay advantage: Bonesy is purely cosmetic. He won’t help you win, but he’ll look good while you do.
- Time for claim may vary: If you owned the back-bling already, you may not see him in your Locker immediately — Epic may need some time to distribute.
- If you don’t own the back-bling: You can still get Bonesy later via the Item Shop when he’s made available for purchase.
