Is SpongeBob SquarePants the newest and most expensive Fortnite companion worth it?

Fortnite added a new collaboration in December 2025 featuring SpongeBob SquarePants, one of the most recognizable characters in animation. Unlike previous crossovers, this arrival does not come as a playable skin, but as a Sidekick, a relatively new cosmetic category within the game.

The announcement caught the community’s attention not only because of the chosen character, but also due to its price, one of the highest within this type of item. This raised a recurring question among players: is it really worth spending V-Bucks on this companion?

What exactly is SpongeBob’s Sidekick?

Sidekicks in Fortnite are purely cosmetic elements that accompany the player during matches. They move alongside the player, react to certain actions, and can visually interact with the environment, but they do not affect gameplay or provide competitive advantages.

In SpongeBob’s case, the character appears as an animated companion with unique gestures, contextual reactions, and signature voice lines. It does not replace the player’s character nor function as a traditional skin, but rather as an additional visual element during gameplay.

This distinction has been central to the debate over its value, as many players expected a full skin rather than a companion.

Pricing and purchase options

SpongeBob’s Sidekick can be obtained in two different ways through Fortnite’s Item Shop.

When purchased individually, the price is 1,800 V-Bucks, a figure comparable to premium skins. There is also the SpongeBob SquarePants Bundle, available for 3,000 V-Bucks.

This bundle includes, in addition to the Sidekick, several themed cosmetics such as emotes, accessories, tools, musical instruments, and other franchise-related items. Purchased separately, these items would exceed that value by a wide margin, making the bundle a discounted option compared to buying each item individually.

However, there are additional collaboration items sold separately, which can significantly increase the total cost for players aiming to collect all SpongeBob-related content.

What does SpongeBob offer as a Sidekick?

The value of SpongeBob’s Sidekick lies exclusively in the aesthetic and customization aspect. During matches, the character visually accompanies the player, plays unique animations, and reacts to certain actions.

The Sidekick system also allows players to unlock additional rewards linked to its use, although these do not affect performance or provide combat advantages.

There are no stat boosts, automated assistance, or hidden benefits. Its role is entirely visual and social, aligned with Fortnite’s cosmetic-focused approach.

Community reception

Community response has been mixed, though with some clear points of agreement.

One of the most frequent criticisms is the high price, especially when compared to full skins that cost the same or less. It has also been noted that the Sidekick’s visibility is limited, as in many modes only the player themselves—and sometimes their team—can clearly see it.

Additionally, completing the entire collaboration can require a considerable investment due to items sold separately.

By contrast, some players appreciate the character’s level of detail, animations, and the use of recognizable voice lines, elements that set it apart from more generic companions. In these cases, the bundle is often seen as a more balanced option.

SpongeBob’s Sidekick in Fortnite is a purely cosmetic piece of content, focused on visual customization and player identity within the game. Its price places it among the most expensive cosmetics in its category, which explains the discussion it has generated.

For players focused on competitive gameplay, its usefulness is limited, as it offers no functional benefits. For collectors or fans of the franchise, the bundle may represent a more convenient option than purchasing items individually.