Fortnite Pets: Your Complete Guide to Unlocking, Using, and Mastering Every Companion in 2026

Back in Chapter 1, Season 6, Epic Games introduced one of the most wholesome additions to Fortnite: pets. These adorable companions sit snugly in your backpack, reacting to your every move on the battlefield. While they don’t help you secure Victory Royales or spot enemies, they’ve become one of the most beloved cosmetic categories in the game. Whether you’re dropping into Tilted or building your way out of a tough spot, having a loyal pet bouncing along adds personality to every match.

Fast forward to 2026, and the pet roster has grown significantly. From the original Bonesy the dog to exotic dragons and futuristic creatures, there’s a companion for every player’s vibe. But here’s the thing: not all pets are created equal in terms of availability. Some were Battle Pass exclusives that you can’t get anymore, while others pop up in the Item Shop occasionally. If you’ve been wondering which pets are still available, how to equip them, or what makes certain companions so sought-after, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about Fortnite’s four-legged (and sometimes two-winged) friends.

What Are Pets in Fortnite?

Pets are a unique cosmetic item category that debuted alongside the Season 6 Battle Pass. Unlike most back bling that’s static or minimally animated, pets are living creatures that perch inside a special carrier strapped to your character’s back. They peek out during matches, responding to your actions with charming animations and expressions.

Think of them as the ultimate flex that doesn’t involve glowing skins or sweaty emotes. They’re pure style with zero competitive edge, which is exactly why the community gravitates toward them.

How Pets Work as Back Bling

Pets occupy the back bling slot in your locker, which means you can’t equip a traditional backpack or cape while using one. When equipped, your pet sits in a transparent carrier (usually hard to notice during gameplay) and reacts dynamically to what’s happening.

The carrier itself is designed to be subtle. Epic wanted the focus on the pet, not the container. During matches, you’ll see your companion’s head and paws poke out as they look around, react to shots fired nearby, or celebrate eliminations with you. Each pet has distinct idle animations, some wag their tails, others stretch or yawn, and a few even mimic your emotes in their own way.

You can mix and match pets with any outfit. A tactical military skin rocking a cute hamster? Totally valid. A celestial goddess with a cybernetic dog? Even better. The flexibility makes pets one of the most versatile cosmetic choices in your inventory.

Do Pets Provide Any Gameplay Advantages?

Absolutely not, and that’s intentional. Pets are purely cosmetic. They don’t grant extra HP, reveal enemy positions, or provide audio cues that give you an edge. Epic has been crystal clear about keeping Fortnite’s competitive integrity intact, so any cosmetic, pets included, won’t affect gameplay mechanics.

Some players initially worried that pets might obstruct vision or create distracting movements during build fights, but in practice, they’re positioned low enough on your back that they rarely interfere. The carrier design ensures pets don’t block your field of view, and their animations are smooth enough to avoid pulling focus during heated engagements.

The only “advantage” is psychological: rolling up with a rare or fan-favorite pet can intimidate opponents or spark friendly banter in lobbies. But that’s all mental warfare, not mechanical benefit.

Complete List of All Fortnite Pets

Epic has released dozens of pets since Season 6, spanning dogs, cats, dragons, robots, and even creatures from collaborations. Tracking them all can feel like cataloging a digital zoo, so here’s the breakdown by source and rarity.

Season 6 Pets: The Original Companions

The OG lineup introduced players to the pet system with three legendary companions:

• Bonesy: A golden retriever-type dog and the poster child for Fortnite pets. Bonesy unlocked at Tier 29 of the Season 6 Battle Pass and came with multiple styles, including a bandana and sunglasses variant. To this day, Bonesy remains one of the most recognizable pets in the game.

• Scales: A small dragon with iridescent scales. Unlocked at Tier 43, Scales appealed to fantasy fans and featured color variants like crimson and azure.

• Camo: A chameleon that shifts colors based on its mood. Tier 59 reward. Camo’s unique selling point was its reactive color palette, which changed from green to red during combat.

These three set the standard for what pets could be: expressive, customizable, and loaded with personality. Players who participated in Season 6’s Battle Pass were treated to a roster that felt fresh compared to standard back bling.

Battle Pass Exclusive Pets

After Season 6, Epic continued adding pets to select Battle Passes:

• Woodsy (Season 7): A husky-like dog with arctic themes. Unlocked at Tier 83.
• Dodger (Season 7): A hamster wearing goggles, aimed at players who loved quirky companions. Tier 29.
• Kitsune (Season 9): A futuristic fox with neon accents and reactive lights. Tier 47.
• Sentinel (Season 9): A robotic owl that clicked and whirred during matches. Tier 71.
• Empress (Chapter 2, Season 4): A regal black cat tied to Marvel-themed cosmetics. Tier 58.
• Hamirez (Chapter 2, Season 5): A hamster dressed as Ramirez, one of Fortnite’s default skins. Tier 61.

Battle Pass pets are permanently locked once their season ends. If you didn’t grind to the required tier, you’re out of luck. This exclusivity is part of what makes pets like Bonesy and Kitsune so desirable in 2026, they’re visual proof you were there during those iconic seasons. Many competitive players across various game modes proudly display their Season 6 pets as badges of honor.

Item Shop and Special Event Pets

Not every pet is Battle Pass locked. Epic occasionally rotates pets into the Item Shop or ties them to limited-time events:

• Wavebreaker: A tropical parrot that debuted in the Item Shop during Chapter 2, Season 3. Priced at 1,000 V-Bucks.
• Gunner: A bulldog with a tactical vest, released during a military-themed Item Shop rotation. 1,000 V-Bucks.
• Crescent Shroom: A glowing mushroom creature introduced during Fortnitemares 2022. Event exclusive.
• Dodger (Item Shop variant): After Season 7 ended, Epic re-released Dodger with alternate styles. 1,000 V-Bucks.
• Fortnite Dog: A generic term the community sometimes uses for dog-type pets like Bonesy or Gunner. The “fortnite dog” nickname stuck because of how iconic Bonesy became during memes and content creator streams.

Item Shop pets rotate unpredictably, so if you see one you want, grab it. Epic’s rotation algorithm can keep pets out of the shop for months, or even years.

How to Unlock Pets in Fortnite

Unlocking pets depends on their source. Some require grinding Battle Pass tiers, others cost V-Bucks, and a few are tied to time-sensitive events. Here’s the step-by-step for each method.

Earning Pets Through Battle Passes

If a pet is part of the current season’s Battle Pass, you’ll need to reach the specified tier to unlock it. Battle Passes cost 950 V-Bucks and typically run for about 10 weeks.

1. Purchase the Battle Pass: Navigate to the Battle Pass tab in the lobby and buy the current season’s pass.
2. Complete Challenges: Weekly and daily challenges grant Battle Stars, which level up your pass.
3. Reach the Pet’s Tier: Once you hit the required tier (varies per season), the pet unlocks automatically.
4. Claim Styles: Some pets have additional styles unlocked through bonus objectives or XP milestones.

The grind can be steep depending on how much you play. Casual players might need to complete most challenges and daily quests to reach high-tier pets, while hardcore players often unlock everything within the first few weeks. According to industry coverage on platforms like IGN, Battle Pass completion rates have increased significantly since Epic introduced carry-over XP in Chapter 3.

Purchasing Pets from the Item Shop

Item Shop pets are straightforward: see one you like, buy it with V-Bucks. Prices typically range from 800 to 1,200 V-Bucks, though bundles sometimes offer discounts.

1. Check the Item Shop Daily: Pets rotate in and out, often without advance notice.
2. Purchase V-Bucks: If you’re short on currency, you can buy V-Bucks through the in-game store or console marketplace.
3. Confirm Purchase: Select the pet and confirm. It’ll appear in your locker immediately.

Item Shop pets don’t have the same prestige as Battle Pass exclusives, but they’re your best shot at snagging a companion if you missed earlier seasons. Epic has also been known to re-release older pets with new styles, giving collectors a second chance.

Limited-Time Event Pets and Collaborations

Some pets drop during seasonal events (Fortnitemares, Winterfest) or collaborations (Marvel, Star Wars). These are usually tied to event-specific challenges or bundles.

• Event Challenges: Complete objectives during the event window to unlock the pet. Example: Crescent Shroom required players to finish 10 Fortnitemares quests.
• Collaboration Bundles: Pets tied to crossovers (like a Marvel-themed creature) often come bundled with skins and emotes. Expect to pay 2,000+ V-Bucks for the full pack.
• Twitch Drops or Creator Codes: Rarely, Epic partners with streamers or content creators to distribute exclusive pets. Keep an eye on official announcements.

Event pets are the rarest category because they’re tied to narrow time windows. Miss the event, miss the pet, at least until Epic decides to bring it back (which they sometimes do, but years later).

How to Equip and Customize Your Pet

Once you’ve unlocked a pet, equipping and customizing it is simple. Fortnite’s locker system lets you mix, match, and fine-tune your cosmetic loadout with just a few clicks.

Equipping Pets in Your Locker

1. Open Your Locker: From the lobby, select the locker icon (looks like a hanger).
2. Navigate to Back Bling: Pets are categorized under back bling, so scroll to that tab.
3. Select Your Pet: Click on the pet you want to equip. You’ll see a preview of how it looks on your current outfit.
4. Save Your Loadout: Confirm the selection. Your pet will now appear in all matches until you swap it out.

You can create multiple locker presets, each with a different pet. This is clutch if you like matching your companion to specific skins, say, pairing Scales with a fantasy knight outfit or Gunner with a tactical operator.

Some players rotate pets based on their mood or the vibe of the session. Feeling chill? Rock Bonesy. Sweating in Arena? Maybe go without a pet to keep your silhouette minimal (though again, pets don’t affect hitboxes).

Customizing Pet Styles and Variants

Many pets come with unlockable styles that change their appearance. These might include alternate colors, accessories, or thematic variants.

• Accessing Styles: Select the pet in your locker, then look for the “Edit Style” button. Available variants will display here.
• Unlocking Variants: Some styles are built-in and unlock with the pet. Others require completing challenges, reaching bonus XP levels, or purchasing upgrade bundles.
• Popular Variants: Bonesy’s bandana and sunglasses styles are fan favorites. Kitsune’s neon color swaps (teal, pink, purple) let players match the fox to reactive skins.

Customization adds another layer of personalization. It’s not just about having a pet, it’s about making that pet yours. The ability to tweak styles means two players can run the same pet but present totally different aesthetics, similar to how players showcase their creative builds and captures.

Most Popular and Rarest Fortnite Pets

Not all pets are equally beloved or accessible. Some have massive fan followings, while others are so rare that seeing one in a lobby stops players mid-match. Here’s the breakdown.

Fan-Favorite Pets Players Love

Certain pets have transcended the game to become cultural icons within the Fortnite community:

• Bonesy: The undisputed king of Fortnite pets. Bonesy’s friendly face, wagging tail, and nostalgic connection to Season 6 make it the most equipped pet even in 2026. Content creators love Bonesy because it’s instantly recognizable in thumbnails and streams.

• Kitsune: The neon fox appeals to players who love futuristic, reactive cosmetics. Kitsune’s glowing accents sync with certain skins, creating cohesive loadouts. It’s also from Season 9, a chapter many players remember fondly.

• Empress: The Marvel-themed black cat struck a chord with players who lean toward sleek, mysterious aesthetics. Empress sits regally and has idle animations that make it look genuinely aloof, perfect for the vibe.

• Dodger: The hamster’s goofy charm makes it a favorite for players who don’t take themselves too seriously. Dodger’s tiny size and oversized goggles create comedic contrast, especially when paired with bulky skins.

These pets see constant rotation in lobbies, and Epic’s data (shared in past developer updates covered by Dexerto) confirms they’re among the most-used back bling items overall, not just within the pet category.

Rarest Pets You Can’t Get Anymore

Rarity in Fortnite cosmetics often correlates with exclusivity and nostalgia. Here are the pets that top the “unobtainable” list:

• Bonesy (Original Season 6 Variant): While Bonesy has appeared in the Item Shop with alternate styles, the original Season 6 Battle Pass version with its specific color palette is locked forever. Players who missed that pass can’t get the OG look.

• Camo: The color-shifting chameleon hasn’t returned since Season 6. Its reactive properties made it unique, and its absence from later passes or shops has cemented its rarity.

• Sentinel: The robotic owl from Season 9 combined sci-fi aesthetics with subtle mechanical sounds. It’s one of the few pets with audio cues, making it a collector’s dream.

• Hamirez: The hamster dressed as Ramirez was a deep-cut reference that only Season 5 (Chapter 2) players understood. It’s goofy, obscure, and impossible to get now.

Rare pets function as social proof. Seeing someone with Camo or Sentinel signals they’ve been grinding since the early chapters, similar to how players respect difficult boss clears or rare loot finds. In trading communities (where account trading happens even though Epic’s ToS), rare pet accounts command premium prices.

Pet Animations and Behaviors Explained

Pets aren’t static cosmetics. Epic programmed them with a range of animations and reactive behaviors that bring them to life during matches. Understanding these quirks makes pets even more enjoyable.

How Pets React During Gameplay

Pets respond dynamically to in-game events. Their animations are context-aware, meaning they’ll change behavior based on what’s happening:

• Idle Animations: When you’re standing still or looting, pets perform idle loops, yawning, scratching, looking around. Bonesy wags his tail and pants. Scales stretches his wings.

• Movement Reactions: While running or gliding, pets stabilize themselves in the carrier, often looking in the direction you’re moving. Some, like Kitsune, have subtle head-tracking that follows your camera angle.

• Combat Responses: When shots are fired nearby or you take damage, pets react with startled animations. Dodger ducks into the carrier. Camo shifts to red tones. Sentinel’s eyes glow brighter.

• Elimination Celebrations: Score an elim, and your pet often celebrates with you. Bonesy barks (silently, to avoid audio clutter). Empress does a satisfied stretch. These moments add personality to eliminations beyond just emote spam.

The reactive nature makes pets feel like genuine companions rather than static back bling. Epic’s animation team clearly put effort into making each pet feel alive. Reports from GamesRadar highlight how Epic’s motion capture and procedural animation techniques give pets their distinct personalities.

Emotional Responses and In-Game Interactions

Some pets have emotional tells that shift based on match conditions:

• Health-Based Reactions: While not confirmed by Epic, players swear certain pets look more anxious when your HP is low. Scales allegedly flaps his wings more frantically, and Bonesy appears to whimper (though again, there’s no audio).

• Emote Mimicry: A few pets subtly mimic emotes. If you dance, pets might bob their heads or sway. It’s not a one-to-one copy, but the attempt is there.

• Environmental Awareness: Pets look toward nearby sounds, gunfire, building, loot drops. This doesn’t provide a gameplay advantage (they won’t spot enemies before you do), but it adds immersion.

These behaviors blur the line between cosmetic and companion. You’re not just wearing a pet: you’re bringing a little buddy along for the ride. It’s the same reason players get attached to pets in other games, personality creates connection.

Tips for Showing Off Your Pet in Matches

If you’ve got a rare or favorite pet, you’ll want to maximize its visibility. Here’s how to make sure your companion gets the attention it deserves.

Choose Complementary Skins: Pair pets with outfits that don’t obscure them. Bulky armor or capes can block your pet’s visibility from certain angles. Sleek skins like defaults, superhero outfits, or tactical operators keep pets in clear view.

Use Emotes That Highlight Your Pet: Emotes like “Take a Seat” or “Fishing” position your character in ways that frame your pet. Players in lobbies often emote spam near others to flex cosmetics, and the right emote can put your pet front and center.

Land Near Popular POIs: Dropping at hotspots like Tilted Towers or the current season’s main location increases lobby traffic. More players = more eyes on your rare pet. Pre-game lobbies are also prime real estate for showing off.

Stream or Record Content: If you’re creating content, pets add personality to your footage. Bonesy barking (metaphorically) during a clutch play or Kitsune glowing during a build fight creates memorable visuals. Pets are subtle branding tools for streamers.

Rotate Pets Strategically: If you have multiple rare pets, rotate them across sessions. This keeps your loadout fresh and shows off breadth. One day Scales, next day Sentinel, variety signals a deep locker.

Engage in Creative Mode: Custom maps and Creative sessions often have more downtime for cosmetic flexing. Players chill in Creative lobbies to show off skins and pets, trading compliments or even doing impromptu fashion shows. It’s where pets shine brightest outside combat, and where many players discover new combinations that rival rare finds in chest loot.

Avoid Overcrowding Your Loadout: Too many flashy cosmetics can overwhelm. If you’re rocking a reactive skin, glowing pickaxe, and particle-heavy glider, a simple pet like Bonesy provides visual balance. Conversely, if you’re running a clean skin, a vibrant pet like Kitsune becomes the focal point.

Will Epic Games Add More Pets in Future Updates?

The short answer: probably, but don’t expect the flood of pets we saw in early chapters.

Epic’s cosmetic strategy has shifted over the years. Pets were heavily featured in Chapter 1 (Seasons 6-9) but became less frequent in Chapter 2 and beyond. Chapter 3 and 4 saw only a handful of new pets, with Epic focusing instead on reactive skins, Icon Series collabs, and LEGO Fortnite cosmetics.

That said, pets still hold nostalgic and community value. Epic occasionally drops new pets during themed seasons or collaborations. For example, if a future season has a jungle or safari theme, expect animal companions. Sci-fi seasons might bring robotic pets. Collaborations with franchises like Pokémon or Disney could introduce branded creatures (though no official announcements exist as of March 2026).

Data leaks and insider reports suggest Epic is experimenting with “interactive back bling” that blurs the line between traditional items and pets. These might be creatures that perform actions beyond idle animations, maybe harvesting materials for you in Creative or reacting to specific in-game triggers. But, Epic is cautious about maintaining competitive balance, so any new features will likely remain cosmetic.

Community feedback also plays a role. Petitions and social media campaigns have successfully revived interest in older cosmetic categories before. If enough players demand more pets, Epic listens. The company’s community managers monitor sentiment across Reddit, Twitter, and Discord, and past updates have directly responded to popular requests.

Bottom line: pets aren’t dead, but they’re not Epic’s primary focus. If you love the category, keep an eye on Battle Pass leaks, Item Shop rotations, and event announcements. The next big pet drop could come anytime, and given how fast things move in the Fortnite ecosystem, staying informed is key.

Conclusion

Fortnite pets carved out a unique niche in the cosmetic ecosystem. They don’t help you win, they don’t grant buffs, but they add heart to every match. Whether you’re rocking OG Bonesy from Season 6, flexing a rare Sentinel, or waiting for the next Item Shop rotation to grab Gunner, pets are all about self-expression and personality.

The category’s future might be uncertain, but its legacy is solid. Pets remind us that Fortnite isn’t just about build speed and headshots, it’s about creating moments, showing off your style, and having a little companion along for the ride. So equip your favorite, drop into your next match, and let your pet steal the show.