Patrick Star is coming to Fortnite as a Sidekick, a cosmetic companion that trots alongside your character during matches. He arrives as part of the second wave of the SpongeBob SquarePants crossover, landing in the Item Shop rather than as a playable skin. Here is exactly when he drops, what he costs, and how to add him to your locker.
Quick answer: Buy the Patrick Star Sidekick from the Fortnite Item Shop for 1,500 V-Bucks once it goes live on July 23, 2026, at 8 PM ET, then equip it from your Locker.
Release time: July 23, 2026, 8 PM ET
Patrick Star Sidekick release time and price
The Patrick Star Sidekick becomes available after the Item Shop refreshes on July 23, 2026, at 8 PM ET. It is priced at 1,500 V-Bucks on its own. Patrick releases beside a new Ice Spice skin, and you can also pick him up through a bundle that lowers the total cost compared to buying each item separately.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Item type | Sidekick (cosmetic companion) |
| Release date | July 23, 2026 |
| Release time | 8 PM ET |
| Individual price | 1,500 V-Bucks |
| Where to buy | Fortnite Item Shop |
| Collaboration | SpongeBob SquarePants, Wave 2 |
How to buy the Patrick Star Sidekick
If you are short on currency, redeeming a V-Bucks card is the quickest way to top up before the purchase.
How to confirm you unlocked it
After the purchase clears, the Patrick Star Sidekick shows up in the Sidekicks slot inside your Locker. Once equipped, the pet spawns beside you at the start of a match and stays with you as you move. If he does not appear, open the Locker and make sure the Sidekick slot is set to Patrick and not left empty.
What the Patrick Star Sidekick does
Sidekicks are companion pets that follow you around the map and react to moments during a match with small animations. They are strictly cosmetic. Patrick gives no competitive edge, cannot take damage, and cannot be targeted. Your teammates only see their own Sidekicks, and enemies will not see yours at all.
Note: Like other Item Shop cosmetics, Patrick will rotate out of the shop a few days after release. If you want him, buy him during that window rather than waiting for a guaranteed return, since Epic has not confirmed when or if he comes back.
