Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 3 is getting a major SpongeBob SquarePants collab, and the second wave brings the one and only Patrick Star as a Sidekick companion. Tied to the new SpongeBob movie collaboration, Patrick arrives in the Item Shop on July 23, 2026, alongside a new Ice Spice skin. If you want the lovable starfish following you around in matches, here's exactly what you need to know before the shop resets.
When does the Patrick Star Sidekick release in Fortnite?
The Patrick Star Sidekick drops in the Fortnite Item Shop on July 23, 2026, at 8 PM ET. This is part of Wave 2 of the Fortnite x SpongeBob SquarePants collaboration, so expect it to appear prominently at the top of the shop under the SpongeBob collab section when the reset hits.
Patrick Star in the Item Shop
How much does the Patrick Star Sidekick cost?
The Patrick Star Sidekick is priced at 1,500 V-Bucks as a standalone purchase. That puts it in the standard Sidekick price range, consistent with other companion cosmetics in the current season.
If you're planning to grab the new Ice Spice skin at the same time, a bundle option will be available that includes Patrick at a discounted rate compared to buying both items separately.
How to get the Patrick Star Sidekick
Once the Item Shop resets on July 23, follow these steps to secure Patrick for your locker:
- Launch Fortnite and wait for the Item Shop reset at 8 PM ET on July 23, 2026.
- Navigate to the Item Shop tab from the top bar on the main menu.
- Find the SpongeBob collaboration section — Wave 2 items should be featured at the top.
- Select the Patrick Star Sidekick tile (1,500 V-Bucks standalone, or choose the bundle).
- Confirm you have enough V-Bucks in your account before proceeding.
- Hold the Purchase button to complete the transaction.
- Open your Locker to find Patrick Star ready to equip as your Sidekick.
Equip Patrick from your Locker
What is a Fortnite Sidekick?
Sidekicks are companion cosmetics that follow your character around the map during a match. They're purely cosmetic, meaning Patrick Star won't give you any competitive advantage, but he'll be right there with you through every drop, fight, and Victory Royale. The Sidekick system has expanded significantly in Chapter 7 Season 3, with multiple companions available across different collaborations and quest rewards.
Some Sidekicks in the current season are available completely free through quest completions. For example, you can check out how to claim the Panda Team Jr Sidekick without spending any V-Bucks if you want to build out your companion collection on a budget. The Kyo Sidekick is another freebie worth looking into: if you own the Chapter 1 Season 9 Kyo back bling, you already qualify for the free Kyo Sidekick without spending a single V-Buck.
Is the Patrick Star Sidekick worth buying?
At 1,500 V-Bucks, Patrick Star sits at the standard price point for Sidekick cosmetics. The SpongeBob collaboration has been one of the more popular crossovers in recent Fortnite history, and Patrick is one of the most recognizable characters from the franchise. If you're a fan of the show or the new movie, this is a clean purchase.
The bundle with Ice Spice is worth considering if you have any interest in the skin at all. Bundles in Fortnite typically offer meaningful savings over individual pricing, so running the numbers before hitting purchase is a good habit.
Get more free Fortnite cosmetics
Not every great cosmetic in Chapter 7 Season 3 requires V-Bucks. The season has been generous with free unlockables tied to live events and quest chains. The Dark Voyager Sidekick and Pickaxe were available for free through the Shattered live event, and similar opportunities keep appearing throughout the season.
For a full breakdown of everything available right now, the Fortnite guides collection on GAMES.GG covers all current quests, free rewards, and event unlocks in one place. Patrick Star might cost 1,500 V-Bucks, but pairing him with a free Sidekick or cosmetic from an active quest is a great way to build out your locker without spending more than you need to.