Fortnite is set to embrace a Pokémon-inspired transformation.

Fortnite’s Sidekicks, those adorable little pets and characters that tag along during battles, have been part of the game for almost a year now. While these charming companions have primarily served as cosmetic additions without impacting gameplay, a new trailer hints at a shift in their role, reminiscent of Pokémon.

As players know, Sidekicks react dynamically to in-game events. They cheer when you score a kill or display sadness when you go down. It’s a neat concept, but it has its limitations. Not only are Sidekicks pricey, but they also remain invisible to other players during matches.

That’s set to change with the upcoming Cuddles and Chaos Collection update. While details are a bit sparse, the patch scheduled for July 23 promises a bundle of “creature-based games where sidekicks take center stage.” In the trailer featuring conservationist and Twitch streamer Maya Higa, she appears to challenge another player to a pet-centric showdown.

Epic Games doesn’t need to spell everything out. Instead of showcasing Sidekicks frolicking alongside characters like Jonesy, the CGI footage evokes the feel of Pokémon trailers filled with human trainers. Interestingly, recent in-game surveys have asked players if they’ve tried out Palworld, another monster-collecting title currently dominating the Steam sales charts.

In June, Epic Games opened the door for Unreal Editor for Fortnite developers to utilize Sidekicks as scriptable NPCs. This update encourages players to create experiences like “monster battlers, cozy farming games, creature-collection RPGs, companion adventures, and more.” Islands featuring these elements are also set to launch on July 23, suggesting a coordinated effort to showcase these new features.

The big question remains: will players be interested? While the creature designs may not rival Pikachu, Fortnite has seen a surge in players recently, thanks in part to collectible sprites that seem inspired by Pokémon. However, if the Creatures update consists of just a few islands or modes, its long-term success could be questionable. Historically, Epic Games has struggled to keep players engaged outside of Battle Royale, with the most popular recent island being Steal the Brainrot, a clone of an already successful Roblox game.

Epic Games is pushing the boundaries of how much players are willing to invest in a virtual animal companion.