How to Get Fortnite Bloons TD 6 Sidekick for Free (June 2026)
The Fortnite x Bloons TD 6 collaboration brought the Dart Monkey Sidekick to the game, and players have been scrambling to add this little companion to their Locker. If you want to know how to get the Fortnite Bloons TD 6 Sidekick for free, the short answer is that you need to own a paid copy of Bloons TD 6 on the Epic Games Store. The sidekick is automatically granted as a loyalty reward once your account qualifies. I have tested this process myself and can confirm the steps below work as of 2026. If you are also hunting for other freebies, check out our list of free Fortnite codes and rewards.
What Is the Dart Monkey Sidekick in Fortnite?
The Dart Monkey Sidekick is a cosmetic pet from the Gaming Legends series in Fortnite. It is modeled after the iconic Dart Monkey tower from Bloons TD 6 and appears as a small companion that follows your character around during matches.
Contents
Sidekicks in Fortnite are a type of cosmetic item that function like pets or companions. They do not give you any gameplay advantage, but they are a fun way to show off your collection. The Dart Monkey specifically is part of the crossover between Epic Games and Ninja Kiwi, the developer behind Bloons TD 6. We have seen similar crossover items in other Fortnite collaborations, but this one is unique because you can earn it through a game purchase rather than spending V-Bucks.
How to Get the Fortnite Bloons TD 6 Sidekick for Free?
The most cost-effective way to unlock the Dart Monkey Sidekick is by purchasing Bloons TD 6 through the Epic Games Store. Here is exactly how to do it.
Step 1: Open the Epic Games Store
Launch the Epic Games Store desktop application or visit the Epic Games Store website in your browser. Make sure you are logged into the same Epic Games account you use for Fortnite.
Step 2: Purchase Bloons TD 6
Search for Bloons TD 6 and complete the purchase. On desktop, the game costs $13.99. If you prefer a cheaper option, you can buy Bloons TD 6 on the Epic Games mobile app for Android at $6.99. Either version qualifies for the sidekick grant.
Step 3: Wait for Automatic Grant
Once your purchase is confirmed, the Dart Monkey Sidekick is automatically added to your Fortnite Locker. According to the official Epic Games FAQ, grants began on April 23, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET. Most players receive the sidekick within a few hours, though some have reported it taking up to 24 hours.
Step 4: Check Your Locker
Open Fortnite, go to your Locker, and look for the Dart Monkey Sidekick under your pets or companion items. Equip it and you are ready to roll into Battle Royale with your new monkey friend.
Important Eligibility Requirements
Not everyone qualifies for the free sidekick grant, and this is where a lot of confusion comes from. Here are the key rules you need to know.
Free promotion copies do not count. If you added Bloons TD 6 to your Epic Games library during a free giveaway event, you are not eligible for the sidekick. You must have a paid copy or make a qualifying in-game purchase.
Steam purchases do not qualify. The sidekick grant is exclusive to the Epic Games Store ecosystem. If you own Bloons TD 6 on Steam, that purchase does not carry over, even if you link your accounts.
Free copy owners can still qualify. If you got the game for free but then purchase any eligible in-game item worth at least $10, you become eligible for the sidekick. This workaround was confirmed by multiple Reddit users who successfully received the grant after buying an in-game pack.
Alternative Method – Buy from the Fortnite Item Shop
If you do not want to buy Bloons TD 6, you can purchase the Dart Monkey Sidekick directly from the Fortnite Item Shop. It is listed for 1,500 V-Bucks under the Gaming Legends section.
The sidekick appeared in the Item Shop starting April 23, 2026 and was available through April 30, 2026. Like all Item Shop rotations, it may return in future updates, but there is no confirmed date yet.
There is also a one-time refund policy. If you purchased the Dart Monkey Sidekick from the Item Shop with V-Bucks and then later buy Bloons TD 6 on the Epic Games Store, you can receive a one-time refund of 1,500 V-Bucks. This means you effectively get your V-Bucks back while keeping the sidekick.
Troubleshooting – What If Your Sidekick Does Not Appear?
Some players have reported that the Dart Monkey Sidekick did not show up immediately after purchase. Here is what to check if you run into this issue.
First, confirm you purchased through the Epic Games Store and not another platform. Then verify that you are logged into the same Epic account in both the store and Fortnite. Give it up to 24 hours for the grant to process, as Epic has noted that delays can happen during high-traffic periods. If the sidekick still has not appeared after 24 hours, restart Fortnite completely and check your Locker again. If the problem persists, contact Epic Games support with proof of your Bloons TD 6 purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Fortnite sidekick for free?
Yes, you can get the Dart Monkey Sidekick for free by purchasing Bloons TD 6 on the Epic Games Store ($13.99 desktop, $6.99 mobile). The sidekick is automatically granted as a loyalty reward once the purchase is verified on your Epic Games account.
Is there any way to get Bloons TD 6 for free?
Bloons TD 6 has been offered for free during Epic Games Store promotions in the past. However, free promotion copies do not qualify for the Dart Monkey Sidekick grant. You must either buy the game or purchase an eligible in-game item worth at least $10 to become eligible.
Why did I get a sidekick for free in Fortnite?
If you received the Dart Monkey Sidekick without buying it in the Item Shop, it means your Epic Games account qualified through a paid Bloons TD 6 purchase or an eligible in-game purchase on the Epic Games Store. The grant is automatic, so the sidekick simply appeared in your Locker once your eligibility was confirmed.
How to buy a sidekick in Fortnite?
Open the Fortnite Item Shop from the main menu, look for the Dart Monkey Sidekick under the Gaming Legends section, and purchase it for 1,500 V-Bucks. You can also get it by buying Bloons TD 6 on the Epic Games Store, which grants the sidekick automatically to your Locker as a loyalty reward.
Does buying Bloons TD 6 on Steam qualify for the Fortnite sidekick?
No, only purchases made through the Epic Games Store qualify for the Dart Monkey Sidekick grant. Steam purchases are not linked to the Epic Games ecosystem and will not trigger the loyalty reward, even if your Steam and Epic accounts are connected.
How long does it take for the Dart Monkey Sidekick to appear in my Locker?
Most players receive the Dart Monkey Sidekick within a few hours of qualifying, but Epic Games says it can take up to 24 hours during peak periods. If it has been longer than 24 hours, restart Fortnite and check your Locker again, or contact Epic Games support.
Conclusion
Learning how to get the Fortnite Bloons TD 6 Sidekick for free comes down to one core requirement: a paid copy of Bloons TD 6 on the Epic Games Store. Whether you pick up the desktop version at $13.99 or the mobile version at $6.99, the Dart Monkey Sidekick will land in your Locker automatically. Players who already grabbed it from the Item Shop can even claim a one-time V-Bucks refund after buying the game. For more Fortnite event guides, check out our Fortnite South Park event guide to keep up with the latest in-game challenges and rewards.
