Fortnite Pet Customization Controversy & Epic Games' Response
Fortnite's latest season, Chapter 5 Season 3: Wrecked, dropped players into a wild, post-apocalyptic wasteland, bringing with it a sandstorm of new content, vehicle combat, and a fresh Battle Pass teeming with unique cosmetics. Among the most anticipated rewards was the Tier 1 outfit, Megalo Don, a menacing shark-themed marauder. However, it was his adorable pet shark back bling, "Sharkbait," that unexpectedly swam into the center of a community-wide controversy over a single, irreversible choice.
Initially, players who unlocked the Megalo Don outfit were thrilled to discover his companion pet. But that excitement quickly turned to confusion and anxiety when they were presented with a quest that forced them to choose a permanent color style for the pet. This decision, the game warned, could not be undone, a feature virtually unheard of for a premium Battle Pass cosmetic.
The One-Time Choice That Stunned the Community
The system required players to complete a simple in-game task, such as catching a fish, which would then lock in a specific color for the Sharkbait pet based on the type of fish caught. The styles were based on popular in-game fish, offering vibrant designs like the Orange Flopper, the Green Flopper, or the shimmering Slurpfish.
A pop-up message explicitly warned players, "This choice is permanent and cannot be changed." This sent a wave of indecision through the player base. In a game celebrated for its vast locker of customizable options, where players can freely swap styles for skins, gliders, and pickaxes, being locked into a single choice felt jarring and restrictive.
The fear of "picker's remorse" was palpable. Players took to online forums and social media to discuss their hesitation. Should they pick the style they liked most now, or the one that might match future skins better? What if a cooler style was discovered later? The permanence of the choice created an unintended pressure, detracting from the fun of unlocking a new cosmetic and turning it into a stressful decision.
A Tidal Wave of Player Feedback
The community's reaction was swift and unified. The core of the issue wasn't about the quality of the styles themselves—which were well-designed—but about the principle of player choice and cosmetic freedom. For years, Fortnite has cultivated an environment where self-expression through cosmetics is paramount. Editable styles are a common and beloved feature, allowing players to get more value and variety out of their purchases and Battle Pass unlocks.
Forcing a permanent choice on a key Battle Pass item felt like a step backward to many. Veteran players and content creators alike voiced their concerns, highlighting how this mechanic went against the established norms of the game's ecosystem. The overwhelming sentiment was clear: players wanted the ability to change their pet's style just like any other editable cosmetic in their locker. The community wasn't just asking for a change; they were advocating to preserve the flexible customization that defines the Fortnite experience.
Epic Games Hears the Community and Reverses Course
In a move that demonstrates a keen ear for its player base, Epic Games officially addressed the situation shortly after the feedback crescendoed. Acknowledging the community's concerns, the development team announced that they would be removing the permanent lock on the Sharkbait pet's styles.
The fix was rolled out swiftly and comprehensively. Players who had already been forced to make the permanent choice were retroactively granted all available styles for the back bling. Those who had yet to unlock Megalo Don or complete the quest would now find a completely different system in place. The quest to choose a style was updated to simply unlock the customization options, which are now freely swappable at any time within the player's locker.
This decisive action was met with widespread praise, turning a moment of frustration into a major win for the community. It reaffirmed that player feedback is a powerful force in Fortnite's ongoing development and that the team is willing to make adjustments to improve the player experience.
How to Customize Your Sharkbait Pet Now
With the new system in place, customizing your pet shark is now a simple and stress-free process. If you own the Chapter 5 Season 3 Battle Pass, here is how it works:
- Unlock Megalo Don: First, ensure you have unlocked the Megalo Don outfit from the Battle Pass. The Sharkbait back bling is automatically included with the skin.
- Equip the Back Bling: Go to your locker and equip the Sharkbait back bling on any of your outfits.
- Select Your Style: With the back bling selected, you will see an "Edit Style" option. Here, you will find all the available colorways, such as Orange Flopper, Green Flopper, and Slurpfish.
- Swap Freely: You can now switch between these styles at any time, just like any other cosmetic with multiple style options.
This revised system aligns the Sharkbait pet with the game's broader customization philosophy, ensuring players can enjoy the full range of creative options without the anxiety of a permanent decision. The entire ordeal serves as a fascinating case study in game development, showcasing how a dedicated community and a responsive developer can work together to steer the game in a direction that benefits everyone on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the choice for the Megalo Don pet in Fortnite still permanent?
No, it is not. Epic Games updated the game, and all owners of the Chapter 5 Season 3 Battle Pass can now freely switch between all available styles for the Sharkbait pet.
What is the name of Megalo Don's pet back bling?
The official name of the pet back bling that comes with the Megalo Don outfit is "Sharkbait."
How do I get all the styles for the Sharkbait pet?
The styles are automatically available to everyone who owns the Megalo Don outfit from the Battle Pass. Simply go to your locker, select the Sharkbait back bling, and choose the "Edit Style" option to see and select all the different color variants.