As a dedicated Fortnite player who's been following the game's crossover events for years, I was genuinely excited when Epic Games finally confirmed the long-rumored SpongeBob SquarePants collaboration. The partnership makes perfect sense given Epic's previous successful collaborations with Paramount, and the execution has exceeded my expectations with its attention to detail and clever references to the beloved animated series.

The Main Attraction: SpongeBob Takes Center Stage

When the SpongeBob collaboration dropped yesterday, the Item Shop was flooded with an impressive array of content that immediately caught players' attention. The standout features include:

🔥 SpongeBob Outfit - The iconic yellow sponge character as a playable skin

🎵 Jellyfish Jam Emote - An infectious dance move that perfectly captures the show's spirit

🧽 Various Back Blings and Harvesting Tools - Including SpongeBob's signature pineapple house and kitchen utensils

While SpongeBob himself is undoubtedly the star of the show, what impressed me most about this collaboration is how much love and care Epic Games has shown for the source material. They haven't just slapped SpongeBob's likeness onto a character model—they've created an experience that feels authentically Bikini Bottom.

The Hidden Gem: Plankton's Secret Appearance

What truly amazed me about this collaboration is the subtle inclusion of Sheldon J. Plankton, SpongeBob's microscopic nemesis. Unlike SpongeBob, who gets all the spotlight with his vibrant skin and emotes, Plankton appears in a much more discreet manner that many players might completely overlook.

Here's where you can find Plankton in the game:

Location	Description	Visibility Level
Patty Wagon Wheels	Plankton appears squished on the pickle-themed wheels	Very Low
Vehicle Customization	Only available with specific wheel options	Moderate
Left Rear Tire	Fixed position without animation or voice lines	Extremely Low

Why This Easter Egg Is So Brilliant

Epic Games could have easily made Plankton a separate character skin or back bling, but instead, they chose to incorporate him in a way that perfectly matches his character's personality and role in the SpongeBob universe. Plankton has always been the overlooked, underestimated character who constantly tries (and fails) to steal the Krabby Patty formula, and his hidden placement on the Patty Wagon's wheels is a brilliant nod to this dynamic.

🔍 The camouflage is perfect - The pickle-colored wheels blend Plankton seamlessly, making him nearly invisible unless you're specifically looking for him

⚙️ Non-default configuration - Players need to actively choose the pickle wheels to even have a chance of spotting him

🎮 Vehicle underutilization - Many Fortnite players tend to ignore vehicles, especially given their premium pricing in the Item Shop

Player Reactions and Community Response

Since discovering this clever inclusion thanks to prominent leaker HYPEX, the Fortnite community has been buzzing with excitement. Many players, including myself, appreciate how Epic Games continues to add these subtle details that reward observant fans. It's these small touches that transform a simple character collaboration into a truly immersive experience.

The Patty Wagon: More Than Just Transportation

The vehicle itself deserves special mention. While it's clearly inspired by the Patty Wagon from the first SpongeBob movie, Epic Games has made several creative adaptations to fit Fortnite's gameplay mechanics. The modifications include:

• Enhanced durability for combat situations

• Custom horn sounds featuring SpongeBob's signature laugh

• Special boost mechanics reminiscent of the movie's high-speed chases

• Multiple customization options beyond the Plankton-featuring pickle wheels

Why Many Players Will Miss This Detail

Based on my experience with previous Fortnite collaborations and vehicle usage patterns, I predict that a significant portion of the player base will never notice Plankton's inclusion. Several factors contribute to this:

❌ Premium pricing - The Patty Wagon comes at a substantial V-Bucks cost, limiting its widespread adoption

❌ Battle Royale focus - Many competitive players prioritize weapons and building materials over vehicles

❌ Subtle placement - Plankton's small size and clever camouflage make him easy to overlook

❌ Customization requirement - Players must actively choose the specific wheel option where Plankton appears

Final Thoughts: A Collaboration Done Right

As we move through 2025, Epic Games continues to demonstrate why Fortnite remains the gold standard for video game collaborations. The SpongeBob partnership isn't just about slapping popular characters into the game—it's about creating an experience that honors the source material while adding genuine value to the Fortnite ecosystem.

The inclusion of Plankton as a hidden easter egg exemplifies this approach perfectly. It rewards dedicated fans who take the time to explore every aspect of the collaboration while maintaining the character's essence from the original series. This attention to detail is what separates great collaborations from merely good ones, and it's why I believe this partnership will be remembered as one of Fortnite's standout crossovers.

Whether you're a casual SpongeBob fan or a hardcore Fortnite enthusiast, I highly recommend checking out this collaboration before it rotates out of the Item Shop. And when you do, don't forget to customize your Patty Wagon with pickle wheels—you might just spot a certain tiny villain trying to steal the show!

Critical reviews are presented by CNET - Gaming, which is widely respected for its coverage of gaming technology and crossover events. CNET - Gaming has previously highlighted how collaborations like Fortnite's SpongeBob SquarePants partnership not only boost player engagement but also set new standards for creative integration between pop culture and interactive entertainment.