Quick answer
Companions are generally cosmetic. A free bird or companion shard is only available when a specific event grants it; there is no permanent universal free-unlock trick.
Check live event rewards
- Open Events and look for Companion, Shards or exchange shop.
- Read the requirement, region and expiry time.
- Count shards needed before spending event currency.
- Claim and equip from Inventory → Companion if unlocked.
Paid versus free
| Route | Cost | Reliability |
|---|---|---|
| Limited event | Time and missions | Only while event is live. |
| Shop / draw | UC or luck-based currency | Check exact probability and price. |
Current event status
No active October 2026 companion-shard event was independently verified here. The Events tab is the authoritative live source.
Sources and review
Reviewed 12 October 2026. Primary reference. Confirm live codes, prices, patch notes and account rules before publication.