Filbuddy

Filbuddy
Fanart by @Skullinkz
GENERAL
Bugsnax
Character	Filbo Fiddlepie
Character	The Journalist
Canonical?	Fanon
Status of Relationship	Best Friends/Former Neighbors
IN FANDOM
Type (?)	Non-binary
Tropes	Hair Contrast Duo - Depending on the player's choice on personal customization Lonely Together A Friend in Need

Filbuddy is the non-binary ship between Filbo Fiddlepie and The Journalist from the Bugsnax fandom.

Canon

Filbo is the first grumpus that the Journalist meets when they arrive on Snacktooth Island. Originally mistaking them for Elizabert Megafig, Filbo introduces himself after the Journalist finds him something to eat. He tells them that he is the stand-in mayor of Snaxburg while Lizbert is away and leads the Journalist back to town. When they make it back to Snaxburg, Filbo sends the Journalist a letter thanking them for their help and gifts them some furniture for their hut.

Filbo then asks the Journalist if they could try and convince the other grumps to return to Snaxburg. Once enough of them have come back, Filbo throws them a welcome home party that only the Journalist seems to appreciate. When the party ends in a fight, Filbo tells the Journalist that he is still grateful they brought them all back and convinces them to eat some snax, which the Journalist is allergic to. They collapse and wake up to a guilty looking Filbo, who apologises.

During 'Ghost Stories', the Journalist helps Filbo figure out what is scaring the other grumps, which turns out to be Chandlo. During 'Snaxburg Isn't Safe', Filbo reassures the Journalist that they are doing a great job gathering the other grumps. Once every grumpus has returned to Snaxburg, Filbo throws a huge party to celebrate being back together. He thanks the Journalist for all their hard work and tells them he will miss them when they return home. The party is interrupted by a volcanic eruption and the return of Eggabell, who asks Filbo and the Journalist to help her save Lizbert. They find Lizbert, who tells them the truth about Bugsnax and urges them to leave the island.

Upon returning to Snaxburg, the Journalist is tasked with saving everyone from the snax, starting with Filbo. He shows faith in the journalist and trusts that they can bring everyone to the boat safely. If anyone dies during the battle, Filbo will express his sorrow before urging the Journalist to get on so they can leave. Once they make it to New Grump City, Filbo asks the Journalist if he can stay with them until the snax wear off, to which they agree. He accompanies them to their boss' office, where they get fired for going to Snaktooth Island.

Quotes

“You. Are. A. Lifesaver, Buddy! Sorry, I was too busy dying to introduce myself. I'm Filbo Fiddlepie.”

— Filbo, when he first meets the Journalist

“Thanks for being here, buddy.”

— Filbo, during 'Minor Celebration'

“I'm lucky I've got a friend like you to keep my courage up!”

— Filbo's letter, after 'Ghost Stories'

“None of this would've been possible without you, Buddy. I know you have to go back for your job eventually, but I'd sure miss you if you left.”

— Filbo, during 'Major Celebration'

Fanon

Although there is no romantic interactions between the pair in-game, many fans still ship these two together. Filbo is instantly friendly towards the Journalist, whereas the other grumps require tasks doing for them before they begin to trust the Journalist. They shows Filbo more trust and respect than most of the grumps, and Filbo remains faithful in the Journalist's abilities until the end.

Filbuddy is the most popular fanon ship in Bugsnax, and currently has over 50 stories on AO3.

Fandom

FAN FICTION

Filbo/The Journalist tag on AO3

Filbo & The Journalist tag on AO3

TUMBLR

Filbuddy tag on Tumblr

Trivia

• Throughout the game, Filbo refers to the Journalist as "buddy", which is where their ship name comes from.
• Eggabell also refers to the Journalist as "Filbo's buddy" upon her return to Snaxburg.
• They are a non-binary pairing, due to the Journalist having no established gender.