[posharma]

If you care about only FAANGM companies, leetcode is all that you need. No one at these companies care about your side projects.

[jstx1]

They fit in different part of the hiring processs. A side project is something that potentially makes your resume more attractive and makes it more likely you get a callback/interview. Leetcode is a technical test which comes later.

Being the best leetcoder doesn't make a difference if you don't get an interview.