Wondering if Fortnite is appropriate for your child? It’s one of the most popular video games among kids, but its age rating and safety features can be a big concern for parents. This guide explains the Fortnite age rating, safety concerns, and parental controls — so you can make an informed decision.
Fortnite is an online video game and gaming platform. Fortnite: Battle Royale is the most popular version: it’s a player-versus-player game available for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Windows, and Mac.
In Fortnite, the playing field is the game map, and the goal is to kill the other players and remain the last one standing. To stay alive, players collect weapons and build safe structures. In addition to being hunted by other gamers, players must avoid The Storm, a computer-generated force that damages all players outside of a safe zone.
Fortnite: Battle Royale propelled the game into a massive cultural phenomenon. It was released in 2017, but its influence remains strong today. If you’ve overheard your kid talking with their friends about “the quickest way to do 90’s” or getting “one pumped,” chances are they’re talking about Fortnite.
Fortnite is rated T for Teen (ages 13+) by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). Common Sense Media also recommends it for ages 13 and up.
However, Fortnite can be made safer for younger players with parental controls and supervision. If your 10-year-old wants to play Fortnite, there are ways to make it appropriate for them.
There is no profanity or crude language in the game itself. However, because of the open chat feature, kids may be exposed to the following risks:
If you want to avoid this, you can use parental controls to filter inappropriate language or turn off chat altogether. Show your child how to block, mute, and report other players, and explain why it’s important.
There is no sex and nudity in Fortnite.
Violence is a central focus of Fortnite. The main goal is to amass weapons and kill other players. However, this violence is tempered by its cartoonish nature. When players are defeated, they simply vanish from the screen.
If you do allow your child to play Fortnite (or any other violent video game), consider talking to them about the content and encouraging them to speak up if anything makes them feel uncomfortable.
Fortnite does have in-app purchases. The game uses a “freemium” model — it’s free to download and play, but users can spend real money on some of the following in-app purchases:
To prevent any unexpected surprises on your bank statement, it’s a good idea to use parental controls to require a pin for in-app purchases. You can do this through the Epic Games Store or through the settings on your child’s device.
The parental controls on Fortnite can be used to turn off voice and text chat, filter mature language, hide your child’s in-game name, and block in-app purchases.
You can also set privacy settings that control who can enter your child’s online friend group. We recommend the “Private” setting, which means no one can enter your child’s group without being invited. Talk to your child about the importance of only playing with people they know in real life, especially if they’re allowed to use the open chat feature.
You can also view reports to keep an eye on how much time your child is playing. Here are step-by-step instructions for setting up Fortnite parental controls.
Psst: Want to make sure your child stays safe while they’re online? BrightCanary helps parents monitor their child’s YouTube, Google searches, social media, and text messages. Get alerts for concerning content so you can step in when needed. Download the free app today.
It depends on your child's maturity level and their ability to follow rules and restrictions. Preview Fortnite yourself to determine if it’s appropriate for your child.
As with any new content your child wants to engage with, it's essential for parents to take a proactive approach in understanding the game. Establish clear guidelines around gameplay, such as filtering mature language and ensuring your child only plays with friends they know in real life.
If your kid gets really invested in Fortnite, you’ll also want to consider the other content they’ll consume. Even if their own gaming experience is age-appropriate, they may watch playthrough videos on YouTube that feature other people having more violent, and potentially inappropriate, experiences on Fortnite.
Setting these boundaries can help make Fortnite a more positive experience for your child, fostering responsible gaming habits while allowing them to enjoy the social and strategic aspects of the game.
Fortnite is rated T for Teen (13+), but it may be suitable for younger children with parental controls enabled to restrict chat and in-app purchases.
Fortnite features cartoon-style violence that may not bother teens, but younger players may still need supervision.
Parents can disable chat, filter language, limit purchases, and monitor playtime via Fortnite’s built-in parental controls.
Fortnite is generally safe for tweens and teens, but parents should use parental controls to shield their children from unwanted interactions with strangers. Additionally, it’s crucial to consider the game's mild violence when determining if it's suitable for your family.
Heads up: While BrightCanary doesn’t monitor Fortnite, the app covers the other places children can be at risk, including text messages and social media. Download the app and get started for free today.
