Has your child started mentioning “the storm,” “the bus,” or building walls out of nowhere mid-conversation? Chances are they’re talking about Fortnite — one of the most talked-about games among kids and teens in recent years. If you’re not sure what it is, whether it’s suitable, or what you should be keeping an eye on, here’s what parents need to know.
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What is Fortnite?
Fortnite is a popular strategy survival game. It’s free to play, fast-moving, and has a light, silly sense of humour that appeals to a lot of kids. Well-known YouTubers have played and streamed it, which has helped fuel its popularity with younger audiences.
According to Epic Games, the studio behind Fortnite, the game features “one giant map, a battle bus, building skills and destructible environments combined with intense PvP combat — the last one standing wins.”
Fortnite is available across a range of platforms, including PC, consoles and mobile devices.
How does Fortnite work?
Fortnite combines resource collecting and building (a bit like Minecraft) with team-based survival and shooting gameplay.
In the Save The World mode, the main action is fighting off waves of enemies using weapons and melee combat, while also building fortifications with teammates.
The mode most kids are talking about, though, is Battle Royale — a free-to-play mode where up to 100 players compete against each other, with only one player or team left standing at the end.
While it looks like a straightforward shooting game, Fortnite actually encourages strategic thinking, planning ahead, and creativity through its building mechanics. It also has a strong collaborative side, with players teaming up and supporting each other. That said, it’s competitive and fast-paced, and because rounds don’t have natural pause points, kids can find it genuinely hard to stop when asked.
You might also want to read Is Your Child Playing Roblox?
What Parents Need to be Aware Of
You need to create an account
To play Fortnite, players must set up an account on the Epic Games website, providing an email address (which needs to be verified) and choosing a display name. Age is not required to set up the account, which is worth knowing.
It can be tricky to stop mid-game
Because of the competitive, fast-paced nature of the game, it’s genuinely difficult to pause or leave a match partway through. Rounds typically last up to around 20 minutes, so it helps to give your child advance warning before it’s time to stop, and to agree in advance that “stop time” really does mean stop time. (Expect at least one “just five more minutes.”)
Age rating
Fortnite carries a PEGI rating indicating it’s not suitable for children under 12, due to frequent scenes of mild violence. It’s worth remembering that this rating covers the game’s content only — it doesn’t take into account the fact that players can be exposed to strangers’ language or behaviour through voice or text chat during online play.
You’re playing against other people online
Fortnite is played online, which means your child could be matched with players of any age, anywhere in the world. You can’t choose who your child plays against, and voice/text chat with other players is a built-in part of the experience.
Sound is a big part of gameplay — being able to hear footsteps, for example — so most players use headphones. This can make it harder for parents to hear what’s being said to their child by other players. It’s worth setting up sound to come through a TV or speaker as well as headphones occasionally, so you can hear what’s going on.
One helpful feature: on consoles, players can join a private lobby with friends before starting a match, allowing them to mute other players and only communicate with people they actually know.
There are in-game purchases
Battle Royale itself is free to play, and players can unlock items just by playing. However, like many free games, Fortnite also offers optional paid content through a seasonal Battle Pass, which unlocks extra cosmetic items and challenges using the game’s in-game currency (V-Bucks).
Costs and pricing can change between seasons, so it’s worth checking current details directly with Epic Games or your platform’s store before agreeing to any purchases. The key thing for parents is to set clear ground rules with your child about in-game spending before they start playing.
Parental controls can help manage playtime
If your child plays Fortnite on a console, you can use built-in parental controls to limit session length.
Even without console-level controls, it helps to agree a set play session (for example, one hour) and use a timer, stopwatch or smart speaker reminder to signal when time’s up.
Similar games worth knowing about
If your child enjoys Fortnite, or you’re looking for alternatives, these games have a similar appeal:
- Minecraft (PEGI 7+)
- Roblox (PEGI 7+)
- Stardew Valley (PEGI 7+)
- Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime (PEGI 7+)
- Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 (PEGI 12+)
Tips for Parents if Your Child is Playing Fortnite
#1. Familiarise yourself with the game
As with any game your child is into, the best way to understand it is to try it yourself, even briefly.
#2. Stay nearby while they play
Where possible, play alongside your child, or at least stay close enough to see what they’re doing and who they’re interacting with.
#3. Talk about the risks
Make sure your child understands that adults, as well as other children, play Fortnite, and that they should be cautious with anyone they don’t know in real life.
#4. Set expectations around chat
If they’re playing Battle Royale mode, talk to them about online chat — the importance of not talking to strangers, and never sharing personal information, just as with any other online platform or app.
#5. Keep the internet safety conversation going
Remind your child to only accept friend requests from people they actually know, and to tell you straight away if they see anything upsetting or receive any inappropriate messages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fortnite suitable for young children?
Fortnite carries a PEGI 12 rating due to mild violence, meaning it’s designed for children aged 12 and up. Parents of younger children should weigh this up alongside the game’s online chat features, which aren’t covered by the age rating.
Can my child play Fortnite safely?
Fortnite can be played more safely with some simple steps: staying nearby while your child plays, using private lobbies with known friends, muting voice chat from strangers, and having regular conversations about not sharing personal information online.
Does Fortnite cost money to play?
The core game and Battle Royale mode are free to play. Optional extras, like the seasonal Battle Pass and cosmetic items, can be purchased using the game’s in-game currency. It’s worth agreeing spending rules with your child before they start.
What devices can Fortnite be played on?
Fortnite is available across a range of platforms, including PC and consoles, with mobile availability varying by region and store policy — it’s worth checking current platform availability before assuming it’s playable on a particular device.
Are there parental controls for Fortnite?
Yes. Most consoles offer built-in parental controls that let you limit session length and manage communication settings. Setting an agreed play time and using a timer at home is also a simple, effective way to manage sessions on any device.
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Enjoyed This Guide?
If you found this useful, take a look around for more parenting guides to the games and apps your kids love — it’s a great way to stay one step ahead. And if you’d like more tips like this delivered straight to your inbox, our free newsletter is a handy weekly roundup of ideas, competitions and offers for busy parents.
Over to you now — does your child play Fortnite? What are your thoughts on it?
