Fortnite: How Old You Need to Be to Play

How Old You Need to Be to Play Fortnite

Fortnite is easily one of the most popular games of this generation, and chances are you or someone you know may want to get in on the craze. If you’re buying the game for someone on the younger side though, it’s worth considering how old you need to be to play Fortnite.

For those who haven’t played the game themselves, Fortnite is fairly straightforward. Originally a player vs. environment game, the title is now best known for its online battle royale mode, wherein players duke it out and struggle to be the last man standing in an ever-shrinking arena.

To survive, players must track down weapons and resources scattered across the map to blast through their competition. They can also craft structures to fortify their defenses or get a better view of unsuspecting players. The last player, or group of cooperating players, left alive is the winner.

Simple and easy to learn, most anyone of any age could play Fortnite with ease. However, there are elements that parents may not find suitable for children 12 or younger.

Like every game on the market today, Fortnite has a rating given by the ESRB. By their rating system, it’s rated T for teen based on mild fantasy violence, mild language, and suggestive themes.

This is a generally accurate rating of potentially inappropriate content. While the violence is cartoonish and nowhere near as bad as titles like Grand Theft Auto, God of War or Doom, it is a constant and the bulk of the actual gameplay.

That said, the fantasy violence is the only relevant concern when it comes to the Fortnite’s main attraction, the battle royale mode. The language and suggestive themes are negligent and apply more to the game’s story mode.

As such, it comes down to the parent or buyer’s discretion. If the person playing is under 13 years of age and their parents wouldn’t want them to see all the fantasy violence, they shouldn’t play it. If their parents or guardians believe they are mature enough, or the player is above 13, they should be good to play.

It’s worth noting, however, that playing online with others in a Duos or Squads game could result in you hearing offensive language from other players. This is always something to consider when playing online games or deciding whether your child should be able to play an online title.

Hopefully, this clears up how old you need to be to play Fortnite. For more on the game, check out the recent in-game cameo made by Wreck-it Ralph in the Risky Reels location on the map. Alternatively, check out our Fortnite Season 6 guide wiki for tips, tricks, and guides to help you through all of the weekly challenges and more.