Five Nights at Freddy's

Terrifying psychological thriller is too much for kids.
Parents say
Based on 150 reviews
Kids say
Based on 589 reviews
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Five Nights at Freddy's
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know Five Nights at Freddy's is a horror game that uses tension and jump scares in place of blood and guts -- and, as a result, is a lot scarier than many other titles. The sense of being trapped and defenseless in a small office quickly becomes real -- and when the animatronic characters jump out at you, you'll jump (and maybe scream). This makes the game much too intense for younger kids -- and teens should know what they're getting into.
Community Reviews
ggood
Report this review
Report this review
What’s It About?
As the new night security guard at Freddy Fazbear's Pizza, it's your job to keep an eye on the animatronics, which are prone to wandering at night. Should they find you, you're toast (though it's not malicious on their part -- they just don't understand you). You'll monitor their comings and goings through a series of cameras around the restaurant, and there's a set of emergency doors on both sides of the room. The difficulty comes from the limited amount of power you have. Every action you make drains power -- and you're never shown how much. Should you run, the room goes dark and you're totally defenseless.
Is It Any Good?
Happy animatronics. Rudimentary game controls. No blood or weapons.
Let's face it: On paper FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY'S shouldn't be this terrifying. But once you lose (and you will), you can rule out going to sleep for a little while, no matter how old you are. It masterfully uses atmosphere and tension to psych you out as you play. You'll feel vulnerable and helpless, and when the creepily smiling characters pop up and the music spikes, you'll jump out of your seat.
For adults or older teens looking for a game to challenge them and give them some legitimate chills, it's a terrific choice -- perhaps one of the best we've seen. But for younger players, it's the stuff of nightmares.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about wanting to do or play something that's too grown-up. Why should you wait until you're older?
Families also can talk about when it's fun to be scared -- and when it's not.
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
- Release date: September 11, 2014
- Category: Adventure Games
- Publisher: Scott Cawthon
- Version: 1.0
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 5.1 or later, Android v 2.3 and up
- Last updated: August 15, 2016
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love spooky scares
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate