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Parents' Guide to

PK XD - Explore the Universe

By Amanda Bindel, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Kid-safe virtual world with in-app purchases.

App iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android Free to try Simulation Games
PK XD - Explore the Universe Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this app.

  • PK XD - Explore the Universe App: Screenshot #1
  • PK XD - Explore the Universe App: Screenshot #2
  • PK XD - Explore the Universe App: Screenshot #3
  • PK XD - Explore the Universe App: Screenshot #4
  • PK XD - Explore the Universe App: Screenshot #5

Community Reviews

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age 9+

Based on 12 parent reviews

hanintarek
hanintarek Parent of 6-year-old
September 15, 2022
age 6+
This game is absolutely great! I even play with my 6 year old kid. With every update it's even more fun! They always have a lot of updates and events going on. I really enjoy the game, and its completely safe for kids. My child plays this game everyday, its an obsession
Krisdg
Krisdg Adult
May 6, 2021
age 6+

Best game ever!

My son and daughter 8 and 13 love this game. To be honest I have even played. Also I made a mistake registering and lost all my daughter's things in the game, I got ahold of them and they responded and fixed everything. They were so kind. I'm so thankful for that. Keep up the good work guys, and we love all the fun updates. I just wish we didn't get the same pets sometimes, it seems like we keep getting the same pets we already have. That's my only complaint. Thank u!
See all 12 parent reviews

Privacy Rating Warning

  • Unclear whether personal information is sold or rented to third parties.
  • Personal information is shared for third-party marketing.
  • Unclear whether this product displays personalised advertising.
  • Unclear whether data are collected by third-parties for their own purposes.
  • Unclear whether this product uses a user's information to track and target advertisements on other third-party websites or services.
  • Unclear whether this product creates and uses data profiles for personalised advertisements.
Learn more about our privacy ratings

What’s It About?

Kids start PK XD - EXPLORE THE UNIVERSE by choosing a name (not their real name or anything the developers mark as inappropriate) and then design their avatar's skin, hair, and outfit. Some options cost in-app coins, which kids earn by playing every day and completing missions -- like delivering a pizza or gathering fruit. They can buy coins, too, with real money, which also disables ads. They then move on to their house where they can decorate and upgrade as well as visit other player's homes. There's also a school, a playground, and a huge pool to visit. Kids can chat with other players using pre-set phrases and emojis. If kids add friends to their list, it's easier to find them when they're both online.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (12 ):
Kids say (23 ):

This safer-for-kids virtual world has lots to explore and customize, but there are purchases. Kids who are interested in virtual worlds should easily find plenty to in PK XD - Explore the Universe. There are a variety of settings to hang out in, from schools and parks and towns. And there's lots to decorate, like outfits and homes. There are also lots of opportunities to make in-app purchases: Parents should be prepared to handle requests to spend real money. PK XD - Explore the Universe's restrictions on chat might frustrate kids, but the canned, pre-set language is a safe way to let them communicate. For example, kids can ask, "Where are you from?" but replies are limited to continents. It's disappointing that any user can enter your virtual home, but the limits on chat options helps make that more annoying than unsafe. Closing out of the app is tricky the first time, but kids just need to swipe from the line at the bottom of the screen. Given that virtual playgrounds are popular with kids, but aren't always safe spaces, PK XD - Explore the Universe strikes a good balance between creative exploration and safety.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about guidelines for adding "friends" in games like PK XD - Explore the Universe. Ask why the developer set it up so that kids can't chat in full conversations, what they can learn from that. Read our article on online playgrounds.

  • Discuss your family's approach to making in-app purchases. Are they okay? How much is okay? Who pays for them? Check out 5 Ways to Curb Kids' In-App Purchases for tips.

  • Talk about how kids feel connecting to others in virtual worlds versus the real world. How are the experiences different? Do they prefer one way over the other? Why?

App Details

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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.

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