The Fortnite frenzy seemed to come out of nowhere -- almost as if it dropped from a party bus in the sky. This survival-action game is a bit like what you'd get if you combined a sandbox-building game like Minecraft with an action shooter like Call of Duty. On one hand, kids and parents appreciate Fortnite's emphasis on teamwork and thoughtful collaboration. On the other hand, it is a combat-based game with tons of guns and violence. With Fortnite's millions of players and sudden success, you might be wondering: What's it all about -- and is it OK for my kids?
Read Common Sense Media's full review of Fortnite, and learn more about how it works. Then find answers below to parents' most frequently asked questions about the game and how to use it safely.
What is Fortnite?
What is Fortnite: Battle Royale?
Do you play by yourself or with a team in Fortnite: Battle Royale?
What if I’m not ready for the action of Battle Royale?
What is Save the World?
Why is my kid so interested in playing Fortnite?
Is Fortnite appropriate for kids?
Is Fortnite too violent for kids?
What age should kids be to play Fortnite?
How much does Fortnite cost?
Are there microtransactions in Fortnite?
What are Fortnite Seasons?
What are Fortnite Live Events?
What platforms can you play Fortnite on?
How is Fortnite related to Twitch?
Can players chat with each other in Fortnite: Battle Royale?
How do you turn off voice chat in Fortnite: Battle Royale?
How long is a match of Fortnite: Battle Royale?
How do I manage screen time for my kids when they're playing Fortnite?
Is Fortnite addictive?
What is Fortnite?
Fortnite is a video game for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Windows, Mac, and mobile that takes elements from sandbox-building games and adds the fast-paced action of a third-person shooter. There are two modes to the game: a solo version called Save the World and the hugely popular multiplayer version called Battle Royale.
What is Fortnite: Battle Royale?
If your kids say they're playing Fortnite, they're probably talking about Battle Royale, the free-to-play multiplayer offshoot of Fortnite. In this version, up to 100 people participate in a match together. Players are dropped onto the game map and must compete to be the last one standing by killing every other player in the game. During the game, players collect weapons, build safe structures, and try to avoid the Storm that damages all players outside of a safe zone. Unlike the Save the World version, there aren't any zombies to kill, which makes it a less scary version to play. However, players can buy items to make themselves look like a zombie or another creepy character.
Do you play by yourself or with a team in Fortnite: Battle Royale?
There are three modes of play in Battle Royale: Solo, Duo, and Squad. In Solo mode, you're dropped into the game alone. In Duo, you're dropped in with a partner. In Squad mode, you play on a team of four. Duos and Squads can either be friends choosing to play together or randomly matched players. All players in a match are playing in the same mode.
What if I'm not ready for the action of Battle Royale?
Don't worry if you’ve never played Fortnite or a Battle Royale game before. Playground mode lets players get used to the mechanics of the game without the pressure of fighting other gamers. So, if you’re rusty with a particular gun, need to practice building structures, or even want to try out the vehicles like golf carts, planes, or boats without being shot, this is the mode for you. Playground sessions are limited to a maximum of four players, and you can even put everyone on the same team to eliminate the possibility of friendly fire.
What is Save the World?
Save the World is the traditional solo campaign in the game Fortnite. Unlike in Battle Royale, where players compete against each other, players in the Save the World mode are survivors of an apocalyptic storm where the few remaining humans must band together to defeat creepy zombie-like creatures called husks.
Why is my kid so interested in playing Fortnite?
There are many reasons why Fortnite has taken off with kids. One is that it combines two other genres that are big winners with young gamers. Another is that it has a more cartoonish look than some other more gory video games, so younger gamers are drawn to it. Kids can play with friends in Duos and Squads, creating a more social element. (Read about a mom whose son made friends on Fortnite when he moved to a new town.) And popular YouTube and Twitch gamers like DanTDM have also taken to playing the game on streaming sites. Plus, in the case of Battle Royale, it's free (although it does have in-app purchases -- more on that below).
Is Fortnite appropriate for kids?
For some parents, the cartoonish, bloodless style of the action in Fortnite makes the violence less problematic than the aggressive gore in other popular shooter games. But the game's online chat feature -- especially in Battle Royale -- could expose younger players to offensive language or mature content from random strangers. Common Sense doesn't recommend games with open chat for kids under 13, but with the right controls and parental guidance, this can be a tween-friendly alternative to violent first-person shooters.
Is Fortnite too violent for kids?
Fortnite: Battle Royale is loaded with violence, but it's all cartoonish, rather than bloody or gory. Since the object is to be the last one standing, you'll constantly shoot other players and dodge fatal storms. However, there's no blood; defeated enemies simply vanish. But those seeking a less violent -- and more social -- play experience can find it in the weapon-free Party Royale section, which you choose when you log in for a session. Introduced in May 2020, partly in response to the shelter-in-place orders due to the coronavirus pandemic, Party Royale has no killing and dying. Instead, the environment is more conducive to exploring environments while chit-chatting with friends and other players.
What age should kids be to play Fortnite?
Common Sense recommends Fortnite for teens 13 and up, primarily because of the open chat and action violence.
How much does Fortnite cost?
Players can currently download and play Fortnite: Battle Royale for free. The current cost of Fortnite: Save the World is $39.99, although the developer, Epic Games, has suggested it will make it free or discounted some time in the future.
Are there microtransactions in Fortnite?
Even within the free-to-play version, there are frequent opportunities for players to spend real money on items in the game. Fortnite encourages purchases such as upgrades to editions such as Deluxe and Super Deluxe, as well as in-game currency called V-Bucks to buy bonus items. (Learn how online scammers lure kids into buying fake V-Bucks.) There's also the Premium Battle Pass, a $10 subscription that lets players compete on more levels and win exclusive game skins/costumes (although players can now compete in special promotions earn a free Battle Pass).
What are Fortnite Seasons?
Unlike other multiplayer games, Battle Royale has a storyline, which results in frequent additions of new content to the game referred to as a new "season." Seasons seem to update approximately every 10 weeks, and 10 seasons make up a chapter. You'll begin to see clues to the updates during the current season, usually to encourage players to purchase the next season's Battle Pass. Many of these new elements, such as skins and costumes for characters, simply serve to keep the game fresh and exciting. But others introduce completely game-changing features. You might see a brand-new game map (without major features you're used to playing with), new teleportation rifts (to let you travel to new places), and new ways you can appear to other players (such as the ability to become invisible).
What are Fortnite Live Events?
Epic Games, Fortnite's developer, is full of surprises that attract new audiences while keeping existing fans coming back. The platform's live events, which are often tied to a feature in the game, have been huge hits -- attracting tens of millions of viewers (not just players) around the world. Some of the most popular events include concerts, such as ones by Marshmello, Travis Scott, and Diplo, as well as in-game promotional launches, such as director J.J. Abrams' release of an exclusive Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker trailer in advance of the movie. Some of these events are scheduled and some are spontaneous. If your kid's into Fortnite, they'll probably hear the buzz and want to tune in. Events tend to be family-friendly and are listed in the news section of the Fortnite site.
How is Fortnite connected to Twitch?
Some kids aren't only playing Fortnite -- they're watching other people, including celebrities like Drake, play it on Twitch. Twitch is a social media platform for gamers where they can livestream themselves playing popular video games, including Fortnite. Livestreaming can be unpredictable, so make sure to check out which gamers kids are watching, and if kids say they want to livestream themselves, carefully consider the risks.
Can players chat with each other in Fortnite: Battle Royale?
There is live, unmoderated chat possible between users in the console and PC versions of Fortnite: Battle Royale. Both voice chat and on-screen text chat are options. This exposes players to random strangers and the likelihood of profanity.
How do you turn off voice chat in Fortnite: Battle Royale?
Open the Settings menu in the top right of the main Fortnite page by selecting the three bars, then the cog icon. Choose the Audio tab at the top of the screen. From there, you can adjust several audio features, including voice chat. Turn the setting from on to off by tapping the arrows.
How long is a match of Fortnite: Battle Royale?
Each match in Battle Royale lasts about 20 minutes, although players who are killed early play for less time.
How do I manage screen time for my kids when they're playing Fortnite?
When each match only takes 20 minutes, it's easy to fall into the trap of "just one more" -- sort of how you end up binge-watching an entire season of Stranger Things. But you can take advantage of the quick matches by using them as a natural stopping point in gameplay. Some kids benefit from using a timer, limiting themselves to a certain number of matches per day, or using one of these tips for finding a balance between gaming and other activities.
Is Fortnite addictive?
The game has many elements that make it compelling to play, from characters with fun outfits and dances to always-changing weapons, landscapes, and challenges. And for kids who play with friends, the social and competitive aspects are hard to resist. But true addiction is a different story. Many researchers think it's possible to be addicted to video games. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have identified a condition called internet gaming disorder (IGD), which they say could be a kind of addiction, though more research is still needed. But IGD is rare and may be tied to other conditions such as depression and ADHD.
Jeff Haynes, senior editor, web and video games, contributed to this story.
Adult written by Kieran McKnight
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Teen, 13 years old written by anime gamer
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Adult written by I love 02
Kid, 9 years old
Books vs. Fortnite
Book rating: 100% awesome!
Fortnite rating: 100% awful. And no I'm not a helicopter parent lying about my age.
Teen, 13 years old written by cons9996812 all u do is try to win i think it is stupid. but that is ME
Teen, 13 years old written by NoxieBear in fortnite, there is a whole story, that is actually very thorough. You say it like it's so bland and just a trash game. but it's not. each update, or season, there are new weapons and a new part of the story is added. i personally love it. (And "The Device" event was very cool.) Also, don't diss fortnite because the developers work very hard on it.
Adult written by Um no im not go... Fortnite bad- 99+
Teen, 13 years old written by NoxieBear if it is bad, why do 11* MILLION people play it a DAY? And please don't reply saying that it is "dying" either. Because it's NOT. And if you think so, check your math, wait a few years until it actually IS dying, and then come talk to me.
Teen, 13 years old written by Izzy2Fresh 11million play it a day bc there’s these people called fort nite virgins that have no life and play the game too much
Teen, 13 years old written by cons9996812 i agree, um no im not go...
Teen, 13 years old written by cons9996812 i agreewith u
Adult written by Instinct Fortnite is a very addictive game for anyone non-violent and very easy to play, Yes you get shot at and shoot at people and some rare occasions get bashed with a pickaxe but there is no gore blood or any inappropriate content I would rate this game 8+, I know just cause there is no blood doesn't make it ok but all the graphics are cartoony though and you dont have to let your kids play but i would say let them play with a time limit and if not let em play another game
Teen, 13 years old written by Valkyrie512b I know that some parents are not into letting their kids play any shooting game, which is totally fine. Fortnite can become addictive, but then again so can any other video games. I realize that there is violence in the game but there is also no blood. Your kid most likely will want to get a battle pass. In the game there is currency known as V-bucks (which you have to pay for) this allows you to buy emotes, skins, harvesting tools, etc... I recommend buying a pack which comes with a skin,V-bucks, backpack, and harvesting tool that way you don't have to spend as money and you have at least a little currency in the game. When you level you will gain rewards (sometimes) this might include V-bucks. If you save them you could get a battle pass.
written by RainbowBunny9 Fortnite is great, very fun and quite addictive. I'd recommend only letting your kid play for 1-2 hours a day, otherwise they may get obsessed. The only complaint I have is Fortnite advertises John Wick movies (which are 15+) and some little kids may be playing Fortnite and they also are planning to advertise the best TV show in the world (Stranger Things) on the 4th Of July 2019 and you will be able to purchase the Demigorgon skin, which is a monster that terrorizes Hawkins and gruesomely slays people. I am so excited for 4th July! Thanks EpicGames and The Duffer Brothers. You rock! :)
Kid, 12 years old
Mate, first of all, they're advertising the John Wick movies because they're doing a partnership and making a John Wick skin. Second of all, no little kids should be playing fortnite, and third of all... YOUR RIGHT! STRANGER THINGS IS THE BEST TV SHOW ON THIS PLANET!!
Teen, 13 years old written by Izzy2Fresh Bruh your prolly one of dem lil kids playing fortnite, and stranger things is lit
Kid, 11 years old
Fortnite is also on Nintendo Switch. I play it on that.
Adult written by lescola My kid plays fortnite on an iPad. I have not let him use a mic b/c I'm worried about the chat with 100 strangers! I'm wondering if he's playing squads or duos if her can just talk/hear them.
Teen, 13 years old written by anime gamer First i recommend your kid not playing with ppl bc one time someone to kill myself because i wasnt good and also on the settings bar you can mute them.
Teen, 15 years old written by pajamaboy Ok. I see your concerns but you don't quite have the concept down. You are NEVER chatting with 100 people, thats just how many players are in the game. If your kid is playing solos, he is talking to nobody. If it's duos, he is talking with one other person. If it's squads, it's 2-3 others. There is a "fill" option that allows for random people to fill in empty slots. So if your kid is playing squads fill, he is talking with up to 3 random people.
Teen, 13 years old written by MELANINgoddessT The chat parties (communication, etc. through a mic) can be set to where you can only speak with those you have added as friends.
Teen, 13 years old written by Hi Hello Whatsup No need to worry you can only communicate via voice/text chat with people who are on your team and if you dont like strangers just tell your kid to play with friends! Also there isn't really a point in trying to prevent kids from learning or hearing swear words because the reality is you cant protect your kids forever. My parents know this and they just tell me not to, If someone is bugging them just tell your kid to leave the game and join another. Glad to help -Alex
Adult written by kezar12 Fortnite is software-based, so can change. Makers should change it to make it real-world healthy: kid players only play in kid skins, gun access is limited, and players are eliminated by deaths, hospitalizations, or arrests for crimes such as killing each other. Moreover, once eliminated, it should not be possible to view any further video until the next match.
Teen, 13 years old written by Hi Hello Whatsup I think your idea of a battle royale is rather delusional. They aren't going to change the concept of the game for one person.
written by RainbowBunny9 Fortnite is completely fine. It is a fun game with positive messages and teamwork. I am an avid Fortnite player and it is incredibly fun. Also Fortnite is quite addictive so maybe only let your kid play for 1 or 2 hours a day. Some people are saying that the Fortnite skins are inappropriate, but that`s not true. Some of the female skins have short skirts, but that`s about it. Fortnite is awesome...anyone can play it. If anyone has any questions, just ask in the reviews below and I`ll answer them. Fortnite is a great game and is EPIC! :)
Adult written by Alice12 . Try apex legends or pubg , even though pubg is sort of a dead game. I still would recommend it lmao.
Teen, 13 years old written by bestglazna Apex legends I could understand, but PUBG is more "bloody"... I've played all three, and they are fun, but PUBG is the worst for kids.... and for Fortnite, I honestly think it should be rated E10+.
Every game has a rating, and there is a purpose for that, so that whoever can see what age range should be playing it...
I play COD and stuff like that, but that is because my parents are fine with that, just as long as I don't friend every random person I play with. Anyways, for kids in like 10-13, Apex or fortnite is the best option
Kid, 10 years old
Fortnite is very appropriate, for all you parents wondering. No blood, the just dissolve in pixels. Nothing inappropriate, no naked parts in skins, no inappropriate skins. I recommend you just go watch a gameplay on YT yourself, so you can decide. I do recommend you turn of chat, though. I think you don’t want your child kidnapped so tell them to tell you if anyone they don’t know asks them to meet up in real life. Nothing else that could possibly be very bad, like I said just check it out for your self. I think mobile would probably be a good start if you don’t wanna get an expensive console. Have a good day/night! ❤️
Kid, 12 years old
I’ll never understand battle royale, it’s basically FFA but with 100 to lag your internet.
I understand Save the World gamemode, since I’m a big fan of PvE games.
Teen, 15 years old written by Dimondcrusher11 Fortnight is a horrible game as the save the world mode (witch is not a bad CONCEPT) is largely swept under the rug by the somehow more popular Battle Royale mode witch to my knowledge is the only part that epic games are working on. The graphics are beyond horrible and the gun play is excruciating as long ranged weapon like sniper rifles and the like are give not working patches only making the 90° rotation drop to a 60° drop. This also has another problem as people can’t play multiple role like a sniper, mela user, or a medic in group settings making only people how use weapons like assault rifles and and shotguns. And if you’re comfortable using just a shotgun well to bad and from my experience you rarely get the weapon you want in a version that isn’t gray ranked. Well what about explosives you might be thinking but I’m here to crush those ideas as the explosion ether don’t do enough damage take to long to detonate or aren’t thrown far enough and you have to run the other way to avoid taking damage.
Teen, 13 years old written by Hi Hello Whatsup Hey buddy, Sounds like someone with a fake name and age we can tell your some parent
Teen, 14 years old written by TheMarioFan dead game
Kid, 12 years old
About that...
Teen, 17 years old written by xd Flunkyy omg omg omg I just chucked my pc out the window and my dad is asking what happened but he hasn't noticed that my pc is gone yet what should I do
btw i came second if you're wondering.
Teen, 13 years old written by anime gamer my uncle threw his mic out the window-
Parent written by Shalini P. Wow! Do you really mean it. What made you chuck the PC? Just because you came in second? Do you realize this is not real life, it is just a game. In games, you win sometimes and sometimes you lose. What did your dad say?
Kid, 11 years old
SAY SOMEONE STOLE IT LOL!!!
Adult written by lhartness Thank you so much for posting this review today. The notice of it just hit my email, and I am literally trying to decide how Fortnite is going to fit into my son's life today. This has been quite helpful. Thanks!!
Kid, 11 years old
I never got this game yet but I think that people who are playing this should know that guns are a danger. There is a study that says that most people who play violent games were ALREADY violent. It is not the game's fault that there is violent content. It is bad parenting to let a young child play games like shooters in the first place without teaching them how dangerous the content is.
Teen, 13 years old written by Izzy2Fresh Lmao imagine, I’ve been playing call of duty since I first knew abt it which was the regular “ call of duty” and it never changed me
Adult written by brokenhalosc012 there billions of studies saying that violence and video games have no correlation
Parent written by Shalini P. Can you share a few here? If you can't, then please don't make irresponsible comments.
Teen, 13 years old written by xBARCODEx yes
Teen, 14 years old written by Brittain__davis I sorta agree but lots of the kids are older that are playing Fortnite (Ninja, Faze members,etc) The kids that are playing (including me) we don’t really focus on guns in the game (“yeah we’re gonna shoot them up in real life”) we know (as teenagers) that guns can be dangerous. My younger brother basically started out on the “Call Of Duty” franchise and he also plays Fortnite, he understands that guns and other weapons can be dangerous. I feel like with everything going on in classrooms and in the world, lots of younger kids know that guns can be dangerous and that you shouldn’t play around with them. So personally I think If the parent monitors Fortnite, it’s not as dangerous as everyone thinks it is.
Adult written by Heh267 Reading these reviews and watching parts of this game cements our concern and decision for our son. Everyone has it he says but we are standing by our morals and not allowing him to play. The little good such as building forts and teamwork does not in any way change our opinion nor outweigh the violence and messages the game gives out. We are older parents with a lifetime of wisdom in not choosing this game. Conviction is strong and we can not go against that. Standing alone perhaps but standing strong in the Lord. I urge other parents to do the same. In the long run your kids will appreciate it and learn to stand against the tide also. Our son is learning to appreciate our wisdom and learning his own. He.s ok with not having it and understands. Standing alone he is but building character instead. We can t stand against guns in schools or elsewhere and sit by allowing our kids to play such a game. Gamers are smart and know what they are doing by creating these type games. Free is not really free. There's always a catch.
Parent written by Shalini P. I know I am in the same place and sometimes it is very hard to parent a child who is the only one among his friends who's not allowed. The peer pressure is just very strong. But I am sticking to it. Standing alone is never easy. I absolutely agree that free is not really free. The game designers use tactics and hooks used by casinos to make people want to come back again and again. It is addiction plain and simple. There is release of dopamine (a pleasure causing hormone), just like drug addicts, alcoholics, smokers and gamblers. Video games, social media and YouTube are no different. Youtube may be the only one with some good content which unfortunately gets lost in the poor quality content. No one can convince me about the merits of any of these until the owners of these platforms can design safety checks in them.
Kid, 12 years old
Can't you just let your kid spend a few bucks on Fortnite? Also, you say gamers are smart, but you do not trust your own child. Studies have shown that guns in games do not cause violence. You're just taking Walmart's side.
Parent written by Shalini P. Would love to see these studies and the source of their data. An article on an online platform does not make their claims true. Many people are writing articles without properly investing the time to look at data. I will believe otherwise until you can prove to me that these studies are authentic.
Adult written by overprotectivep... Atheist for life
Adult written by csmchv I respectfully disagree with your stance on this game. Creativity is the least taught skill in education, and this game feeds a child's creativity like few other. If you want to develop your childs creative side, I couldn't think of a better way. Sure you could tell them to read books, but imagine the respect that they would have for you if you let them do what they actually wanted and play the game.
While I agree that standing alone on issues is good, withholding things like this cartoon game - and it is, you will never see blood, and is no more violent then some Looney Tunes cartoons - will increase the risk of your child rebelling, or sneaking opportunities to play this game, which increases the chances of your child lying to you. If they really want to play this game, and all of their friends are playing it, are you going to let them visit their friends? If so, that is what they are doing there, if not, they will lose friends.
In my opinion, the best way to avoid your child growing up in a culture that isn't infatuated with guns is to simply stop watching the news. That is all they talk about.
Since the creation of firearms there have been toy versions of the same, even sticks have been used as guns by kids. Computer games didn't invent gun games, and they certainly didn't invent gun violence. There is blood on many other hands for that.
Parent written by Shalini P. Video games are the last thing that teach creativity. It is a misnomer that people use to justify their addiction to video games. If letting a child play video games is your path to earning their respect, you're going down the wrong path. And it is not respect you'll earn. You need to seriously take some parenting classes if you are letting them self-destruct out of your fear of facing rebellion, sneaking and lying. Open communication is very important. Even if your child has lied to you in the past, don't let that scare you into making decisions to please the child every single time. Lastly, I really don't see your point about gun violence. Just because "there is blood on many other hands", is it ok to allow our children to play violent video games?
Adult written by GracieLeafBeard I would like to respectfully say that there are a lot of good, fun, soothing, and appropriate video games, such as Animal Crossing or Mario. Otherwise I am really enjoying watching you make comments to the whiny Fortnite kids.
written by RainbowBunny9 Parents: listen to this. Fortnite is a sweet and funny game, a great way to communicate and play with your friends, and have fun. You might think that it`s violent, it IS, but it`s honestly not gory, there`s no blood, no swearing and only animated guns. You don`t slam to the ground when you die, a drone evaporates you into the air and your weapons appear on the ground for the other people to pick up. You can get spray paint, which is a picture on the ground. You can unlock new spray paint throughout the game. Also there are emotes. These are dances. You must of heard of Take The L! It`s a hilarious dance, used in the world. You can earn V-Bucks by getting kills and completing challenges. You can spend them on skins, dances, axes and gliders. You can kill people with axes, but it`s no more violent than shooting something. If you monitor how much your kids are playing, it`s fine. Sure, you can buy things in Store in Fortnite, but if you click on purchase, you have to type in a password. if you don't want your kids to buy things, then just choose a password that they don't know. It`s online, of course, but you don't have to chat to your team. You can disable chat (google How Do I Disable Chat In Fortnite?) so you can`t talk to anyone. Also you can only talk if you have a headset, and they cost quite a lot. People usually watch Fortnite gamers on YouTube - you know, Ninja, Myth, Lachlan, LoserFruit - who are all really skilled players but sometimes use bad language, so just check what they are going to watch before they watch it. Thanks for reading this, and I just want you to know that Fortnite is an absolutely AMAZING game! :)
Kid, 11 years old
I agree. Children should be monitored when playing Fortnite. I never played it before but I saw the trailer, it looks safe when watched under supervision.
Adult written by fartface burito wow this game is soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo bad bad infowece and just wow cant belive peeps like this game
Teen, 13 years old written by anime gamer i can see ur a child.No adult has their user like that nice try bro
Kid, 12 years old
to fix you on save the world: you can play it up to 4 players
Adult written by Lavo How when playing fortnite do I get thanos mode
Adult written by Dawna Bond Is they a way I can tell how much time my child is spending on Fortnight like for the month of July let’s say?
Teen, 13 years old written by Fireball Slinger If he/she plays on an Xbox, there’s a way you can see their hours on ALL games sent to you through email. However I’m not sure how to do this but you could Google it.
Parent written by MsResearch Hi,
I’m an adult sibling who helps out a lot with my brother, who’s going on ten, so I spend a lot of time on this site doing research for the benefit of the family. I’m wondering if there would be a difference in age recommendation between Battle Royale and Save the World, because my brother plays Battle Royale and is planning on begging our parents to purchase enough v-bucks for him to get Save the World tomorrow.
From pictures online, I see the husks as up-to-interpretation. Upon close inspection they are indeed cartoonish and silly-looking, but when you zoom out and let your imagination start to fill in the blanks they get a bit creepier, and could certainly give kids with a tendency to ruminate some nightmare inspiration.
Our main concern so far has been making sure that he only connects with pre-existing friends and understands that internet aggression and betrayal (like in Battle Royale) is easy to commit but harder to get over on the receiving end, how how to do so, and the importance of keeping frustration from translating into mean-ness, BUT I do not want the creepiness to affect his ability to sleep comfortably at night.
Whew, that was longer winded than I expected. I would love to hear your input on this!
:D
Parent written by Shalini P. Wow! I recently saw a video of a dad's description of how he lost his 12 year old son to COVID-19. The boy used to play a lot of Fortnite. He was one of the best. He threw his controller in anger at his large screen once to break it. Something was causing him a lot of anger and frustration while playing the game, which was not addressed. One day the boy killed himself while playing Fortnite. I can't even imaging the pain of the parents. Your comment above does make me think however whether this incident was due to some of the things you've said. It is easy to blame a pandemic when the underlying cause might be completely different.
Teen, 13 years old written by Rayfossi I don’t think fortnite is actually violent , at the end it’s gingerbread man shooting an astronaut, and there is no blood , it is a fun way for friends to communicate and play with each other, it is also creative, I’m gonna give you playground mode for example , u can build anything with the resources you have , but the only bad thing is that all skins are bought with v bucks which is bought with real money , so I would say that it’s for 10+
Teen, 13 years old written by Hi Hello Whatsup Nice lazarBeam reference lol
Adult written by ROBERT H. Does anyone know if you can select who you are allowed to speak to in the Voice Chat part of Fortnite. My son really wants the headphones to talk to his friends, but I really don't want him conversing with 50 other strangers. Is there some sort of Friends Only setting for theVoice Chat?
Teen, 13 years old written by Hi Hello Whatsup Simple answer. Imaging 50 people talking at once. Decipherable, Also you can talk to maximum 3 other friends
written by RainbowBunny9 You can just make your party invite only so you can invite your friends to play with you and no one random can join the chat
Kid, 12 years old
you can talk only with your team
Parent of a 2-year-old written by gilroy1414 If he is playing "Squads" with his friends it will only allow him to talk to his own squad on the mic
Teen, 13 years old written by Rayfossi Hey , I’m he can make a party or invite his friends to the game and so he will only be talking with his friends , but u can never have more than 3 people talking to u , so there isn’t a 50 people voice chat , and if he is playing with people he’s doesn’t know, he can mute them , easy game bro
Kid, 10 years old
I think that voice chat is always for friends only, so don’t worry.
Parent written by curtisw1 I believe you can turn off the sound / mic for individual players when playing in squad mode, my eldest child routinely does this on PS4 for players he doesn’t know, so he only can hear his friends
This is probably the best way to allow the function of talking to friends over internet without risk of grooming mentioned above
Parent written by Mabel63 Thank-you for your article. I'd like to mention the "scamming" aspect of the Save the World game, where players that are "scammers" can trick players out of their weapons and other items they have worked hard for. There are even some you tube videos out there where the scammer records the other players basically crying for their stuff back. Just something to caution kids about when they are playing the social mode.
Teen, 17 years old written by RobotPuppy4 Hi! Just so you know, you don't work hard for weapons. Most of the time its just chance if you get a Legendary AR or a Common Pistol. Also, you cannot give V-Bucks (The in-game currency) or skins to people, so it's your fault if you fall for a Free V-Bucks scam, or something like that. Also, there is no online multiplayer (With non-friends) in Save the World. And your weapons don't save. When the round ends, poof. Your weapons are gone. So Scamming isn't a long term thing. Thats all I gotta say.
P.S. Sites like this are not good for finding info on how fortnite and other games work. If you want real info, watch your child play them, or google a "Lets-Play" of the game to see the game for yourself.
Adult written by gamer75 I've played Save the World on PlayStation 4 and while some missions have solo play, most are multiplayer and for myself it was all random matchmaking; I've had to play many missions with three strangers. My weapons saved as well; what's the point of the loot crates if you can't keep what you get? It's been a while since I played though I'm thinking they do eventually run out of uses or have to be repaired or something, but I most definitely used the same weapons numerous times.
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