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What kids play

Games for teenagers (13 and over)

Bigger games, online teams and adult ratings. Worth knowing what is in them.

Before you start

Games for this age

Level 2 · EasyMinecraft
A good one to play togetherCan be played onlineIn-game shop

What it is

A world made of blocks where you build, dig and explore. There is no set goal.

Why they love it

They can make almost anything: a house, a farm, a roller coaster. It is like digital Lego with no instructions.

What to know

  • In creative mode, monsters cannot hurt you and you cannot lose. In survival mode they can.
  • On a Microsoft child account, multiplayer, servers and chat are switched off until a parent allows them.
  • The in-game Marketplace sells extras for real money. A child account has no payment method, so a parent has to do the buying.

Could you join in?

A good one to join. Ask them to show you their world, and try creative mode.

Age ratings: US (ESRB) E10+ · Europe (PEGI) 7.

Plays on: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Phone and tablet.

Ask them: “What is the best thing you have built?”

Checked 4 October 2026. Sources: minecraft.net, minecraft.net

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Level 2 · EasyRoblox
Can be played onlineIn-game shop

What it is

A free app with millions of games and worlds made by other people, including teams and studios.

Why they love it

There is always something new to try, and they can play together with friends.

What to know

  • Since January 2026, everyone has to pass an age check to use chat. Chat is limited to people of a similar age or trusted friends, and for under-9s it is off unless a parent allows it.
  • Roblox now has accounts by age: Roblox Kids (5 to 8) and Roblox Select (9 to 15), which only show reviewed games.
  • There is a shop that sells in-game currency (Robux) for real money. Parents can set limits.

Could you join in?

Harder to join as a beginner because every game is different. Ask them to show you their favourite.

Age ratings: Europe (PEGI) Parental Guidance Recommended.

Plays on: PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Phone and tablet.

Ask them: “Which game are you playing at the moment, and who do you play it with?”

Checked 4 October 2026. Sources: about.roblox.com, about.roblox.com

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Level 4 · ChallengingFortnite
Can be played onlineIn-game shop

What it is

A free online game. Its best-known mode, Battle Royale, drops up to 100 players onto an island and the last one standing wins.

Why they love it

Playing with friends and unlocking outfits and dances.

What to know

  • Battle Royale is online against other players, with cartoon-style shooting. The US age rating is Teen.
  • Under-13s start with a limited account: no voice chat and no real-money purchases until a parent allows them.
  • It has an in-game shop (V-Bucks).
  • There are modes without fighting, such as LEGO Fortnite, Rocket Racing and Fortnite Festival, a music game.

Could you join in?

Not a game to start on yourself. Watch a round first. LEGO Fortnite and Fortnite Festival are ways to join in without fighting. Our "Am I ready?" check can show you a path.

Age ratings: US (ESRB) T · Europe (PEGI) 12 · Common Sense Media 13+.

Plays on: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Phone and tablet.

Ask them: “What is your favourite outfit, and how do you win a round?”

Checked 4 October 2026. Sources: esrb.org, safety.epicgames.com

See the full game page

Level 2 · EasyAmong Us
Can be played online

What it is

A group game where some players are secretly impostors and the rest work out who they are.

Why they love it

It is about bluffing and spotting a liar, and it is best played with friends.

What to know

  • Free text chat needs a full account, or a child account with a parent's permission. Otherwise players use preset messages.
  • The phone version is free and offers optional adverts that earn rewards. The PC and console versions are paid.

Could you join in?

Easy to join with a group of friends: you talk it through and try to spot the liar.

Age ratings: US (ESRB) E10+ · Europe (PEGI) 7 · Common Sense Media 10+.

Plays on: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Phone and tablet.

Ask them: “Who was the impostor last round, and how did you work it out?”

Checked 4 October 2026. Sources: innersloth.com, innersloth.com

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Level 3 · ModerateFall Guys
Can be played onlineIn-game shop

What it is

A free obstacle-course game show where you run, jump and wobble through short rounds against other players online.

Why they love it

Rounds are short and silly.

What to know

  • It is played online against other players.
  • It is free to play on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and the Epic Games Store, with an in-game shop (Show-Bucks).

Could you join in?

Easy controls, but the timing is quick. A good one for a laugh together.

Age ratings: US (ESRB) E · Europe (PEGI) 3 · Common Sense Media 8+.

Plays on: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, PC.

Ask them: “What was the funniest way you lost this week?”

Checked 4 October 2026. Sources: fallguys.com, fallguys.com

See the full game page

Level 1 · GentleMario Kart 8 Deluxe
A good one to play togetherCan be played online

What it is

Racing with Mario characters, with items you can throw to knock out other drivers.

Why they love it

Items make the races unpredictable, so it is not always the fastest driver who wins.

What to know

  • It has driving helps called Smart Steering and Auto-Accelerate. Switch them on for little ones, and for yourself.
  • Online racing is optional.

Could you join in?

Very easy to join. Switch on the driving helps and race each other.

Age ratings: US (ESRB) E · Europe (PEGI) 3 · Common Sense Media 7+.

Plays on: Nintendo Switch.

Ask them: “Which track is your favourite?”

Checked 4 October 2026. Sources: nintendo.com

See the full game page

Level 1 · GentleAnimal Crossing: New Horizons
A good one to play togetherCan be played online

What it is

You live on an island with animal neighbours and make it your own.

Why they love it

They can decorate, fish, catch bugs and visit friends.

What to know

  • One island is shared by everyone who uses the console, up to eight people.
  • Visiting other islands online is optional and needs a Nintendo Switch Online membership.

Could you join in?

A good one to share. Ask for a tour of their island.

Age ratings: US (ESRB) E · Europe (PEGI) 3 · Common Sense Media 7+.

Plays on: Nintendo Switch.

Ask them: “Can you show me around your island?”

Checked 4 October 2026. Sources: en-americas-support.nintendo.com

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Level 1 · GentleNintendo Switch Sports
A good one to play togetherCan be played online

What it is

Eight sports, including bowling, golf and badminton, where you move the controller like a racket, club or ball.

Why they love it

It is active, and everyone from children to adults can play together.

What to know

  • It needs the Joy-Con controllers and cannot be played in handheld mode.
  • Online play needs a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
  • Leave plenty of room around you.

Could you join in?

Very easy to join. Bowling is a good place to start.

Age ratings: US (ESRB) E10+ · Europe (PEGI) 7 · Common Sense Media 8+.

Plays on: Nintendo Switch.

Ask them: “Can you beat me at bowling?”

Checked 4 October 2026. Sources: nintendo.com, nintendoswitchsports.nintendo.com

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Level 1 · GentleJust Dance 2025 Edition
A good one to play togetherCan be played online

What it is

Copy the dancer on screen to your favourite songs.

Why they love it

It is silly, active and good for a family laugh.

What to know

  • Up to six can play, locally or online.
  • Extra songs come from a paid subscription called Just Dance+, with a free first month.
  • The game is rated for mild lyrics.
  • A newer edition, Just Dance 2026, is out.

Could you join in?

Easy and fun for everyone. Join in even if you think you cannot dance.

Age ratings: US (ESRB) E10+ · Europe (PEGI) 3.

Plays on: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox.

Ask them: “Which song should we do first?”

Checked 4 October 2026. Sources: nintendo.com, news.ubisoft.com

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Level 1 · GentleSuper Mario Party Jamboree
A good one to play togetherCan be played online

What it is

A board game with lots of quick mini games between turns.

Why they love it

It is a party game where anyone can win.

What to know

  • Up to four can play on one Switch, or up to twenty online with a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
  • It has more than 110 mini games.

Could you join in?

A good one for a family evening. Mini games are quick to learn.

Age ratings: US (ESRB) E · Europe (PEGI) 3 · Common Sense Media 6+.

Plays on: Nintendo Switch.

Ask them: “Which mini game is your favourite?”

Checked 4 October 2026. Sources: nintendo.com

See the full game page

Level 3 · ModerateSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate
Can be played online

What it is

A fighting game where Nintendo characters battle until one falls off the stage.

Why they love it

They can play as their favourite characters.

What to know

  • Up to eight can play on one console. Online play (two to four players) needs a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
  • The fighting is cartoon-style. The US rating also lists suggestive themes and in-game purchases, so check the age rating.

Could you join in?

Easy to start by pressing buttons. Hard to win against a child who plays a lot.

Age ratings: US (ESRB) E10+ · Europe (PEGI) 12 · Common Sense Media 8+.

Plays on: Nintendo Switch.

Ask them: “Who is your best character?”

Checked 4 October 2026. Sources: nintendo.com

See the full game page

Level 5 · ToughOverwatch 2
Can be played onlineIn-game shop

What it is

A free team shooting game with colourful heroes. Two teams of five play online. It is now called just Overwatch.

Why they love it

It is about teamwork and picking the right hero.

What to know

  • It is free to play, with an in-game shop (Overwatch Coins).
  • Voice chat can be turned off in the sound options.
  • There is a practice mode against computer opponents.

Could you join in?

Not a beginner game, but practising against computer opponents is a gentle start. Our "Am I ready?" page shows a path.

Age ratings: US (ESRB) T · Europe (PEGI) 12 · Common Sense Media 13+.

Plays on: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, PC.

Ask them: “Who do you play as, and what do they do?”

Checked 4 October 2026. Sources: overwatch.blizzard.com, overwatch.blizzard.com

See the full game page

Level 5 · ToughCall of Duty: Black Ops 6
Can be played onlineIn-game shop

What it is

A realistic war shooter with a story campaign and online multiplayer.

Why they love it

It is the game many of their friends play.

What to know

  • It is rated Mature 17+ in the US for violence, blood and gore, strong language, suggestive themes and drug use.
  • Voice chat can be set to party only or friends only, or turned off.
  • It is a paid game with in-game purchases.
  • A newer game in the series, Black Ops 7, is out.

Could you join in?

Not a beginner game. If you want to understand it, ask them to show you the story campaign.

Age ratings: US (ESRB) M · Europe (PEGI) 18 · Common Sense Media 18+.

Plays on: PlayStation, Xbox, PC.

Ask them: “What do you like about it compared to other games?”

Checked 4 October 2026. Sources: esrb.org, support.activision.com

See the full game page

Level 5 · ToughLeague of Legends
Can be played online

What it is

A free team strategy game where two teams of five try to destroy each other's base.

Why they love it

It is deep and competitive, and a team win feels great.

What to know

  • You can practise against computer opponents from the start, and a practice tool unlocks at level 9.
  • A separate mobile game, Wild Rift, is made by the same company.

Could you join in?

Very hard for a newcomer. Ask them to explain it, which is usually enough.

Age ratings: Europe (PEGI) 12 · Common Sense Media 14+.

Plays on: PC.

Ask them: “What role do you play, and what does that do?”

Checked 4 October 2026. Sources: leagueoflegends.com, support.riotgames.com

See the full game page