What is Fortnite? Safety guide for parents

Fortnite is a series of games created by Epic Games in 2017. Users can play with or against others to reach certain objectives, depending on the type they’re playing.

Fortnite: Save the World

Fortnite: Save the World is a pay-to-play story-driven game. Players are commanders of a survivor base, which zombie-like creatures try to attack. Users must fight these creatures while also exploring, scavenging and building their base.

Save the World includes different events, maps and items to keep the game interesting for new and existing players.

Fortnite Battle Royale

Fortnite Battle Royale is a survival game where 100 players fight against each other in player versus player. In order to win, players must defeat the other 99 online players in the game. Set in a post-apocalyptic, zombie-infested world, players look for resources, weapons and build their own forts to survive.

Within Battle Royale, there are three additional modes:

• Zero Build: This includes the same fighting mechanics but removes building elements.
• Reload: When a player dies, they can respawn within a set amount of time.
• OG: This is the standard game but uses the original Chapter 1 map.

In the UK, the Video Standards Council rates Fortnite as PEGI 12 for frequent scenes of mild violence. In the US, the ESRB rates Fortnite as Teen, only suitable for those 13 years and older.

iTunes rates the game only suitable for children 12+ for Frequent/Intense Cartoon or Fantasy Violence and Infrequent/Mild Medical/Treatment Information.

You know your child best and can use this information to make an informed decision about whether Fortnite is appropriate for your child.

However, with the Epic Games Store, children under the age of 13 automatically receive a cabined account. This restricts a range of features such as communication with other players. You must give parental permission for them to access all in-game features.

See this visual guide for more.

Since launch, Fortnite has released additional ‘chapters’. Each chapter is broken into ‘seasons’ throughout the year and contains its own features or themes.

Chapters are updates that provide additional story elements or map features for new ways to play and new things to see. This is a way to keep old players returning while encouraging new players to join.

For parents, it’s important to know that although the game is free, players need to purchase the Battle Pass for full access to additional features. This then enables them to win new outfits, characters and clothing.

Although you can access some of the benefits with a Free Pass, children will need a paid Battle Pass for the best rewards. This costs 950 V-Bucks which translates to about £8 / $9.50.

Fortnite has a variety of parental controls that mirror those offered in the Epic Games Store.

Monitor who they talk to

Along with suitability, it’s worth checking the online communication settings on the game to ensure children aren’t talking to strangers.

Manage in-app purchases

The game has considerable in-app purchases that you need to be aware of as well, and set up passwords on credit cards associated with the system.

Keep track of screen time

Finally, it’s important to have some limits in terms of playtime for the game. This is something you can agree with your child once you understand how the game works.

Ultimately, families will get the most out of the game where parents join in and turn it from something played in bedrooms to a game for the family room that everyone enjoys.

Step-by-step parental controls

See how to set your child up for safety on Fortnite.

Fortnite is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, some Android mobiles and PC via the Epic Games Store.

Players can compete across these systems, although the player controls are different on each, which can frustrate youngsters. It could be worth playing with them to help them learn the controls on new devices as needed.

• Set parental controls: As outlined above, there are a range of parental controls available in Fortnite. Make use of them to help your child avoid potentially harmful experiences. You can also set controls on your child’s console. Explore step-by-step guides here.
• Talk about their experiences: Take an interest in their game, ask them about their interactions and discuss their wins and losses. These types of conversations can help open up space for easier communication if something goes wrong.
• Play together: Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just starting out, playing together can help you learn about the game and serve as quality time. Get your child to teach you the ins and outs to come out on top.