Fortnite

What is Fortnite?

Fortnite is a free-to-play battle royale game where up to 100 players compete to be the last one standing. It also features a creative mode where players can build their own worlds. Fortnite includes voice chat with teammates, a virtual currency called V-Bucks for in-game purchases, and is available cross-platform (PC, console and mobile).

Age rating: 12 (PEGI) / Teen (ESRB).

Why do kids like it?

• It’s competitive and social. Children play with friends in squads, and winning together is a powerful social experience.
• Creative mode lets them build their own worlds and mini-games — it’s like a digital sandbox.
• It’s free. The barrier to entry is low. Anyone can download it without paying.
• Constantly updated with new seasons, events and pop-culture collaborations (Marvel, Star Wars, music artists).
• Their friends play it. For many children, it’s a social space as much as a game.

What are the real risks?

• Voice chat with strangers. In random squads, your child can talk to anyone. Language can be crude, and adult players don’t always behave appropriately.
• In-app purchases. V-Bucks are used for cosmetic items, and the costs can add up fast. Children may feel pressure to have the latest skins.
• Friend requests from strangers. After a match, anyone can send a friend request.
• Party chat conversations can happen outside the game’s own controls.
• Free V-Bucks scams. Fake websites and videos promise free V-Bucks to trick children into sharing account information.
• Exposure to older players’ language and behaviour in open squads.

Settings to check

1. Epic Games parental controls: Log in at epicgames.com → Account → Parental Controls. Set up a PIN to lock the settings.
2. Voice chat: Set to “Friends only” or turn it off entirely. This prevents conversations with strangers in random squads.
3. Require PIN for purchases: Enable the purchase PIN so your child cannot spend money without approval.
4. Set the account to private: This limits who can see the profile and activity.
5. Disable friend requests from strangers: Under privacy settings, restrict who can send requests.
6. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Protects the account against unauthorised access.
7. Turn off cross-platform text chat: Limits communication from unknown players.

How to talk about it

“Who do you usually play with? Are they friends you know, or people you’ve met in the game?”

“Do you use voice chat when you play with random people? Has anyone ever said anything that made you uncomfortable?”

“Have you ever spent money on V-Bucks? What do you think about things costing money in the game?”

“Has anyone asked you to add them on other platforms, like Discord or Snapchat?”

Last reviewed: March 2026