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Can You Set Age Range on Fortnite? A Parent’s Guide to Controls and Safety

Yes, you can absolutely set an age range on Fortnite, though not in the way you might initially expect. Fortnite itself doesn’t offer a direct “age filter” that restricts gameplay based on a set age. Instead, Epic Games provides a robust suite of parental controls that allows guardians to manage various aspects of a child’s experience, effectively shaping the game’s accessibility and safety based on age-appropriateness. These controls govern features like voice chat, spending, and access to specific content, all while considering the game’s overall rating and potential exposure to mature elements. This article provides a detailed look at how to use these controls, addressing common concerns and offering guidance for parents navigating the world of Fortnite.

Understanding Fortnite’s Age Rating and Parental Controls

Fortnite is rated PEGI 12 for its cartoon violence. While the visuals aren’t graphic, the game involves combat scenarios that might not be suitable for younger children. Furthermore, the interactive elements, including open chat and in-game purchases, raise additional concerns for parents. Epic Games recognizes these concerns and has implemented several features to help parents manage their children’s experience.

These features are easily accessed in-game by clicking the menu icon on the top right and selecting “Parental Controls”.

How to Leverage Parental Controls in Fortnite

Here’s a breakdown of the parental controls available and how they contribute to setting an effective “age range” for your child:

Voice Chat: This is a crucial control. You can disable voice chat entirely or restrict it to “Friends Only” or “Friends and Teammates.” This prevents your child from interacting with strangers and potentially encountering inappropriate language or behavior.
Purchase Control: Limit or disable in-game purchases to prevent unauthorized spending on V-Bucks (Fortnite’s in-game currency) and cosmetic items. This helps manage expenses and avoids accidental purchases.
Age Ratings for Games in the Epic Games Store: Even though this control primarily impacts purchases from the Epic Games Store, it indirectly affects Fortnite. By setting age restrictions on the store, you can limit your child’s access to other games that might be even less appropriate than Fortnite.
Cabined Accounts: For players under 13, Epic Games offers “Cabined Accounts.” These accounts restrict certain features until parental consent is obtained. Until consent is given, these accounts cannot access voice chat, make purchases, or receive personalized marketing. This is Epic’s default safety mechanism for younger players.
Playtime Management on PlayStation and Xbox: Consoles like PlayStation and Xbox also offer parental control features that can limit playtime and restrict access to certain games. These can be used in conjunction with Epic’s parental controls for a layered approach.

Why is Fortnite Asking For Date of Birth?

Fortnite asks for your date of birth to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for players of all ages. This information is used to determine whether an account should be a Cabined Account and whether parental consent is needed to access certain features. It also allows Epic Games to tailor the game and its related services to the user’s age group, potentially influencing content recommendations and marketing efforts. This ultimately allows Epic to abide by the law and to protect their user’s safety.

Common Sense Media and ESRB Ratings

It’s important to note that organizations like Common Sense Media and the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) provide age recommendations for games based on their content. Common Sense Media recommends Fortnite for ages 13 and up, primarily due to the open chat feature and the game’s violent themes. While these ratings are valuable, they are just guidelines. As a parent, you know your child best and can make the most informed decision about their suitability to the game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Fortnite and Age Restrictions

Here are some frequently asked questions to provide you with a deeper understanding of managing your child’s Fortnite experience:

Can I get banned on Fortnite for lying about my age? Yes. Lying about your age violates Fortnite’s terms of service and can result in account suspension or a permanent ban, especially if the account accesses features inappropriate for the stated age.
How do I access Parental Controls in Fortnite? Launch Fortnite, log in, go to the lobby, click the menu icon in the top right corner, and select “Parental Controls.” You’ll need to provide an email address to set up the controls.
What is a Cabined Account? A Cabined Account is a type of account that Epic Games provides for users who have indicated that they are under the age of 13. Cabined Accounts have many features disabled such as voice chat and the ability to make purchases until a parent or guardian provides their consent.
Can I control who my child interacts with in Fortnite? Yes. By adjusting the voice chat settings to “Friends Only” or disabling it entirely, you can control who your child communicates with.
How do I prevent my child from making unauthorized purchases in Fortnite? Disable purchasing in the parental control settings. You can also set up purchase alerts to receive notifications for any attempted transactions.
My child is obsessed with Fortnite. What can I do? Set time limits for gameplay, encourage other activities, and have open conversations about responsible gaming habits. Understanding the social aspects of the game can also help you connect with your child’s interest.
What are the parental concerns about Fortnite? The main concerns are exposure to inappropriate content or language via voice chat, potential for in-game spending, and the violent nature of the gameplay.
Is there a child-friendly version of Fortnite? There isn’t a separate child-friendly version, but Cabined Accounts are designed to be safer for younger players.
Why can’t my kid talk on Fortnite? Check the parental control settings to ensure voice chat is enabled and set to the appropriate level (e.g., Friends Only). If your child is under 10, the options may be limited based on Epic’s policies.
How do I change my age restriction on Fortnite on PS4/PS5? You need to change the parental controls on the Playstation or Xbox. Go to the Settings menu, select Family Management, then choose the relevant restrictions.
Can you play Fortnite without talking? Yes. You can disable voice chat in the settings. Text chat can be turned off via parental controls.
How does Fortnite verify age? When a player indicates they are under 13, they are asked to provide a parent or guardian’s email address. The parent then receives a consent request to grant access to certain features.
What is the point of Fortnite? The primary goal is to be the last player or team standing in a battle royale match. The game also involves building structures, collecting resources, and completing challenges.
What age should kids be to play Fortnite? Common Sense Media recommends 13+, but ultimately, the decision depends on the individual child’s maturity and your comfort level with the game’s content.
What are the alternative learning resources available for parents? Several organizations offer resources and guidance on responsible gaming. The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) explores the educational aspects of video games and how they can be used for learning and development.

Creating a Balanced Gaming Environment

Ultimately, setting an “age range” on Fortnite is about creating a balanced and safe gaming environment. This involves using parental controls, having open conversations with your child about online safety, and monitoring their gameplay. By taking these steps, you can help your child enjoy Fortnite responsibly while mitigating potential risks. Remember, these aren’t just tools to restrict; they’re tools to guide and empower your child to navigate the digital world safely.

Can you set age range on Fortnite?