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.

Users can download Fortnite for free on all major video games consoles and laptops via Epic Games. You can also download Fortnite onto Android devices. However, due to a app store dispute, you cannot find these in the Google Play Store.

Getting Fortnite on iOS and Android

To download Fortnite on your Android device, you need to go to the Fortnite or Epic Games website. Download the Epic Games app and then search for Fortnite to install it on your child’s mobile device.

You cannot currently download Fortnite to iOS devices. However, Epic Games has said “we will be able to bring the Epic Games Store to the UK and Japan soon.”

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 zombie-infested world, players look for resources and weapons to survive. They can also create forts to serve as bases that also help with their survival.

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 United Kingdom, PEGI rates the Fortnite ‘Parental guidance recommended’. This is largely because multiple types of Fortnite games exist. PEGI says that all individual Fortnite games have their own PEGI rating.

Fortnite Festival, Save the World and Battle Royale all have a PEGI 12 rating. LEGO Fortnite Odyssey has a PEGI 7 rating.

PEGI bases these age ratings on the content within the game. The type of violence, communication options and in-game spending all contribute to these ratings.

You know your child best. 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.

Since launch, Fortnite has released additional ‘chapters’. Each chapter has different ‘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.

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.

Enhance Fortnite safety with a variety of parental controls that mirror those offered in the Epic Games Store. You can do the following things with these controls.

Monitor who they talk to

With Fortnite parental controls, you can limit new friends and manage chat settings. Along with setting these controls, it’s important to talk with your child about online communication.

Discuss who they play with and how they communicate. Ask them to take you through the process for stopping contact with someone. This includes how to block, report and remove a friend.

See how to manage the communication settings here.

Manage in-app purchases

It’s easy for a child to spend virtual currencies without thinking too much. Using V-bucks, players can buy items and weapons for their character. Some children might feel left out if they can’t do this.

Fortnite’s parental controls let you limit in-game spending, which you can learn about here. Remember to also talk to your child about money management as well.

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. You can then limit and monitor screen time with parental controls.

Ultimately, families will get the most out of the game where parents join in. Turn playing games from something played in bedrooms to something you can do as a family.

Step-by-step parental controls

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

• 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.
• 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. It’s also a great way to spend quality time together. Get your child to teach you the ins and outs to come out on top.