Apex Legends

Game images by RAWG

Apex Legends

Respawn Entertainment

Windows; PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series; Nintendo Switchfree-to-play

Health Score

RISKY

Official Website Watch Gameplay

About This Game

Super Review

Apex Legends is a fast-paced, team-based battle royale shooter where players drop into an arena, scavenge for gear, and work together to be the last squad standing. Its intense combat, strategic character abilities, and free-to-play model make it highly engaging, but parents should be aware of significant risks from competitive pressure, online social interactions, and in-game purchases.

Super Review

Parent verdict

Given its "Risky" health score of 22, Apex Legends is a game that requires careful consideration and active parental oversight. It offers thrilling team-based combat for mature teens comfortable with intense online competition and shooting mechanics. However, the game's addictive design, frequent exposure to strangers online, and aggressive monetization mean it's best suited for older, more self-regulated players with clear family boundaries in place.

What kids actually do

Players choose a unique "Legend" character with special abilities and work in a squad of three to survive against up to 57 other players, exercising tactical decision-making and cooperative strategy.
Players repeatedly engage in fast-paced gun combat, using various firearms and explosives to eliminate opponents, requiring quick reflexes and accurate aiming.
Squads scavenge for weapons, armor, and healing items across a large map, making rapid choices about inventory management and positioning to gain an advantage.

Where it shines

Teamwork is paramount, as players must communicate and coordinate their Legend abilities to succeed, fostering cooperation under pressure.
The fast-paced action and unique character abilities create engaging, dynamic combat scenarios that appeal to fans of competitive shooter games.

Parent watch-outs

The game features intense, realistic violence with firearms and explosions, and while there's no graphic gore, the constant combat can be highly stimulating and desensitizing.
Voice chat is a core component of team play, exposing children to unfiltered conversations with strangers, including potential profanity, harassment, or other inappropriate content.
Its free-to-play model combined with cosmetic purchases and a Battle Pass system can encourage continuous play and spending, appealing to a desire for status and exclusive items.

Family rules worth setting

Restrict play to specific times and durations, especially on school nights, to manage its highly addictive potential.
Ensure voice chat is either disabled, limited to known friends only, or closely monitored, or played in a shared family space.
Set clear expectations around in-game purchases, requiring explicit permission for any spending on cosmetics or battle passes.

Talk about this

Discuss appropriate online behavior and how to respond to toxic language or harassment from other players.
Have a conversation about the design of free-to-play games, battle passes, and cosmetic items, and how they encourage spending and continuous engagement.
Talk about managing frustration and maintaining good sportsmanship, especially in a highly competitive game where losing is frequent.

Play style

Apex Legends features intense, competitive sessions lasting around 15-25 minutes per match, with frequent wins and losses. Players consistently work in a three-person squad, requiring constant communication and collaboration. The difficulty is high due to skilled opponents, demanding quick reflexes and strategic thinking. Younger or less experienced players may find it frustrating and require support in understanding tactics and managing losses.

Score Breakdown

Positive Aspects

Educational Value

0/5

Creativity

1/5

Pro-Social

3/5

Risk Factors

Addictive Monetization

4/5

Time Pressure / FOMO

4/5

Social Risk

4/5

Content Intensity

3/5

Why this rating

Educational Value

0/5

Apex Legends offers no explicit educational content or learning opportunities. Its focus is purely on competitive combat and strategy within a game context, not on academic or general knowledge acquisition.

Pro-Social

3/5

Team play is crucial to success in Apex Legends, fostering cooperation and communication as players must work together to achieve objectives and revive fallen teammates. This consistent reliance on squad interaction promotes aspects of pro-social behavior within the game's competitive framework.

Addictive Monetization

4/5

As a free-to-play game, Apex Legends relies heavily on in-game purchases for cosmetics and Battle Passes, which are designed to encourage continuous engagement and spending for exclusive items. The presence of 'random packs for cosmetics' (loot boxes) adds a layer of gambling-like allure, contributing to its high score for addictive monetization practices.

Social Risk

4/5

Voice chat with strangers is a significant component of Apex Legends' team-based gameplay, exposing players to potential profanity, harassment, or other inappropriate content from unknown individuals. This direct online interaction with an unfiltered public environment presents a substantial social risk for younger players.

Content Intensity

3/5

The game features intense and realistic violence, involving firearms and explosions as players engage in combat to eliminate opponents. While it avoids graphic gore, the constant, fast-paced nature of the shooting and combat earns a notable score for content intensity.