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Great Video Games for Older Kids and Teens

Published: 1st May 2025

KidRated's Guide for parents about kids and teens video games

Kids and teenagers love video games. But do you have any idea what they’re actually playing. Or, more importantly, what you might be happy with them playing?

 

Here at KidRated, when we want advice we ask an expert and luckily for us (and you), 18-year old Kit kindly agreed to update this article he wrote for us four years ago. In it he tells you about the games, the strategies and what parents might want to keep an eye on….

 

 

FORTNITE

 

In 2025, Fortnite is still wildly popular, with over 1.5 million players logging in daily—so no worries about finding a game! At its core, Fortnite is a 100-player survival game, but it has evolved into so much more. There’s now Creative Mode, where players build and play community-made games like Hide and Seek or Zone Wars, which are massive fan favourites.

One thing you can always rely on with Fortnite is constant updates. A new season drops roughly every two months. Currently, it’s a Star Wars-themed season—and having played it, I can confirm it’s a lot of fun.

Another major perk: Fortnite is free to play. It does have in-game currency for buying skins and customising your character, but you don’t have to spend money to enjoy the game. In Battle Royale mode, you can team up with up to four friends, making it a great social experience.

Personal Tip
The best Fortnite players use PCs for higher frame rates and faster building/editing. Keyboard and mouse is the top-tier input method.

Parent Warning
The in-game currency costs real money. Keep an eye on requests to “buy a skin”—they’re not free!

 

RAINBOW SIX SIEGE

 

 

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege is a tactical shooter, rated 15, and available on all major platforms. Prices range from £10–£25 depending on your platform.

The game has two main modes: Ranked and Arcade. Ranked is 5v5 with one team attacking and the other defending a bomb site. Arcade Mode is more casual and ideal for sharpening your skills.

That said, Siege has a steeper learning curve than games like Fortnite. It requires strategy, skill, and time to master—but once you do, it’s incredibly rewarding.

Personal Tip
Start in Arcade Mode to get used to the mechanics. Recoil can be tough at first!

Parent Warning
Like Fortnite, this game has in-game purchases. It also has voice chat with strangers, though this can be disabled in the settings.

 

 

 

CALL OF DUTY: WARZONE

 

Call of Duty: Warzone a free-to-play battle royale with up to 150 players per game. Although it launched in 2020, regular updates keep the game fresh and the player count high.

Recently, the game brought back its original map, much to the community’s delight. I’ve played it and can confirm—it still holds up!

Rated 18 due to gore and character voice lines, both can be turned off for a cleaner gaming experience.

Personal Tip
I recommend starting with a controller—it offers a good balance and is perfect for new players.

Parent Warning
In-game purchases are prominent and can be addictive. Monitor spending habits if your child plays regularly.

 

EA FC 25

EA FC 25 is basically FIFA under a new name (after EA lost the official licence). It includes all the usual game modes—career, online, and especially Pro Clubs, where you create a team with friends.

The only downside? The price. It rarely dips below £69.99 until the next edition launches.

Personal Tip
Play your Division Rivals matches each week to earn packs and improve your team.

Parent Warning
This game arguably has the most addictive in-game purchases. Buying packs for a chance at good players is essentially digital gambling.

 

 

 

MINECRAFT

 

Minecraft is a timeless classic and perfect for younger gamers (around ages 10–13). It’s available on all platforms, though the mobile version is a bit more basic.

You can play in Creative Mode, where everything is available to build with, or Survival Mode, where you gather resources and fend off enemies. I always preferred Survival—more of a challenge!

Personal Tip
First thing in Survival mode? Chop a tree, build a crafting table, and get yourself some tools and weapons.

Parent Warning
Yes, even Minecraft has in-game purchases, usually for skins and characters.

STAR WARS: BATTLEFRONT II

 

 

If you’re a Star Wars fan, Battlefront II is a must. Play as a Clone Trooper on Geonosis or as a Rebel on the Death Star. It’s rated 16 and currently on discount.

Though it’s an older title, it’s seen a huge resurgence—player count is up over 200% in the last two weeks, and matches are more fun and lively than ever.

Personal Tip
In Supremacy mode, pick the Assault class—it’s the most versatile character option.

Parent Warning
Despite the age rating, there’s no blood or extreme violence. Just epic sci-fi battles.

 

 

 

ROCKET LEAGUE

 

 

Rocket League is football—but with rocket-powered cars. It’s fun, fast-paced, and available on every platform. You can even play with friends across different consoles.

It’s rated 3+, but don’t be fooled—it’s just as fun for teens and older kids. You can play football or basketball across a wide range of colourful maps (some are even underwater!).

Some cars can be bought and perform slightly better, making it feel “pay-to-win” at times.

Personal Tip
Assign roles (e.g., goalkeeper, attacker) before jumping into a match—it really helps!

Parent Warning
There are in-game purchases, but they’re all cosmetic and don’t impact gameplay.

 

ALL THE LEGO GAMES

 

LEGO has transformed many franchises into video games—Harry Potter, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean, and more.

The only snag? They’re spread across different consoles. Some are only available on Wii or older consoles like PS3/Xbox 360, but newer ones are on PS5/Xbox Series X.

The best thing about LEGO games is their universal appeal—fun for all ages (rated 3+), no online content, and no in-game purchases.

Personal Tip
My favourites are LEGO Star Wars III and LEGO Harry Potter. If you try Star Wars III, don’t miss the Battle of Geonosis—it’s brilliant.

Parent Warning
Honestly? These are the safest games on the list. No strangers, no spending, no stress—just LEGO fun.

2 comments on “Great Video Games for Older Kids and Teens” | Add a comment

  1. Person

    Roblox is not a good one at all Bonnieboo it has access to lots of pornography. Do not let your child play it.

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Kit

The best video games for kids and teens as chosen and explained by 18 year old Kit

I’m Kit - 18 and a tv and film student - with a passion for video games, music, editing and making my own videos.