You Should Not Let Your Kids Play These Games

It’s easy for children to accidentally find games designed for adults, or games with hidden dangers. These can include violence, mature themes, in-game purchases, and the ability to talk to strangers, all of which can be harmful to young players. Games with mature ratings often have these issues for a reason, going beyond just the story or graphics. The following information explains why certain games aren’t suitable for children and what specific concerns parents should be aware of before letting their kids play.

Grand Theft Auto V

This game is rated Mature due to frequent and intense violence, criminal activity, and mature themes in both the single-player story and the online multiplayer mode. The game world features locations geared towards adults, strong language, and references to drugs. In the online mode, players can communicate freely through voice chat and create their own missions, which may lead to even more mature content. The game also includes optional purchases with real money, and these can create pressure to spend more to stay competitive.

Red Dead Redemption 2

This game is rated Mature and includes intense content like realistic violence with guns and blood, as well as disturbing scenes of torture and cruelty. A key part of the gameplay involves hunting and detailed skinning of animals. Online features include voice chat with other players and competitive modes that can be intense. The game’s story deals with difficult themes such as abuse and drug use.

Call of Duty Modern Warfare II

This game is rated Mature due to intense violence, realistic weaponry, and strong language. Online multiplayer features quick-paced matches with voice chat, which isn’t always carefully monitored. Players can purchase seasonal content and cosmetic items regularly. The game explores mature themes like terrorism and presents challenging moral dilemmas, making it best suited for adult players.

Call of Duty Warzone

Warzone is a popular online shooting game designed for mature players, featuring realistic weapons and fast-paced action. Because players can talk to each other through voice chat, children could be exposed to inappropriate language or bullying. The game also frequently offers special events and items for purchase, encouraging players to keep spending money. Since players of all ages can play together, it’s difficult to ensure a safe environment for everyone.

Mortal Kombat 1

Okay, so this fighting game is intense. It’s got a Mature rating because things get seriously bloody, especially when you pull off those special finishing moves – the camera really focuses on the gore. You can play against people all over the world online, and there’s even a chat function to talk trash. Just be warned, the game does encourage you to keep spending money on unlocks and seasonal content if you want everything.

Manhunt

This game is rated Mature due to intense and graphic violence, including detailed depictions of executions. The gameplay focuses heavily on stalking and killing, which may be unsettling for some players. The game encourages aggressive, violent solutions over peaceful ones, and is generally considered suitable only for adults.

Postal 2

Postal 2 is rated Mature due to its crude humor, violence, and potentially offensive content found throughout the game, including side activities. Players are able to inflict harm on both people and animals, and the game often presents shocking actions as comedic. The language and content are deliberately designed to be provocative, making it unsuitable for all players under the age of 17.

DOOM Eternal

This game is rated Mature due to its intense and bloody combat focused on killing demons. It’s fast-paced and features graphic violence throughout. Online features include competitive play and the ability to chat with others. The game’s dark, hellish themes might be frightening or disturbing for younger players.

Resident Evil Village

This horror game is rated M for Mature due to its intense scares, blood, and disturbing imagery. It aims to frighten players with jump scares and graphic content, and often requires solving puzzles amidst violent situations. All additional game modes and downloadable content continue this mature and frightening experience.

The Last of Us Part II

This game is rated M for mature content, including realistic violence, strong language, and intense, emotionally challenging themes. It explores difficult subjects like trauma and torture, and presents complex moral dilemmas that may not be suitable for all players. Combat is depicted with graphic injuries and death, and while the story is compelling, it’s intended for adults.

Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077 is intended for mature audiences due to its depictions of nudity, sexual themes, strong language, and intense violence. The game’s world features adult entertainment venues and imagery unsuitable for children. Players may encounter explicit content and references to drug use depending on their choices. Additionally, the game offers optional in-game purchases for cosmetic items.

Outlast

Outlast is a scary horror game designed for mature audiences. It relies on sudden scares and unsettling visuals to create fear. You can’t fight back, so you have to hide and run from dangers, making it even more frightening. The game takes place in an asylum and features disturbing content and intense sounds. The constant feeling of dread might be too much for some players.

Phasmophobia

This game, designed for ghost hunting, aims to create a frightening experience and, while rated for teens in certain areas, often feels like a full-fledged horror game. It uses voice recognition, allowing players to speak to interact, but this also means children could potentially communicate with strangers in public game lobbies. The game encourages playing at night and relies heavily on sudden, startling moments. Because user-created lobbies aren’t always closely monitored, there’s a risk of encountering inappropriate content or interactions.

Dead by Daylight

This game is rated Mature and features an uneven multiplayer experience where one player acts as a killer and hunts down the others. Expect realistic blood, frightening imagery, and violent content. Players often communicate using voice and text chat during matches, and the game is regularly updated with new cosmetic items and purchasable content.

Rust

Rust is a challenging online survival game rated for mature audiences. It’s known for tough interactions between players, and kids could be exposed to inappropriate language and harassment through global chat and voice communication. Players are vulnerable to attack and losing their items, which can be stressful. Additionally, some game servers allow players to display adult content on signs and character skins.

Grand Theft Auto Online

Grand Theft Auto Online builds on the mature content of Grand Theft Auto V, offering a constantly updated online experience. Players can interact in public lobbies which often include uncensored voice chat and disruptive behavior from other players. The game encourages spending money to speed up progress and unlock content. Player-created content is diverse but isn’t always appropriate for children.

Saints Row

Okay, so this show isn’t for everyone! It’s definitely got a mature rating – think lots of violence, some sexual content, and humor that’s… well, pretty crude. You can even customize things to be extra edgy, with really explicit jokes and adult themes. When you’re just running around the open world doing missions, the game actually rewards you for causing chaos and destruction. Honestly, it’s full of strong language, so it’s probably not a good choice for younger viewers.

Hotline Miami

Despite its simple, pixelated style, this game is rated Mature due to intense violence and graphic content. Gameplay focuses on quickly defeating enemies, with plenty of blood and gore. The story contains depictions of drug use and features unsettling characters. The game’s fast pace and intense music may be too much for younger players.

Fortnite

Fortnite is generally considered appropriate for teens, but it has features like voice chat, friend requests, and public groups that could connect children with unknown people. The game’s store is updated frequently with items that encourage players to spend money, and competitive events can lead to excessive screen time. While parental controls are available, they need to be carefully configured to restrict communication and in-game purchases.

Roblox

Roblox is a platform where users create and play a huge variety of games, and it also includes features like chat and private game spaces. Although Roblox has safety measures in place, unsuitable content and scams can sometimes be found. The platform uses a virtual currency that encourages players to make regular purchases. It’s important for parents to adjust privacy settings, as children can connect with new people and join groups that might not align with family rules if settings aren’t properly secured.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

This game is rated M for Mature audiences due to frequent violence, blood, and adult themes involving raids and executions. The game’s open world depicts alcohol use and ritualistic scenes, making it unsuitable for children. Optional side quests and content may touch on mature subjects. Online features include the option to buy cosmetic items and interact with other players, so parents should carefully adjust the privacy and safety settings.

Far Cry 6

This game is rated Mature for intense violence, including realistic combat and depictions of suffering. Players engage in guerrilla warfare, often using homemade weapons and experiencing large-scale explosions. The game also features strong language and references to drugs. It includes optional in-game purchases and regularly updated content, encouraging continued spending.

Rainbow Six Siege

This game is rated M due to its realistic and intense combat. Players, especially children, may experience harassment through voice and text chat during online matches. The game also features ongoing purchases of seasonal content and cosmetic items. Gameplay requires fast reflexes and can lead to extended playtimes.

Apex Legends

This game is rated Teen and offers quick, action-packed shooting. You’ll often use voice chat with players you don’t know, which can sometimes include rude or offensive language, especially when playing near public groups. The game encourages ongoing spending with its rotating shop and battle pass. Because players of all ages can play together, and moderation is limited, you may encounter inappropriate behavior.

PUBG Battlegrounds

This game features authentic weapons and a ‘last player standing’ format, earning it a Teen rating. Players often use voice chat while teamed up, which isn’t always monitored. The game includes optional purchases like cosmetic items and special bundles. The intense competition and quick eliminations might be overwhelming for some younger players.

Valorant

This competitive shooting game is rated T and focuses on accurate aiming and completing objectives each round. Players can communicate via open chat and team voice comms, which sometimes includes offensive language and pressure to play well. The game features a regularly updated store with cosmetic items and a battle pass. Climbing the ranked ladder can be stressful and lead to players spending a lot of time gaming.

Counter Strike 2

Okay, so this game is definitely not for kids. It’s a super realistic shooter with tons of gunfights and really intense competition. Honestly, the public chat can get pretty toxic – people aren’t always friendly. Also, trading skins with other players can be risky, especially for younger players, as there are scams out there. Get ready to react fast, because you’ll need quick reflexes to win, and matches can sometimes go on longer than expected with overtime!

Overwatch 2

This game is rated Teen and focuses on team-based action, requiring players to constantly communicate via voice chat. It quickly matches you with random teammates. The game features a frequently updated store and battle pass that encourage players to buy cosmetic items. Regular events and a fast-paced schedule are designed to keep you playing every day. While competitive modes are available, they can be stressful and sometimes lead to negative interactions with other players.

League of Legends

Okay, so this game is rated Teen, but honestly, the chat gets pretty toxic – lots of harassment going on. Matches can drag on forever, which is a bit worrying for how much time you end up staring at the screen. And they really push those cosmetic items and event passes, so it’s easy to end up spending money. Plus, if you’re not careful with the lobby settings, you and your friends can easily play together even if there are time limits set by your parents, which could be a problem.

Dota 2

This game is rated Teen and can be challenging to learn, with a competitive community that sometimes uses harsh language in chat. It includes purchases of cosmetic items and limited-time offers. Games can be lengthy, potentially leading to kids playing late into the night.

Elden Ring

This action role-playing game is rated Mature due to intense combat and frightening monsters. It explores dark themes and features scary boss battles that might be too intense for younger gamers. The game uniquely blends single-player exploration with online interactions, allowing players to encounter others. Be aware that it can be very challenging, potentially leading to a lot of time spent trying to overcome obstacles.

Dark Souls III

Okay, so I’m really excited about this game, but I wanted to give you a heads-up about a few things. It’s rated M, mostly because it gets pretty intense with the fantasy violence and horror stuff. The creatures and the world itself can be genuinely creepy – expect some disturbing images. Also, you can interact with other players online, which is cool, but it means you might encounter some unpredictable people. And honestly? It’s hard. Like, really hard. Be prepared to get frustrated and maybe spend a lot of time trying to beat certain parts!

Bloodborne

This game is rated M for mature audiences due to its intense horror elements, including disturbing creatures and challenging combat. It features a dark, gothic atmosphere with themes of sickness and change. Players can team up with or invade other players online. Be aware that the game contains graphic blood and violence and is not appropriate for children.

Diablo IV

This action role-playing game is rated Mature due to intense violence, blood, and mature themes. Because it requires an internet connection to play, children will interact with strangers online through public areas and chat. The game also features seasonal content and regularly changing shops, which encourage players to make repeat purchases. Players may encounter unsettling images and sounds in certain quests and dungeons.

The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt

This game is rated Mature and features mature content, including nudity, strong language, graphic violence, and sexual themes. The story and optional side quests often deal with difficult subjects like abuse and the horrors of war. Players can also engage in gambling-like activities and participate in a detailed in-game economy, which may encourage extended play. The game also depicts alcohol and references drug use.

Dead Space

This game is rated M for mature audiences due to intense horror elements. It features graphic violence, including dismemberment, and a lot of blood and gore. The game also contains disturbing themes, strong language, and frightening scenes. Its tight, enclosed environments are meant to create a scary and unsettling experience, which some players may find too intense or overwhelming.

Until Dawn

This horror game is intended for mature audiences due to its intense violence, blood, and suggestive content. It relies heavily on startling moments and disturbing scenes that change depending on your choices. Expect strong language and depictions of alcohol use. The game is designed to be replayed multiple times to uncover all possible endings, offering a longer gameplay experience.

Five Nights at Freddy’s Security Breach

This game is rated T and focuses on creating scary moments through sudden surprises and loud noises, which some players may find upsetting. It takes place in dark environments where players, as children, must evade animatronics. Online, fans have developed some disturbing theories and creative content related to the game, and its slow-burn suspense often leads people to play late into the night.

DayZ

This game is rated Mature and focuses on surviving in a large online world where players can communicate through voice and text chat. Be aware that you might encounter other players robbing, ambushing, or harassing you. Player-created content, like signs and bases, could also contain offensive or inappropriate images. Because the game features permanent death, you’ll need to invest significant time and effort to recover from setbacks.

Escape from Tarkov

This intense shooting game is designed for adults, featuring realistic weapons, violent sound effects, and challenging team-based missions. It also includes open communication features and player trading, which could expose younger players to scams or inappropriate content. The game requires a lot of repetitive play and often encourages late-night gaming to avoid peak-hour crowds. Because of its demanding nature and complex systems, it’s not suitable for children unless adults closely monitor their activity.

Share which games worry you most and what you want help locking down in the comments.

2025-11-05 01:49