Apex Legends Age Rating - A Guide for Parents and Gamers

Apex Legends, the fast-paced battle royale game developed by Respawn Entertainment, has taken the gaming world by storm since its release in February 2019. With millions of players worldwide, parents and gamers need to understand the game's age rating and content to determine if it suits younger players.

This comprehensive blog post will explore the Apex Legends age rating, provide insights into its content, and offer guidance to help parents make informed decisions about their child's gaming experience.

Understanding Video Game Age Ratings

ESRB Rating

ESRB, the Entertainment Software Rating Board, is a US-based entertainment rating board responsible for rating all types of video games based on their content. And Apex Legends here has been rated 'T for Teens,' meaning it suits all players aged 13 or older.

PEGI Rating

The PEGI, Pan European Game Information, is used to classify games all over Europe. And Apex Legends has received a PEGI 16 rating, suitable for all players aged 16 and older.

Other International Ratings

Aside from the previously mentioned mainstream rating boards, Apex Legends has also been rated by various international rating boards. CERO, Computer Entertainment Rating Organization based in Japan, rated Apex Legend C, suited for players aged 16 and older. And ACB, Australian Classification Board, rated Apex Legends M suitable for all players 15 and older.

It is to be noted that all of these entertainment boards have rated Apex Legends as suitable for teenagers. And it is not ideal for Pre-teens due to its intense violence and sustained depiction of human injury.

Content and Gameplay Overview

Now to better understand the age ratings assigned to Apex Legends, it's essential to look closely at the game's content and gameplay.

Battle Royale Gameplay

Being a battle royale, Apex Legends is a fast-paced action game designed to be played in groups, where players are dropped onto an ever-shrinking map. The game's main objective is to be the last man or team standing. Whereas Apex Legends compels players to scavenge weapons and other items to eliminate other opponents to survive.

Violence and Blood

Apex Legends is an FPS and hence, involves players shooting each other. The game allows players to use various melee weapons, guns, grenades, and special character abilities to eliminate other players. Blood and other violent imagery are visible to a certain extent, as Apex Legends keeps its blood effects bare minimum. And all illuminated players disappear immediately, leaving behind a loot box containing their weapons/gear.

Characters and Abilities

Just like other FPS, First-Person-Shooter games, Apex Legends features various characters known as Legends. Each character has a unique backstory and special abilities, like launching rockers, healing a team member, or deploying shields. Apex Legends is a Team Game that encourages players to interact with their team members and assist each other to win.

In-Game Communication

As mentioned, since Apex Legends encourage teamplay, in-game communication is a core element of its gameplay. Apex Legend uses a sophisticated "ping" system that allows its players to mark enemies, loot, etc., and play the game without communicating with other players through the voice channel.

But despite this system in place, it is essential to note that a child will be interacting with a stranger in the game, which can expose them to inappropriate language and unfitting behavior. Because of this, Parents are encouraged to enable parental control to monitor their child's gaming sessions.

Microtransactions and Loot Boxes

Apex Legends is an FTP, a free-to-play game offering players in-game transactions. The game has its own virtual currency, Apex coins, that players can use to unlock new characters, skins, weapons, and cosmetic items or loot boxes like Apex Packs.

These purchases are optional and do not provide any competitive advantage. But these can be compelling to young players, so parents are warned to always take note of any transactions made by their children and discuss healthy gaming habits with them.

Guidance for Parents

Almost all rating boards out there deem Apex Legends suitable for teenagers. But despite this, parents need to take note of their child's gaming habits and monitor their child's interaction with strangers online. Here are some ways parents can use to navigate the world of Apex Legends:

Play the Game Yourself

Before allowing your child to play Apex Legends, it is recommended that you try to play the game yourself to gain a better understanding of its content and game mechanics. This firsthand experience will help you decide if the game is appropriate for your child or if it will negatively impact the child's mentality.

Discuss the Game's Content

Have a conversation with your child about the game's content. A detailed discussion about the violence in Apex Legends and its online interactions can significantly impact their gaming experience. And will help your child remain safe while interacting with strangers online.

Set Parental Controls

Using parental control to restrict access to games based on their age rating and disabling all in-game purchases is one way to prevent any mishaps. But even more important is to monitor your child's online interactions by familiarizing yourself with the parental control setting on your device and using them to make a safe gaming environment.

Monitor Online Interactions

Be watchful of your child's online interactions while they play Apex Legends. While occasionally reminding them to report any inappropriate behavior.

Establish Gaming Boundaries

Discuss gaming boundaries with your child. Limiting their screen time and the types of games, they play is one way to establish these boundaries. But most of all, setting clear, strict guidelines about in-game purchases and adhering to strict consequences if they don't follow them will help your child develop a healthy with gaming.

Conclusion

Apex Legends is an exhilarating battle royale that has captured the attention of millions of players worldwide. While its age rating suggests it suits teenagers, parents, and gamers must be aware of the game's content and potential risks.

By understanding Apex Legends' age rating, engaging in open conversations, and implementing parental controls, parents can make informed decisions about their child's gaming experiences and foster a safe and enjoyable gaming environment.