If you’re a parent considering Fortnite but are hesitant because of the gun element, you’re not alone – it’s a common concern. Fortnite’s Battle Royale mode does feature a lot of guns, and kids often get very familiar with different types of weapons. However, the game itself handles this in a surprisingly non-violent way.
There’s no blood, no injuries, and no realistic violence. When a character is “eliminated” in the game, they simply disappear into pixels, reminding players it’s just a game. This lack of realism makes it much less intense compared to many other shooter games.
That said, if your child struggles with setting boundaries or you think they’d find it hard to avoid the gun-related modes, Fortnite might not be the right choice. But – and it’s a big but – Fortnite isn’t just about guns anymore. The game has evolved massively, offering so much more beyond its original Battle Royale format, and your child could enjoy it without ever picking up a virtual gun.
Here are some of Fortnite’s non-violent, creative, and fun modes:
- Lego Fortnite: A Minecraft-style mode with Lego parts. You can customise builds, explore, and create, all with a Lego spin. It’s more about creativity and collaboration than combat. While there’s some minimal fighting (swords, crossbows, or cartoony guns), it’s non-graphic and very toned down.
- Fortnite Festival: Think Guitar Hero meets chill hangout space. Perfect for music fans or kids who enjoy rhythm-based games. It’s also great for focus and relaxation, making it a good option for downtime.
- Lego Brick Life: This brand-new mode is essentially a Lego-themed role-play game. Your child can get a job, earn in-game money, decorate their house, and socialise with friends in a fun, digital town. It’s a nice introduction to role-playing and cooperative play, with no combat at all.
- Rocket Racing: High-speed car racing that’s fun, fast, and purely about the adrenaline of driving – not shooting.
Fortnite now has something for almost everyone – whether your child loves building, racing, music, or just exploring virtual worlds with friends. And while some aspects might appeal to an ADHD brain (the fast-paced excitement can be very engaging), these alternative modes are less likely to cause the frustration or dysregulation that often comes with the intensity of Battle Royale.
Comparing Fortnite, Minecraft, and Roblox
See our parent’s guide to the ‘Big Three’ here
If guns are your main concern, it’s worth noting that many games have weapons. Minecraft, for example, features swords, bows, and even crossbows in its Survival mode. Roblox has countless games with weapons as well, including many that are more graphic than Fortnite.
However, where Fortnite really shines is its balance of creative and action-oriented content. Minecraft can sometimes feel limited in its creativity unless you invest in extra DLCs, which might not keep your child engaged for long. Roblox has an endless variety of games, but the quality can vary significantly.
Meanwhile, Fortnite offers consistently high-quality experiences across all its modes, with lots of free options to explore before you spend any money. The in-game currency, V-Bucks, is only required for cosmetic items or Battle Passes, meaning the core game modes are completely free.
Final Thoughts
If your child loves social, creative, or fast-paced games, Fortnite might be worth a try – even if you’re wary of the gun-based modes. Just ensure they understand the limits and encourage them to explore the wide variety of content beyond Battle Royale. Whether they’re into building Lego masterpieces, racing cars, or jamming out at Fortnite Festival, there’s plenty to love.
Of course, if you’re completely against the idea of guns in any form, and you’re unsure your child could avoid those modes, Fortnite might not be the right fit. But with so much variety now, it’s no longer fair to see Fortnite as just “that gun game” – it’s far more than that.
For a more detailed look into safety awareness for online games in general please check out our Gaming Safety Guide
