How Old Do You Have to Be to Play Fortnite
Fortnite isn’t just a game — it’s a global phenomenon played by millions of people every day. From its fast-paced Battle Royale matches to its creative building modes and live in-game events, it attracts a massive audience that ranges from kids to adults. But this popularity also raises an important question for families and younger players: how old do you have to be to play Fortnite?
The answer isn’t entirely straightforward. It involves looking at official age ratings provided by organizations like the ESRB and PEGI, as well as Epic Games’ own rules for account creation. On top of that, Epic has introduced a special system called Cabined Accounts, which ensures younger players can still enjoy Fortnite safely with limited features until parents or guardians give permission.
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Fortnite Age Ratings
Fortnite is rated T for Teen (13+) by the ESRB in North America and PEGI 12 in Europe. Alongside this rating, PEGI also attaches a Parental Guidance Recommended label. These ratings suggest the game is suitable for players in their early teens or older, mainly due to its animated violence and online interactions. However, ratings are advisory, and the ultimate decision rests with parents or guardians.
Epic Games Account Requirements
To play Fortnite, you need an Epic Games account. Epic’s rules state that players must be at least 13 years old, or the digital age of consent in their country (whichever is higher), to create a full account on their own. Younger players can still sign up, but their accounts are handled differently under Epic’s Cabined Accounts system.
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What Are Cabined Accounts?
Cabined Accounts are a special type of Epic account designed for players under 13 or below their region’s age of digital consent. These accounts provide a safer and more restricted experience until a parent or guardian grants permission.
When creating an account, if a player indicates they are underage, Epic requires them to enter a parent or guardian’s email address. While waiting for parental approval, the player can still:
Play Fortnite, Rocket League, or Fall Guys.
Access all previously purchased or earned content.
However, some features are disabled until parental consent is provided. These include things like friend requests, voice and text chat, making purchases, downloading new games, email notifications, and setting a custom display name. Once approval is granted — or once the player reaches 13 years old (or the age of digital consent in their country) — the account transitions into a full Epic Games account with all features unlocked.
Parental Controls in Fortnite
Epic also provides built-in parental controls to help guardians manage their child’s gaming experience. These tools allow parents to:
Limit playtime through screen-time restrictions.
Control in-game purchases.
Restrict communication features like voice or text chat.
Adjust content filters for age-appropriate gameplay.
This system ensures that even if younger players are enjoying Fortnite, their experience can be tailored for safety.
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FAQs About Age Requirements in Fortnite
Q: What is the minimum age to play Fortnite?
A: Official ratings recommend 12+ (PEGI) or 13+ (ESRB), but younger players can still play through Cabined Accounts with parental consent.
Q: Can kids under 13 play Fortnite?
A: Yes. Kids under 13 can create a Cabined Account, which lets them play Fortnite but restricts features until a parent or guardian approves access.
Q: Do Cabined Accounts still allow access to skins and purchased content?
A: Yes. Players with Cabined Accounts retain all previously purchased or earned in-game items, even before parental consent is granted.
Q: What features are restricted in Cabined Accounts?
A: Features such as chat, adding friends, purchases, downloading new games, and custom display names are limited until parental approval is provided.
Final Words
So, how old do you have to be to play Fortnite? While the game carries age ratings of 12+ or 13+, younger players aren’t locked out. Thanks to Epic’s Cabined Accounts system, kids under 13 can still enjoy Fortnite safely while waiting for parental consent to unlock full account features. With strong parental controls also available, Fortnite offers flexible options for families who want to manage both fun and safety.
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