Which Video Games Are Right for Your Teen? Here's Where to Start
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What parents need to know about age-appropriate games that may even be beneficial.
Parents / Marcus Millan' title='Teens Asking for Video Games? Experts Recommend What's Appropriate'>
Parents / Marcus Millan
Most teens know they want to play video games, but different families have conflicting ideas about which games should be allowed in their homes. Should we be concerned about violence in video games? Are video games even a healthy choice for teens? How do you know which video game consoles are the best? To answer these questions, we're drawing on expert guidance from the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), to give you all the facts you need to approach video games with an open mind.Top Teen Video Games We RecommendStardew Valley, $15; bestbuy.comElden Ring, $50 (was $60); amazon.comMinecraft, $20; gamestop.comGhost of Tsushima, $39; amazon.comOvercooked!, $26; amazon.comThe Benefits of Video Games for TeensYes, video games can be a positive influence and form of entertainment for kids. Studies show that, in moderation, video games can offer benefits to kids’ brains. Some of these benefits of video games include teaching problem-solving skills, inspiring creativity, and building important social skills. Since there are many co-operative games online, teens can learn important leadership skills and how to communicate effectively to solve problems in a group.
Limiting Screen TimeWhen it comes to screen time, the general rule of thumb, according to the AAP, is that if screen time gets in the way of other important activities like schoolwork, socializing, exercise, sleep, or family time, then you should re-evaluate your teen’s relationship with tech.
There are also a lot of educational video games that can inspire a love of learning and introduce kids to new topics. Games like Microsoft Flight Simulator can spark an interest in aviation. Other games like The Turing Test can challenge teens’ problem solving skills and make tough topics in philosophy and technology a bit easier to navigate. But note that you do need to set boundaries regarding your teen’s screen time, the types of games they play, real-world spending that some games advertise, and the way that your teen interacts with strangers online.When playing games that have voice communication options, make sure your teens are prepared for the very real threat of cyberbullying, for instance. That's why some people knowledgeable about video games don’t encourage video games with communication features that allow you to talk to the other players on your team. As with anything, make sure there’s an open line of communication between you and your teen so they know they can come to you with any concerns about online interactions.How to Choose Video Games for Your TeensOne of the most important things to consider when deciding which games are best for your family is the content. It’s no secret that sometimes the media young people are drawn to, whether it's video games or movies, can sometimes contain adult themes.To help make sure your kids are only consuming age-appropriate material, the AAP recommends checking ESRB ratings for games, talking to your kids about what they’re playing, and ensuring that you only buy games that align with family values. For example, if your family doesn’t play with toy guns, you should probably veto games with lots of guns like Call of Duty or Counter-Strike.Other important factors to consider are your teen’s interests, the types of video game consoles they have, and whether they’re looking for a challenge or enjoy more laid-back gaming.Keeping all of that in mind, here are some of our favorite video games, both brand new and classic, that we thing teens and parents will love.Stardew Valley
ConcernedApe LLC
$15
Buy on Best Buy
$15
Buy on gamestop.com
Available on: Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation, XboxESRB Rating: Everyone 10+Recommended Age Range: 13 and olderThis cozy farming simulator allows players to decorate and manage their own farm, raise cute animals, and romance non-playable characters (NPCs) in a wholesome way. Multiplayer options are available, so parents, siblings, and friends can join in on the fun too. It has charming soundtrack and graphics, and the opportunities to be creative and entrepreneurial make this game a worthwhile play.Genshin Impact
HoYoverse
Learn More
Available on: PC, PlayStation, iOSESRB Rating: TeenRecommended Age Range: 15 and olderThis open world exploration game features a compelling storyline, brilliant graphics, and lovable characters. The story follows a traveler searching for their lost twin in the fantastical world of Teyvat. But be warned, there are in-game purchases available, so make sure to set boundaries with your teen on real-world spending before they play.Elden Ring
Bandai Namco Entertainment
$60
$50
Buy on Amazon
$60
Buy on Best Buy
Available on: PC, PlayStation, XboxESRB Rating: Mature 17+Recommended Age Range: 17 and olderPart of the immensely popular Dark Souls franchise, this action roleplaying game features notoriously difficult combat in a grim, dark fantasy world. Players use medieval weaponry and magic to defeat bosses and retrieve the mythical Elden Ring. There is some animated gore, so this one is best for older teens, as the rating suggests, but you can turn this feature off in the settings.NBA 2K25
2k
$70
Buy on Amazon
$70
Buy on QVC
Releases Sept. 4Available on: PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Nintendo SwitchESRB Rating: ERecommended Age Range: 10 and olderBasketball fans will want to jump on this game as soon as it releases because this may very well be the only NBA 2K game to feature not one, but two LeBrons. This is because LeBron James and son LeBron "Bronny" James Jr. are playing on the same team. Any teen who follows the NBA all season is going to want to get their hands on this one—players can either pick their favorite player, like LeBron, and play with the rest of the Lakers, or build their own team, picking and choosing their favorite players from across the league. Rocket League
Psyonix LLC / Epic Games
$80
Buy on Amazon
Available on: PlayStation, PC, Xbox, SwitchESRB Rating: ERecommended Age Range: 10 and olderThis online competitive sports game combines soccer and racing. First, players customize their cars, then they try to score as many goals as possible with the giant soccer ball (yes, using their rocket-powered cars) in this 2v2 match. While teammates can type comments to one another, the culture of the game is usually fairly positive, making it a good choice for young people who want to be competitive but still friendly.Minecraft
Mojang AB / Microsoft Corporation
$20
Buy on gamestop.com
$20
Buy on Best Buy
Available on: PlayStation, PC, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, iOSESRB Rating: E 10+Recommended Age: 10 and olderThis "sandbox" game, in other words, a game that lets players determine how they want to play rather than being railroaded into a specific storyline, isn’t just for little kids. There are no goals to achieve, giving it a more low-key, relaxed atmosphere that is ideal for kids who just want to flex their creative muscles. In creative mode, players use cubes (which represent materials like dirt, stone, and tree trunks) to build almost anything they want.In survival mode, players have to gather natural resources and can be hurt by things like falls, zombies, or hunger. Because of the level of creative freedom, the game appeals to a wide age range. Plus, teens can play on cooperative servers with their friends, making this a healthier choice for socializing online.Ghost of Tsushima
Sony Interactive Entertainment
$70
Buy on Best Buy
$39
Buy on Amazon
Available on: PC, PlayStationESRB Rating: Mature 17+Recommended Age: 17 and olderIf your older teen is interested in history, they may want to consider this action RPG (role-playing game) set in 13th-century Japan. With stunning graphics and mechanically difficult combat, this story of a samurai fighting back Mongol invaders is truly riveting. Just note that there is some animated blood and gore, but there is an option within the game's display settings to turn off the blood effects.Valheim
Iron Gate Studios
$20
Buy on xbox.com
$20
Buy on apps.apple.com
Available on: PC, iOSESRB Rating: n/aRecommended Age: 16 and olderPerfect for fans of survival games, Valheim lets players inhabit Vikings living in one of several worlds: forest, swamp, mountains, and many other options. The Viking characters must collect supplies—players can farm, mine, or forage to achieve this goal, which might help teens feel the accomplishment of committing to and completing a challenging task.They must also build tools and shelters, and fight off invading forces to protect their home base in order to survive. Norse mythology adds another interesting element to the game. The more sophisticated graphics, intense combat, and freedom in how you choose to play make this game feel a bit like a more mature Minecraft. Plus, players have health and stamina bars that can be depleted—and replenished—giving the game real stakes.Fields of Mistria
NPC Studio
$14
Buy on store.steampowered.com
Available on: PCESRB Rating: n/aRecommended Age: 13 and olderIf your teen feels less drawn to action-packed games, they might want to try out cozy gaming, which is exactly what they will find in Fields of Mistria. This low-stakes game incorporates elements like farming, decorating their home, and romancing NPCs. It just came out in "early access" mode in August, while it's still in development, but it’s already achieved popularity. Teens who don’t want to be stressed out about survival while gaming or just need a way to relax after their studies can enjoy the charming world of Mistria instead.Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Nintendo
$54
Buy on Amazon
$60
Buy on Target
Available on: Nintendo SwitchESRB Rating: E 10+Recommended Age: 10 and olderThis sequel to the smash hit Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is another beautifully animated open-world exploration game. Like with other Zelda titles, you can expect challenging puzzles, breathtaking vistas, and fascinating storylines. Once again, Link is on a mission to find Princess Zelda as he explores the land of Hyrule in two environments: a series of floating islands and an underground realm. Playing as Link, teens must solve puzzles, find treasure, build their own vehicles, and fight off enemies. Overcooked!
Ghost Town Games
$26
Buy on Amazon
$20
Buy on gamestop.com
Available on: PC, PlayStation, Switch, XboxESRB Rating: ERecommended Age: 10 and olderThis multiplayer cooperative game is an excellent opportunity to bond with your teen. You play as two chefs working to fulfill as many orders as possible—oh, and you’re also being timed. Players not only have to prepare the ingredients, cook, and serve the meals, they also have to clean up afterwards. While the concept is simple, the teamwork required to win is anything but. The layout of the kitchen is changed with each level of difficulty—for instance, at one level, the kitchen is located on an iceberg—adding to the fun. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Nintendo
$50
Buy on Amazon
$50
Buy on Target
Available on: SwitchESRB Rating: ERecommended Age: 10 and olderIn this game, which incorporates all the characters from the Mario universe (including Princess Peach, Bowser, and all the rest), players race karts around the track. As with other Mario games, players can boost their performance with power-ups, and there are four different levels of difficulty.While the general consensus is that Mario Kart is an entertaining game for all ages, this game is especially suitable for teens because it offers an easy way to spend time with the whole family. My older brother is eight years older than me, so it was hard to find activities that appealed to both of us. But we still cherish our memories of racing against each other in this lighthearted and exciting game.Shop More Gifts & Products for TeensMy Teens Never Want to Play Board Games, but This Sour Patch Kids Game Gets My Family Around the TableOur Teens Actually Told Us How They Feel—About Skincare, Backpacks, Gadgets, Bras, and Furniture, AnywayThese 12 Back-to-School Looks My Teens Are Shopping Could Have Been Pulled From My High School Closet For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Parents.We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
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