Summary

  • Not all first-person shooter games are violent; some options, like Lovely Planet, offer a bright, challenging experience for older kids.
  • Superhot may have disturbing scenes, but with parental supervision, it's more of a puzzle game than a traditional shooter.
  • Games like Robot Roller-Derby Disco Dodgeball offer unique spins on FPS gameplay, making them enjoyable for kids who want something different.

When thinking about the types of games for kids to play, first-person shooters are usually low on the list of possible options. This is because the genre tends to be filled with overly violent, extremely gory installments that very much cater to a mature audience. Still, that doesn't mean there aren't some options out there that would work well.

(Left) BioShock cover (Right) DOOM cover
14 Best First-Person Shooters Of All Time

Time to shoot 'em up... These games are the best of the best when it comes to FPS options.

There are very few FPS games that are solely for kids, but some are less violent than others and serve as a nice starter for older kids who may be interested in them. Other games give a new take on what an FPS really is, moving away from guns entirely. Either way, it is possible to find first-person shooter games for kids.

A few games with a T ESRB rating have been included. While meriting parental guidance, these titles are fine for older players.

Updated on December 25, 2024 by Mark Sammut: FPS games for kids are just not that common, and most of the options have been exhausted. However, the gaming industry never sleeps, and the future should hold some titles suitable for younger players. Jump to the below section to see these projects.

12 Lovely Planet

A Mixed Bag With A Few High Points

Lovely Planet
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Released
July 31, 2014
ESRB
E10+ For Everyone 10+ // Fantasy Violence
Platform(s)
PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Linux, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Nintendo Wii U
Developer
QuickTequila
Genre(s)
FPS, Indie Games

It may be tough to sell a difficult game to a kid, but if they are up for a bit of a challenge, they can try Lovely Planet. With graphics reminiscent of Katamari Damacy, the innocent look of the game may compel people looking for a brighter environment in their FPS to play this.

However, the game can be very difficult as each level tasks the player with killing every enemy on the stage without getting hit once. The goal is also to finish the level in the quickest time possible. These two elements may turn kids away from playing it, but it could be worth trying a few levels.

11 Boomerang X

Pretty Difficult Game, But Fun Core Mechanics

Boomerang X
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Released
July 8, 2021
ESRB
E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence
Developer(s)
Dang!
Div
Platform(s)
Switch, PC
Genre(s)
FPS

Games with creepy monsters in them may be too much for super young children, but older kids may enjoy taking enemies down with a boomerang. In Boomerang X, players are tasked with fighting back against nightmares that have brought civilization into ruins.

The crux of the gameplay is players being able to hit these creatures with a boomerang, and there are a lot of really fun elements to this mechanic, including being able to zip through the air mid-flight. Boomerang X is also another difficult game, but it can be entertaining to play or watch for almost all ages.

10 Metroid Prime Trilogy

Primarily For Older Kids Who Are Looking For Something A Touch More Mature

Metroid Prime Remastered
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FPS
Metroidvania
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Released
February 8, 2023
ESRB
T For Teen due to Animated Blood, Violence
Developer(s)
Nintendo, Retro Studios
Platform(s)
Nintendo Switch
Genre(s)
FPS, Metroidvania

Metroid Prime borders on being a bit disturbing at points as there are plenty of violent montages in this game (and its sequels). But parents of older kids shouldn't feel too bad letting them play as much of the violence isn't terribly graphic, though it's recommended that parents play with them.

Metroid franchise
Every Metroid Game Ever Made From Worst To Best, Ranked

Unlike Nintendo's other properties, the Metroid games vary wildly in quality, and we've ranked each and every game in the series from worst to best.

The Metroid Prime Trilogy is rich with character and has plenty of fun puzzles to solve. The story itself also focuses on various interesting topics that could be thought-provoking and rewarding enough for a parent and kid to experience together. The gunplay is pretty great in each game, offering a fun mix of accessibility and tactics. That said, Metroid Prime Remastered's combat is a slight improvement over the original trilogy.

9 Roboquest

Mecha Roguelite With Fast-Paced Combat

Roboquest
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Roguelite
FPS
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Released
November 7, 2023
ESRB
E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence
Developer
RyseUp Studios
Genre(s)
Roguelite, FPS

A fantastic roguelite FPS game, Roboquest enjoys a fruitful early access period, culminating in a full release that is both polished and accessible (while still providing a considerable challenge). While not completely devoid of a story, the project does not have a traditional campaign, instead focusing on repeat runs as players gradually level up and unlock upgrades for their robot or base.

Now, Roboquest is quite difficult, at least when it comes to FPS games for kids. Along with fairly aggressive enemies, the title punishes a lack of movement from players, making it play very much like a run-and-gun shooter. As such, the game might overwhelm very young kids; however, Roboquest also supports co-op, so parents can provide a helping hand.

8 Tag: The Power of Paint

A Short But Sweet Puzzle FPS (That Is Free!)

Tag: The Power of Paint
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Puzzle
Platformer
FPS
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Released
May 1, 2008
ESRB
nr
Developer(s)
Tag Team
Platform(s)
PC
Genre(s)
Puzzle, Platformer, FPS

Tag: The Power of Paint is simplicity perfected. Surrounded by monochrome environments, players have access to a paint gun that shoots out an array of colors, each of which offers different interactions. As such, the goal is to pick the right color to traverse the stage, creating a fun and easy-going puzzle game that offers effective visuals along with accessible and satisfying gameplay.

Lasting roughly an hour, Tag: The Power of Paint is not going to keep somebody engaged for too long, but the project is worth a download considering it is free. While not a huge name in and of itself, the game was impressive enough to attract Valve's attention, with the latter opting to implement ideas into Portal 2.

7 Supraland

More Of A Great 3D Metroidvania Than An FPS

Supraland
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Puzzle
Metroidvania
Indie Games
Shooter
Fighting
Adventure
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Released
April 9, 2018
ESRB
T For Teen // Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language
Platform(s)
Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Linux, Microsoft Windows
Genre(s)
Puzzle, Metroidvania, Indie Games, Shooter, Fighting, Adventure

Another game that might be a bit challenging for kids but could also be an exhilarating experience is Supraland. Described as a first-person Metroidvania game, the world of Supraland takes place in a literal sandbox. Players are tasked with exploring the world and solving puzzles while also having to deal with many different enemies.

The game will reward players for overcoming obstacles and consistently keeps players guessing. While focusing a lot on melee attacks, Supraland has also plenty of opportunities for shooting action, so it is a decent option for kids craving FPS fun.

Supraland Six Inches Under is a good option too.

6 PowerWash Simulator

A Business Sim About Washing Up...It Is More Fun Than It Sounds

PowerWash Simulator
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Simulation
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Released
May 19, 2021
ESRB
E For Everyone
Developer(s)
FuturLab
Genre(s)
Simulation
PowerWash Simulator 4

When finding a first-person shooting game that kids can play, it's important to look across several different genres as a game that isn't a typical FPS has FPS-like elements. This is where a game like PowerWash Simulator comes in.

This relaxing game gives players a power washer that they can use to walk around and clean up every place with grime that they can find. The calming sounds of the washer and the pure satisfaction of cleaning up a mess make doing chores quite fun.

5 Totally Accurate Battlegrounds

Silly But Fun Battle Royale Nonsense

Totally Accurate Battlegrounds
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FPS
Battle Royale
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Released
June 5, 2018
ESRB
e
Platform(s)
PC
Developer
Landfall
Genre(s)
FPS, Battle Royale

Another free multiplayer offering, Totally Accurate Battlegrounds is a battle royale that caters to kids who are looking to goof off in a silly world. It is heavily inspired by many other games of the genre that are much more tailored for adults.

While the game features 60 players hunting each other at once, there are many ways that Totally Accurate Battlegrounds tries to be more inviting. This includes no voice chat, simply three catchphrases that can be uttered. There is also a range of ridiculous weapons and some parkour challenges for those kids who like jumping in games.

4 Slime Rancher

Easy-Going Farming FPS

Slime Rancher
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Adventure
Simulation
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Released
August 1, 2017
ESRB
E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence
Developer(s)
Monomi Park
Genre(s)
Adventure, Simulation

Going back to simulators, a cute game that involves shooting (and collecting) slimes could be an easy bridge for kids to cross into first-person shooting games. In Slime Rancher, players take on the role of Beatrix LaBeau, a rancher who has started a new life on a planet far away.

The game revolves around spending each day growing the farm and exploring the region for various resources and creatures. The goal of the game is to not only get in a good enough position in the "Plort Market," but to also discover the hidden mysteries that lie in the "Far, Far Range."

Slime Rancher 2 is also decent.

3 Gunfire Reborn

Fast-Paced Roguelike With Pretty Deep Progression & Cute Playable Characters

Gunfire Reborn
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FPS
Roguelike
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Released
November 18, 2021
ESRB
T For Teen Due To Fantasy Violence
Developer(s)
Duoyi Games
Genre(s)
FPS, Roguelike

Gunfire Reborn is a great FPS game for any age, and that includes oldish kids looking to take their first steps into the genre. Due to following a roguelite structure with a few randomly generated elements (the maps are fairly static, but their start and end points are tweaked), the game revolves around experimenting with new builds.

There is not really a story to follow, which might be a negative for some people; however, the core gunplay is rock-solid and offers a decent range of variety through the weapons and characters. Similar to other roguelites, Gunfire Reborn can be a considerable time sink, keeping players entertained for potentially months on end. The game is viable both solo and in co-op, although the latter is only online.