Highlights

• FPS games for kids can offer violence-free options like Lovely Planet or creatively themed games like Robot Roller-Derby Disco Dodgeball.
• Superhot, though challenging, combines puzzle-solving with shooting in a unique way that parents may find suitable for older kids.
• Games like PowerWash Simulator and Penko Park offer FPS-like experiences in non-traditional ways, making them kid-friendly options to explore.

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.

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 that may be interested in them. Others 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.

Updated on March 17, 2024 by Mark Sammut: The specifications have been added for every FPS game for kids.

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

16 Lovely Planet

Metascore: 65

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.

15 Superhot

Metascore: 82

To be clear, Superhot is a title that has some disturbing scenes in it. There are a few points in the game where the player must end their life to advance to the next level. This would make it completely understandable for parents to not want their kids to play.

That said, if parents are moderating the kids as they play, the game is not at all gory and serves as more of an engaging puzzle game than a fast-paced shoot 'em up. The game only moves when the player moves, so the strategy is to figure out the routes of other targets to effectively knock them all out.

Superhot is also available in VR, and it is generally recommended that users be at least 12 years old.

14 Robot Roller-Derby Disco Dodgeball

Steam User Rating: 91%

Those who enjoy playing dodgeball in gym class will really love throwing a dodgeball around a vibrant neon skatepark in Robot Roller-Derby Disco Dodgeball. A game that features single-player and multiplayer modes, this FPS is all about expanding what players can do with the sport.

Robot Roller-Derby Disco Dodgeball has 21 modes that range in the number of players that they require. This includes a race around the park to shooting the balls into hoops. There are also numerous power-ups that can customize the experience, such as increasing the size of the dodgeballs to wearing jetpacks.

13 Boomerang X

Metascore: 81

• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC
• Release: 2021-07-08
• Developer: DANG!
• Genre: Shooter
• ESRB: E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence

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, but there are a lot of really fun elements to throwing it, including being able to zip right to it while it's in the air. Boomerang X is also another difficult game, but it's one that can be entertaining to both play and watch for almost all ages.

12 Metroid Prime Trilogy

Metascore: 91

Metroid Prime also 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.

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.

11 Supraland

Metascore: 85

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 the game focuses a lot on melee attacks, there are also plenty of opportunities for shooting action.

10 PowerWash Simulator

Metascore: 84

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.

9 Penko Park

Metascore: 81

Another atypical first-person shooter game to try out is a smaller indie game called Penko Park. The game is mainly focused on walking around a wildlife park that is a bit spookier than usual. Most of the shooting is done with a camera as the main purpose of the game is to take pictures of the different creatures that live there.

However, there are also plenty of opportunities to interact with the environment. Another shooting mechanic is the ability to extend the player's arm to grab certain objects. Overall, despite its horror vibes, Penko Park is an adorable creature collector that has FPS elements.

8 Penguins Arena: Sedna's World

Steam User Rating: 91%

As noted above, multiplayer games can be a bit intimidating for kids. In Penguins Arena: Sedna's World, kids can enjoy the experience through LAN multiplayer and could dabble in online multiplayer if they and their parents are comfortable with that.

Referred to as a "First-Penguin Shooter," the game revolves around where cartoon penguins must battle for survival. The quick games revolve around using different weapons to take on enemies. The game allows players to come back after dying, either fully reincarnated or as a ghost.

7 Totally Accurate Battlegrounds

Steam User Rating: 88%

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.

6 Slime Rancher

Metascore: 81

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 great, but it is still in development.

5 The Unfinished Swan

Metascore: 79

Many popular walking simulators tend not to have many other gameplay mechanics beyond just finding things and exploring, but The Unfinished Swan adds a shooting element that may make it more engaging to younger players.

It focuses on a boy named Monroe who has jumped into a painting in order to find the missing subject of the painting: a swan. The game features a storybook-like narration while players can shoot paintballs to help them see the world better. There are also floating balloons that can be popped along the way.

4 New Pokemon Snap

Metascore: 79

While Metroid Prime is the only Nintendo first-person shooter that falls in line with other games of the genre, New Pokemon Snap gives "shoot" a completely different meaning. A sequel to the classic Nintendo 64 game, the rail shooter focuses on players shooting photos of different Pokemon across multiple environments.

Players can enhance their photos by shooting Fluffruit and Illumination Orbs at the Pokemon, which may fill them with enough glee to get a photo-worthy reaction. These moments will give a player more overall points when they complete each run. New Pokemon Snap is truly the most wholesome shooter that kids can spend hours in.

3 Chex Quest HD

Steam User Rating: 80%

In the 1990s, General Mills created a video game that was meant to serve as a marketing campaign for Chex cereal. Years later, the game was re-released on Steam as a free game called Chex Quest HD, a non-violent FPS for kids.

Attempting to stop the invasion of Flemoids, the Chex Warrior sets off to save many of the individuals that were captured by the evil aliens. The player is armed with a "zorcher," which does not kill Flemoids. Instead, it simply sends them back to their original dimension. The game was initially a modification of the original Doom.

2 Star Wars Battlefront 2

Metascore: 68

One of the biggest franchises in the world, Star Wars has been a household name for decades with plenty of stories of its world being told across many forms of media. Despite being a heavy action-driven franchise, it also is one that many kids can enjoy at a young age. One game that captures what it's like to fight in this world is Star Wars Battlefront 2.

Not to be confused with the original 2005 classic, Star Wars Battlefront 2 is a more accessible option for modern gamers as the game is available on most modern platforms. It is a game that allows players to create their own character and make their way to the battlefields that are inspired by the many major films in the franchise.

1 Portal 2

Metascore: 95

The Portal series was an innovative take on puzzle games, but it also was a unique take on first-person shooting as well. While the original game was what started it all, the most talked-about game is Portal 2 for its amazing campaign mode that features great puzzle rooms and a hilariously deep narrative.

The game revolves around the premise of a portal gun where players can shoot portals that are connected in order to overcome a level's challenge. While the story mode is a lot of fun by itself, there is a cooperative mode that is both fun for all ages and a solid challenge that can keep kids busy with a friend or family member. There is endless fun with Portal 2.