Apex Legends is a free-to-play battle royale game that's less graphic than Call of Duty but still involves shooting gameplay. It's popular with teens and has robust parental controls through EA.
13-17
Recommended Ages: Apex Legends is rated T for Teen (13+). It features gun violence without blood/gore, competitive online play, and voice chat with strangers.
60 players in squads of 3
Land on map and find weapons/gear
Last squad standing wins
Unique "Legends" with special abilities
Fast-paced shooting gameplay
Free to play
Team-based cooperation
Competitive ranking system
Regular new content
Popular on streaming platforms
Voice chat with random teammates
Online interactions with strangers
In-game purchases (cosmetics)
Shooting/combat gameplay
Competitive pressure
Go to ea.com/parental-controls and sign in with your child's EA account.
Or use the EA app:
Settings Privacy Parental Controls Create a PIN to lock settings:
Parental Controls Create PIN Parental Controls Online Communication Options:
Everybody : Can communicate with all playersFriends Only : Only EA friends can communicateNobody : All communication disabled
Recommended: Friends Only
Random squad voice chat can be toxic. Restrict to friends for a better experience.
Parental Controls User-Generated Content Control whether your child can see content created by other players.
Parental Controls Online Play Options:
Enabled: Can play online
Disabled: Offline only (limits Apex significantly as it's online-only)
Enable Voice Chat : Toggle on/offVoice Chat Volume : Set to 0 to muteTeam Voice Chat : Push-to-talk or open mic
For maximum safety, disable voice chat or set volume to 0.
Settings Gameplay Text Chat Disable text chat to prevent inappropriate messages.
Apex has an excellent non-verbal communication system. Even with voice/text off, players can:
Ping locations
Call out enemies
Request items
Suggest movements
This makes playing without voice chat viable.
Apex Legends has:
Apex Coins (premium currency)
Battle Pass (950 Apex Coins, ~$10 — now sold per half-season "split," so two per season)
Legend skins
Weapon skins
Loot boxes (Apex Packs)
EA Account : Remove payment methodsPlatform Level : Enable purchase restrictions
EA Account Billing Payment Methods Remove stored payment methods.
Apex Packs are loot boxes with randomized rewards. While cosmetic-only, they can encourage gambling-like behavior.
Use alongside EA controls:
Family Management Communication
Restrict voice/text chat
Set spending limits
Microsoft Family Communication
Friends-only communication
Purchase approvals
Use Parental Controls app
Set play time limits
Communication controls
Note: EA ends support for the original Switch on August 4, 2026 — Apex continues on Switch 2, with purchases and progress carried over
Windows Family Safety for time limits
EA parental controls for communication
Competitive mode with ranks from Bronze to Predator. Tends to be more intense and toxic.
Higher pressure/frustration
More competitive teammates
May affect mood if losing
Time-intensive to climb ranks
Consider limiting ranked play for younger teens.
Players can join "Clubs" - groups of up to 30 players.
EA Parental Controls Clubs Consider restricting club joining to prevent joining random groups.
EA Parental Controls Friend Requests Options:
Accept from anyone
Friends of friends only
Don't accept
Shooting gameplay (guns, grenades)
No blood or gore
Characters are "eliminated" not killed
Colorful, stylized graphics
Less realistic than Call of Duty
Generally appropriate for 13+
Less graphic than M-rated shooters
Combat is core gameplay
Apex is best with friends:
Add real-life friends on EA
Invite to squad
Use party chat (platform) instead of in-game
Enjoy cooperative gameplay
Disable to avoid random teammates (play with friends only, but fewer players).
Battle Pass challenges
Limited-time events
Ranked seasons
Daily/weekly rewards
Use platform parental controls for time limits—Apex doesn't have built-in limits.
EA parental controls enabled
Friends-only communication
Voice chat off or friends only
Strict spending limits ($0)
Platform time limits (60-90 min)
Mostly play with known friends
Friends-only communication
Voice chat with friends
Limited spending (battle pass only)
Reasonable time limits
Can play ranked with maturity
EA account created with parent email Parental Controls PIN set Communication set to Friends Only Voice chat disabled or friends only Platform spending controls enabled Discussed online safety and sportsmanship Official EA parental controls guide
EA's parent information for Apex
Independent review and parent guide
Squad Up Safely
Apex Legends is configured for safer play. The game is most enjoyable with friends using the ping system, even without voice chat.
Follow these steps to configure parental controls. Check off each step as you complete it — your progress stays on this page.
