Apex Legends: Age Rating, Beginner Tips, and Lawsuit Guide

Ask any parent who has watched their kid disappear into a free-to-play shooter for hours, and they will tell you the same thing: it is hard to know what they are really getting into. Apex Legends has been downloaded by more than 130 million people since its surprise launch in 2019, making it one of the biggest battle royale games on the planet.

Release date: February 4, 2019 · Developer: Respawn Entertainment · Publisher: Electronic Arts · Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch · ESRB rating: Teen (13+) · Peak concurrent players (Steam): 624,473 (February 2023)

The key specifications for Apex Legends give a quick overview of the game’s core details.

Is Apex Legends basically Fortnite?

Core gameplay differences

Apex Legends is a squad-based battle royale where teams of three compete to be the last squad standing. Fortnite, by contrast, pits every player against one another and includes building mechanics. As Detroit Free Press (local news outlet) notes, the emphasis on team tactics and hero abilities sets Apex apart.

Visual style and tone

Apex Legends uses a darker, more realistic art style compared to Fortnite’s cartoonish aesthetic. The ESRB content descriptors include Blood and Violence, while Fortnite is rated Teen for violence only. The tone is military-sci-fi rather than whimsical.

Monetization models

Both games are free-to-play with cosmetic purchases. Apex Legends offers a Battle Pass and loot boxes (called Apex Packs). Fortnite uses a Battle Pass and direct item shop. According to Childnet International (UK child safety charity), the in-game purchases are purely cosmetic and do not affect gameplay.

The comparison table below shows the main differences between the two games at a glance.

The pattern: Both are battle royales, but Apex demands more teamwork and has a grittier feel. For a 12-year-old, the core difference is whether they prefer building forts or mastering character abilities. The implication: Fortnite may feel more creative, Apex more competitive.

Is Apex Legends ok for a 12 year old?

ESRB rating and content descriptors

The ESRB (official game ratings authority) rates Apex Legends Teen (13+) with descriptors for Blood and Violence. In Europe, Childnet International notes the PEGI 16 rating is due to sustained depictions of violence toward human characters.

Violence and language

Combat involves stylized gunfights with hitsparks and minimal gore. Characters may shout insults, and voice chat is unmoderated. Childnet warns that players can be exposed to swearing and offensive language from strangers.

Online interactions and chat

Apex Legends includes text and voice chat. The ESRB lists “Users Interact” as an interactive element. Childnet’s guide found that at the time of writing, the game lacked an easy-to-use report or block feature.

The catch: The official rating says 13+, but the real risk is social — strangers in chat, not the on-screen violence.

Is Apex Legends discontinued?

Current development status

Apex Legends is very much alive. Electronic Arts (publisher) continues to release seasonal content, new legends, patches, and competitive events. As of 2024, the game is in its 20th season.

Season updates and battle passes

Each season introduces a new Battle Pass, a new legend, weapon changes, and limited-time modes. The regular cadence of updates confirms ongoing developer support.

Apex Legends Mobile shutdown

The mobile version — launched in 2022 — was discontinued in May 2023. EA cited quality issues and a weak pipeline. This led some rumors that the entire game was ending, but the PC and console versions remain fully operational.

Why this matters: The mobile shutdown was a strategic pivot, not a sign of decline. For parents and new players, the game is still supported and likely will be for years.

Why is Apex Legends not beginner friendly?

Steep learning curve

Apex Legends has no dedicated single-player tutorial. New players are dropped into matches with limited guidance. The Firing Range exists but does not teach advanced mechanics. According to Childnet International, the game relies on players learning through repeated play.

Movement mechanics and aim

Advanced techniques like slide-jumping, wall-bouncing, and tap-strafing are not explained. The high time-to-kill means precise aim and movement are rewarded. New players often feel outmatched.

Team coordination requirements

Matches require teamwork. Communication is key, and without a pre-made squad, solo players are at a disadvantage. Matchmaking can pair new players with experienced ones, creating frustration.

• No in-game tutorial for core mechanics
• High skill ceiling with untaught movement tech
• Unmoderated voice chat can be toxic for newcomers

The pattern: Apex is designed for competitive depth, not casual onboarding. Beginners should expect a rough first 10 hours. The trade-off for that depth is a high initial barrier.

Why did Apex Legends get sued?

An addiction lawsuit was filed against Electronic Arts in 2023 over the game’s allegedly addictive design, focusing on loot boxes and reward systems. The case is ongoing and details remain limited. This section will be updated as verified information becomes available.

The implication: Until the court reaches a verdict, parents should be aware of the ongoing debate around loot box mechanics in free-to-play games.

Timeline of key events

• February 4, 2019: Apex Legends launched without prior announcement (ESRB)
• March 2019: Season 1: Wild Frontier begins
• May 2023: Apex Legends Mobile discontinued
• 2023: Addiction lawsuit filed against Electronic Arts
• 2024: Ongoing seasonal content and competitive events

Quotes from reliable sources

“Apex Legends is a squad-based combat game emphasizing speed, teamwork, and large character personalities.”

— ESRB (official ratings board)

“The game can expose players to swearing and other offensive language from strangers in voice or on-screen text chat.”

— Childnet International (UK child safety charity)

“Apex Legends differs from Fortnite in that Apex is team-based with 3-person squads while Fortnite pits every player against one another.”

— Detroit Free Press (local news outlet)

The free-to-play model includes cosmetic purchases, and there is no gameplay advantage from spending money.

— ESRB (official ratings board)

Apex Legends is not a Fortnite clone — it is a distinct hero shooter with a higher skill ceiling and a Teen rating that parents of 12-year-olds should take seriously. The addiction lawsuit adds a layer of regulatory risk, but the game remains actively supported. For parents in the US or Europe, the choice is clear: if you are comfortable with unmoderated chat and stylized violence, Apex is a polished free-to-play option. If you want more control, wait until 13 or stick to games with stronger moderation.

Related reading: A parent’s guide to Apex Legends · What parents need to know about Apex Legends

For a more detailed breakdown of the game’s features and requirements, check out this Apex Legends FAQ guide.

Frequently asked questions