TL;DR
If your kid is obsessed with the Marvel Cinematic Universe but isn't quite ready for the high-stakes intensity of the later movies, LEGO Marvel’s Avengers is the perfect middle ground. It’s a low-stress, "buy-it-once" game that replaces cinematic trauma with slapstick humor and teamwork. Unlike Roblox, it won't drain your bank account with microtransactions.
- Best for Ages: 7-12
- Platform: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Core Value: Teamwork, logic puzzles, and fine motor skills
- Screenwise WISE Score: 88/100
Ask our chatbot for a custom gaming schedule for your 8-year-old
Think of this game as a playable, plastic version of the first two Avengers films: The Avengers and Avengers: Age of Ultron. It’s an action-adventure game where players control a massive roster of over 200 Marvel characters—from the big names like Iron Man and Captain America to deep-cut weirdos like Squirrel Girl and Fin Fang Foom.
The gameplay follows the standard, winning LEGO formula: you run through levels, smash everything in sight to collect "studs" (currency), build helpful gadgets out of hopping bricks, and solve puzzles that require specific character abilities. It’s essentially a digital toy box that rewards exploration and curiosity rather than just fast reflexes.
If you’ve heard your kid describe a boring lunch as "so Ohio" or seen them doing the "Orange Justice" from Fortnite, you know they crave cultural relevance. Marvel is the current "lingua franca" of the playground. LEGO Marvel’s Avengers lets them step into that world without the "brain rot" often associated with mindless scrolling or low-effort YouTube content.
The "Power Fantasy" is real here. Flying around a miniaturized Manhattan as Iron Man or smashing through walls as the Hulk is inherently satisfying. Plus, the LEGO games are famous for their "Red Bricks"—hidden cheats that let players turn on silly modes (like making everyone wear disguises) or multiply their score, which gives kids a sense of mastery and "hacking" the game in a safe way.
We talk a lot at Screenwise about "deliberate decisions." Choosing a game like this over a "live service" game is a major win for household peace. Here’s why:
- No "Gacha" Mechanics: Unlike many mobile apps or Roblox experiences, there are no surprise loot boxes or constant prompts to spend real money. You buy the game, you own the game.
- The "Forgiveness" Factor: In most games, when you die, you lose progress. In LEGO Marvel’s Avengers, your character just bursts into bricks and immediately respawns. This is huge for younger gamers who might struggle with "gamer rage" or frustration.
- Co-op Connection: This game features "couch co-op." You can pick up a second controller and play with your kid. It’s one of the best ways to bridge the digital gap and actually see how they handle frustration and problem-solving in real-time.
Check out our guide on the best couch co-op games for families
While the ESRB rating is E10+ (for Everyone 10 and up), many 7- and 8-year-olds handle this game just fine. The "violence" is purely slapstick. When an enemy is defeated, they simply fall apart into plastic pieces. There’s no blood, no gore, and the "scary" movie moments are usually undercut by a LEGO character doing something goofy in the background, like eating a hot dog during a serious speech.
Developmental Benefits
- Spatial Reasoning: Navigating the 3D environments and figuring out how to get from point A to point B.
- Logic and Persistence: Some of the puzzles require three or four steps to solve. It’s great "cognitive heavy lifting" disguised as fun.
- Reading Literacy: While the game is voiced, there are plenty of menus and character bios that encourage reading.
Not all LEGO games are created equal. If you’re looking at the shelf and wondering which one to grab, here’s the breakdown:
This is often considered the superior game because it features an original story and includes the X-Men and Fantastic Four (who are missing from the Avengers game due to licensing issues at the time of release). If your kid wants "every Marvel hero ever," this is the one.
This is the newest and most polished of the bunch. It’s massive. If your family is more into lightsabers than shields, go here first.
Great for DC fans, though the levels can feel a bit more claustrophobic than the open-world Manhattan in the Marvel games.
The "Save Point" Struggle
One of the biggest friction points in digital parenting is "I can't save yet!" In LEGO Marvel’s Avengers, the levels can be long (20-30 minutes). While the game does have "Save & Exit" features, they don't always work perfectly mid-level. Pro-tip: Encourage your kid to play in the "Open World" (Manhattan) when they only have 15 minutes before dinner. They can save their progress instantly there. Save the "Story Missions" for longer weekend blocks.
Online Safety
The good news? There is virtually no online component to the console version of this game. No voice chat with strangers, no "Skibidi" memes in the chat box, and no risk of your kid being "groomed" by a 24-year-old in a virtual lobby. It is a walled garden in the best way possible.
Learn more about the difference between local and online gaming safety
If you are a family that treats Marvel movie spoilers like state secrets, be warned: this game follows the plots of the movies closely. It uses actual audio clips from the films. If you haven't seen Avengers: Age of Ultron yet and plan to, the game will spoil the ending within the first few hours.
Also, be aware of the "Character DLC" (Downloadable Content). While the base game is huge, there are small packs (like the Black Panther or Captain Marvel packs) that cost a few dollars each. It's not predatory, but your kid will definitely see those locked characters and ask for your credit card.
Use the game as a jumping-off point for real conversations. You don't have to be an expert, but asking these questions shows you're interested in their world:
- "I noticed you had to use Captain America’s shield to put out that fire. Why couldn't Iron Man do it?" (Encourages thinking about unique strengths and limitations).
- "Which character do you think is the most helpful in a team? Why?" (Discusses teamwork and collaboration).
- "If you could build anything out of LEGOs to solve a problem in real life, what would it be?" (Sparks creativity and real-world application).
Ask our chatbot for more conversation starters about Marvel and heroism
LEGO Marvel’s Avengers is "good" screen time. It’s not the mindless "brain rot" of a 10-hour YouTube loop, and it’s not the high-stress, social-anxiety-inducing environment of a competitive shooter. It’s a digital puzzle box that celebrates some of the best modern mythology we have.
If you’re looking for a way to let your kid explore the MCU in a way that’s age-appropriate and budget-friendly, this is a solid "Yes."
- Check the Hardware: Ensure you’re buying the version for the console you actually own (the Switch version is great for car rides!).
- Set the Boundary: Decide ahead of time if you’re willing to buy the DLC packs or if the 200+ base characters are enough.
- Join In: Plan for a 30-minute "co-op" session this weekend. You might find that smashing plastic hydra bots is actually a pretty great way to decompress after a long week of adulting.