TL;DR
If you’re looking for the "Goldilocks" of gaming—not too hard, not too scary, and actually fun for adults to play too—LEGO video games are it. They are the ultimate low-stress entry point for kids aged 5 to 12.
- Best for Star Wars fans: LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
- Best for creative builders: LEGO Worlds
- Best for social play: LEGO Fortnite
- Best for Marvel junkies: LEGO Marvel Super Heroes
Ask our chatbot for a personalized LEGO game recommendation based on your kid's age
For the uninitiated, LEGO video games generally fall into two buckets.
First, there are the "Classic" games developed by TT Games. These are mostly based on massive movie franchises like Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Marvel. They are linear, puzzle-solving adventures where you can’t really "die" (you just explode into bricks and reappear), making them perfect for kids who get frustrated by "Game Over" screens.
Second, we have the "New Wave." This includes LEGO Fortnite, which is a survival-crafting game more akin to Minecraft, and experimental titles like LEGO Bricktales that focus on actual physics-based building.
If your kid is currently obsessed with "Skibidi Toilet" or calling everything "Ohio," you might be worried that their digital diet is turning into mush. LEGO games are the antidote.
Around 65% of parents in the Screenwise community report that LEGO games are the first "real" console games their kids play. Here’s why they stick:
- The "Safety Net": In most LEGO games, there is no permanent failure. This builds confidence in "digital literacy"—learning how to use a controller, navigate a 3D space, and solve logic puzzles—without the stress of losing progress.
- The Humor: The writing is genuinely funny. It’s slapstick, self-aware, and often pokes fun at the source material in a way that parents actually enjoy.
- Couch Co-op: This is the holy grail. Most LEGO games allow two people to play on the same screen. It’s one of the few ways to actually bond with your kid in a digital space without needing two expensive consoles.
This is the "magnum opus." It covers all nine movies. If your kid is into Star Wars, this is a no-brainer. It’s massive, looks beautiful, and has hundreds of characters to unlock. It’s a great way to experience the stories without the "scary" parts of the movies being quite so intense.
Don't let the "Fortnite" name scare you. This isn't a battle royale where 99 people are trying to shoot your kid. It’s a survival game where you build villages, farm, and explore. It’s basically LEGO's answer to Minecraft. Note: Since it lives inside the Fortnite ecosystem, it does have social features.
Learn how to set up parental controls for LEGO Fortnite
Even though it’s a few years old, this remains the gold standard for superhero games. It features an open-world New York City that kids can fly around in as Iron Man or swing through as Spider-Man. It’s pure wish fulfillment.
Perfect for the kid who is currently obsessed with the Harry Potter books. It covers years 1-7 and focuses heavily on spell-casting and exploration of Hogwarts. It’s a bit more "puzzle-heavy" than the action-focused Star Wars games.
The newest entry to the family. It’s based on the Horizon series (the one with the robot dinosaurs). It’s a bit more streamlined and shorter than the massive Star Wars saga, making it great for younger kids with shorter attention spans.
While almost all LEGO games are rated E for Everyone (or E10+), the "mechanical" age is usually 6 and up.
- Ages 5-7: They will need you to play with them. They'll handle the "smashing things" part, but you’ll need to handle the "where do we go next?" part.
- Ages 8-10: This is the sweet spot. They can usually play these independently or with a sibling.
- Ages 11+: They might start to find the classic games "too easy," which is when they usually migrate toward LEGO Fortnite or LEGO 2K Drive.
Check out our guide on the best first video games for 6-year-olds
Usually, no. LEGO games are some of the "cleanest" experiences in gaming. However, there are two things to watch:
- The "Stud" Grind: LEGO games use "studs" (little silver and gold circles) as currency. To unlock cool characters like Darth Vader, kids have to collect millions of them. This can lead to "just five more minutes" syndrome as they try to finish a level to get that last character.
- In-Game Purchases: Most classic LEGO games have DLC (Downloadable Content). This means you might buy the game for $30, but then your kid sees a "Mandalorian Character Pack" for $5. It’s not predatory like Roblox or Brawl Stars, but it’s there.
- Social Interactions: Most LEGO games are offline. LEGO Fortnite is the big exception. If they are playing LEGO Fortnite, they are technically on a platform with millions of other people.
Ask our chatbot about the safety differences between LEGO Fortnite and Minecraft
We often talk about whether Roblox is teaching kids about money or just draining your bank account. LEGO games are much more "honest." There is no "gambling" or "loot box" mechanic in the classic games. You play the game, you earn the bricks, you unlock the stuff.
It’s a great way to teach "delayed gratification." If you want the "Ghost Rider" character, you have to save up your in-game studs. It’s a closed economy that doesn’t involve your actual credit card (mostly).
LEGO video games are the "Bluey" of the gaming world. They are high-quality, respectful of the audience, and don't rely on cheap tricks to keep kids addicted.
If you’re tired of your kid watching mindless YouTube shorts of people playing Skibidi Toilet mods in Garry's Mod, handing them a controller and playing LEGO Star Wars with them is a massive step up in digital wellness.
- Pick a theme: Ask your kid if they’d rather be a Jedi, a Wizard, or a Superhero.
- Check the platform: Most of these are available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
- Set a "Level Limit": Instead of a time limit (which can be hard to track in a game), tell them they can play "two levels." It’s easier for them to conceptualize.
- Grab a second controller: Seriously. These games are better together.