Is 'The Finals' actually free?

Yes, it’s free to download and play on all platforms. The developers make money by selling 'Multibucks' for cosmetic items (outfits, weapon skins) and a seasonal Battle Pass. You don't need to spend a dime to be competitive.

How violent is it really?

It’s stylized violence. You use guns, grenades, and swords, but there’s no blood, no realistic injury animations, and no 'finishing moves.' When a player is defeated, they turn into a statue and then shatter into gold coins. It feels more like laser tag than a war movie.

Can I turn off the voice chat?

Absolutely. You can disable voice chat entirely in the audio settings, or you can set it to 'Push to Talk' so your child isn't constantly broadcasting. You can also mute specific teammates during a match if they become toxic.

Why is my kid so obsessed with the 'destruction' in this game?

Because it’s the game's 'secret sauce.' Unlike most shooters where the walls are invincible, here you can level an entire skyscraper. It allows for a level of 'emergent gameplay' where weird, funny, and cool things happen that weren't scripted, which is very addictive for creative minds.

The Finals – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Finals

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

game2023

82%

WISE Score

74%

IGDB

A high-stakes virtual game show where the arena is as much of a weapon as the guns, and death just means turning into a pile of loose change.

The Finals

game

2023

82%

WISE Score

74%

IGDB

A high-stakes virtual game show where the arena is as much of a weapon as the guns, and death just means turning into a pile of loose change.

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Where to Play

Xbox

PlayStation

PC/Steam

Screenwise Verdict

The Finals is the thinking person's shooter. It successfully ditches the 'war is hell' aesthetic for a vibrant, high-energy game show vibe that feels much more like a digital sport than a combat simulation. It’s a breath of fresh air in a genre that often feels stagnant.

For parents, the lack of blood is a major plus, but don't mistake that for 'low intensity.' This is a loud, chaotic, and highly competitive game. If your kid is into Fortnite but wants something that feels a bit more 'grown-up' without the realistic trauma of a tactical shooter, this is the winner.

Age Fit

Best for ages 11 and up. While there's no gore, the speed and complexity require a level of maturity to handle the competitive pressure and the fast-paced tactical decision-making.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The 'game show' framing removes the grim, military realism found in other shooters. It emphasizes teamwork and sportsmanship over 'war,' though it is still a high-intensity combat game.

Imaginative

The environmental destruction is top-tier. Players have to think creatively about the physics of the map—blowing out floors, collapsing buildings, and using 'Goo Guns' to build bridges or cover.

Safe

ESRB Teen rating is accurate. There is no blood or gore; defeated players explode into harmless gold coins. Standard online safety caveats apply regarding voice chat and competitive pressure.

Enriching

Demands high-level spatial reasoning and real-time tactical problem solving. It’s much more about 'how do we solve this physical puzzle' than just having the fastest twitch reflexes.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Physics-based gameplay forces players to think about geometry and structural integrity, not just aiming.
Blood-free combat makes it a more palatable alternative to gritty military simulators like Call of Duty.
Team-oriented objectives reward cooperation and strategy over the 'lone wolf' playstyle common in battle royales.
The destruction mechanics are genuinely impressive and offer a level of creative agency rarely seen in the genre.

⚠

What to Watch For

The Battle Pass and cosmetic store are designed with the usual 'limited time' FOMO to encourage spending.
Voice chat with strangers is the default; while the community is generally less toxic than League of Legends, it’s still the Wild West.
The game is 'sweaty'—meaning the skill floor is high and it can be frustratingly difficult for casual players to get a win.

Conversation Starters

"How did you use the environment to win that round instead of just using your weapons?"
"Do you think the 'game show' announcers make the violence feel more or less intense?"
"Is it harder to play with friends or with random people you meet online?"
"What's your strategy for managing your 'VRs' and deciding which gadgets to unlock next?"

Deep Dive

The Destruction is the Draw

Most shooters treat the map like a static movie set. In The Finals, the map is a Jenga tower. If an enemy team is camping on the top floor of a building with turrets and shields, you don't have to run up the stairs—you can just C4 the ceiling and bring the entire objective crashing down into the basement. This shift in mechanics changes the game from a test of reflexes to a test of creative problem solving.

The Monetization Reality

As a free-to-play title, The Finals lives and dies by its store. It’s important to note that the purchases are almost entirely cosmetic. You can't really 'pay to win' here, which is a relief. However, the store is flashy, and the 'Multibucks' currency is designed to keep kids checking back for the latest neon tracksuit or weapon skin. It’s worth having a conversation about 'digital drip' before handing over the credit card.

Comparison to the Giants

Unlike Fortnite, there is no building-on-the-fly; you are destroying what’s already there. Unlike Apex Legends, the movement is slightly more grounded but the environmental interaction is much higher. It sits in a unique middle ground. If your kid enjoys games like Minecraft for the building/breaking but wants the competitive rush of a shooter, The Finals bridges that gap beautifully. Just be prepared for some loud shouting when a building collapses on their head at the last second.

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