99 Nights in the Forest is a popular survival horror game that has captured the attention of millions of players worldwide. Available on Roblox and as a mobile app, this game challenges players to survive 99 terrifying nights in a dark, mysterious forest. As a parent, you might be wondering whether this game is suitable for your child. This guide will help you understand the age rating and what to expect from the game.
What is 99 Nights in the Forest?
99 Nights in the Forest is a survival horror adventure game where players must stay alive in a spooky forest filled with dangers. The game combines elements of resource gathering, base building, and defending against scary creatures. Players work alone or with friends to maintain a campfire, explore the forest, rescue missing children, and survive against supernatural threats.
The game is available in two main versions:
- Roblox version: Created by Grandma’s Favourite Games
- Mobile app version: Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store
Official Age Ratings
The mobile version on the Apple App Store carries a 15+ age rating. This rating indicates that the game is designed for players aged 15 years and older.
The App Store lists several content warnings:
- Frequent cartoon or fantasy violence
- Horror and fear themes
- Guns or other weapons
- Gambling elements and contests
- Loot boxes
- Advertising
Expected ESRB Rating
Industry experts anticipate the game would likely receive an ESRB EVERYONE 10+ rating if formally rated. This means children aged 10 and above could play the game, though the final rating may vary.
Roblox Platform Guidelines
Roblox uses its own content maturity system with four age-based categories. The platform allows games to be tagged according to their appropriateness for different age groups. Parents can check the current age rating directly within the Roblox platform, as this provides the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Parents Guide: What Makes This Game Scary?
Understanding what makes 99 Nights in the Forest frightening helps parents decide if their child can handle the content.
Horror Elements
The game includes several scary features:
- Dark Atmosphere: Each night gets progressively darker, creating a tense and frightening environment.
- Monsters and Creatures: Players must defend against deer-like two-legged aggressive creatures, rams, owls, wolves, alpha wolves, and bears.
- Cultists: Hostile human enemies add an extra layer of danger.
- Strange Noises: The forest fills with eerie sounds and moving shadows that build suspense.
- Survival Pressure: The constant need to keep the campfire burning while avoiding threats creates ongoing tension.
Violence Content
The game contains combat and violence, though it’s presented in a cartoon or fantasy style rather than realistic gore. Players use guns and other weapons to defend themselves, and when characters die, they lie on the ground without moving.
Gameplay Features
Core Mechanics
Players engage in several activities throughout the game:
- Resource Gathering: Collecting materials from the forest
- Base Building: Creating and maintaining a safe camp
- Crafting: Making tools and weapons to improve survival chances
- Exploration: Discovering new areas including volcanic and snow biomes
- Rescue Missions: Finding and saving four missing children
- Combat: Fighting off various creatures and enemies
Progression System
As players progress, nights grow darker, creatures become more aggressive, and new threats like volcanic zones appear. Players can upgrade their equipment by trading with the Pelt Trader and selecting different character classes for unique abilities.
Multiplayer Options
The game offers both single-player and multiplayer modes. Players can team up in 5-player online games, working together to survive longer and overcome tougher challenges.
Skills Required to Play
Age-Appropriate Skills
Children aged 7 and above usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. However, the game demands several abilities:
- Teamwork: Players need good cooperation skills when playing in multiplayer mode
- Resource Management: Smart collection and use of materials is essential
- Strategic Thinking: Planning ahead helps survive longer
- Resilience: Players must be willing to try again after failing
- Problem-Solving: Figuring out how to overcome different threats
Is It Safe for Kids?
Positive Aspects
The game offers several benefits for young players:
- Cooperative Play: Encourages teamwork and communication
- Strategic Thinking: Develops planning and decision-making skills
- Problem-Solving: Challenges players to overcome obstacles creatively
- Social Interaction: Allows friends to play together
Concerns for Parents
Parents should consider these factors:
- Scary Content: The horror elements may be too intense for sensitive children
- Violence: Combat with weapons is a central gameplay element
- Stress: The survival pressure might cause anxiety in some children
- In-App Purchases: The mobile version includes paid items
- Online Interaction: Multiplayer modes allow communication with other players
Roblox Safety Features
Roblox provides comprehensive parental controls to help manage your child’s gaming experience. Parents can:
- Set age-appropriate content restrictions
- Limit who can communicate with their child
- Control spending on in-game purchases
- Monitor gameplay time
- Review friend lists and interactions
Access these controls through the Settings menu (gear icon) in the Roblox interface.
Making the Right Decision
Consider Your Child’s Maturity
The age rating provides guidance, but every child is different. Consider these questions:
- How does your child react to scary content?
- Can they handle suspenseful situations without getting too frightened?
- Do they understand the difference between games and reality?
- Have they played similar horror games before?
Try Playing Together
The best way to evaluate if the game is appropriate is to play it with your child. This allows you to:
- See the content firsthand
- Gauge your child’s reactions
- Discuss any scary elements together
- Set boundaries for gameplay
Check Current Ratings
Always verify the most recent age rating on the platform where your child will play. Game content can change with updates, so ratings may be adjusted over time.
Alternative Games
If you decide 99 Nights in the Forest is too intense, consider these alternatives:
- Survival games without horror elements: Minecraft, Animal Crossing
- Adventure games with mild challenges: Lego games, Spyro series
- Cooperative multiplayer games: Overcooked, Moving Out
Conclusion
99 Nights in the Forest carries a 15+ rating on the Apple App Store due to its horror themes, violence, and scary content. While some industry assessments suggest children as young as 7-10 might have the skills to play, the game’s frightening elements make it more suitable for teenagers.
As a parent, you know your child best. Consider their age, maturity level, and sensitivity to scary content before making a decision. Use Roblox’s parental controls to customize their gaming experience, and consider playing together to better understand what your child will encounter.
The game offers valuable lessons in teamwork, strategy, and problem-solving, but these benefits must be weighed against the horror content and potential stress it may cause younger or more sensitive children.
Always check the current age rating on the specific platform (Roblox, App Store, Google Play) where your child will play, as ratings and content may change with updates.