When thinking about the types of games for kids to play, first-person shooters are usually low on the list of possible options. This is because the genre tends to be filled with overly violent, extremely gory installments that very much cater to a mature audience. Still, that doesn't mean there aren't some options out there that would work well.
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There are very few FPS games that are solely for kids, but some are less violent than others and serve as a nice starter for older kids that may be interested in them. Others games give a new take on what an FPS really is, moving away from guns entirely. Either way, it is possible to find an FPS a kid can play.
10 Lovely Planet
It may be tough to sell a difficult game to a kid, but if they are up for a bit of a challenge, they can try Lovely Planet. With graphics reminiscent of Katamari Damacy, the innocent look of the game may compel people looking for a brighter environment in their FPS to play this.
However, the game can be very difficult as each level tasks the player with killing every enemy on the stage without getting hit once. The goal is also to finish the level in the quickest time possible. These two elements may turn kids away from playing it, but it could be worth trying a few levels.
9 Superhot
To be clear, Superhot is a title that has some disturbing scenes in it. There are a few points in the game where the player must end their life to advance to the next level. This would make it completely understandable for parents to not want their kids to play.
That said, if parents are moderating the kid as they play, the game is not at all gory and serves as more of an engaging puzzle game than a fast-paced shoot 'em up. The game only moves when the player moves, so the strategy is to figure out the routes of other targets to effectively knock them all out.
8 Metroid Prime Trilogy
Metroid Prime Trilogy also borders on being a bit disturbing at points as there is plenty of violent montages in this game. But parents of older kids shouldn't feel too bad letting them play as much of the violence isn't terribly graphic, though it's recommended that parents play with them.
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The collection of games is rich with character and has plenty of fun puzzles to solve. The story itself also focuses on various interesting topics that could be thought-provoking and rewarding enough for a parent and kid to experience together.
7 Overwatch
One of the most popular competitive games out there, Overwatch is a first-person shooter that has taken the world by storm and contains cartoon violence that isn't too bad for kids to take in. That said, this game is online only and communication is key to the game. If a kid wants to play this game, it might be best to start them off by setting up a game where they are playing as an easy hero with their friends and going up against AI.
If a kid wants to dip their toe into an online mode, it would be recommended they do so with friends or family on their team at all times.
6 Supraland
Another game that might be a bit challenging for kids but could also be an exhilarating experience is Supraland. Described as a first-person Metroidvania game, the world of Supraland takes place in a literal sandbox. Players are tasked with exploring the world and solving puzzles while also having to deal with many different enemies.
The game will reward players for overcoming obstacles and consistently keeps players guessing. While the game focuses a lot on melee attacks, there are also plenty of opportunities for shooting action.
5 PowerWash Simulator
When finding a first-person shooting game that kids can play, it's important to look across several different genres as a game that isn't a typical FPS has FPS-like elements. This is where a game like PowerWash Simulator comes in.
This relaxing game gives players a power washer that they can use to walk around and clean up every place with grime that they can find. The calming sounds of the washer and the pure satisfaction of cleaning up a mess make doing chores quite fun.
4 Penguins Arena: Sedna's World
As noted above, multiplayer games can be a bit intimidating for kids. In Penguins Arena: Sedna's World, kids can enjoy the experience through LAN multiplayer and could dabble in online multiplayer if they and their parents are comfortable with that.
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Referred to as a "First-Penguin Shooter," the game revolves around where cartoon penguins must battle for survival. The quick games revolve around using different weapons to take on enemies. The game allows players to come back after dying, either fully reincarnated or as a ghost.
3 Slime Rancher
Going back to simulators, a cute game that involves shooting (and collecting) slimes could be an easy bridge for kids to cross into first-person shooting games. In Slime Rancher, players take on the role of Beatrix LaBeau, a rancher who has started a new life on a planet far away.
The game revolves around spending each day growing the farm and exploring the region for various resources and creatures. The goal of the game is to not only get in a good enough position in the "Plort Market," but to also discover the hidden mysteries that lie in the "Far, Far Range."
2 New Pokemon Snap
While Metroid Prime is the only Nintendo first-person shooter that falls in line with other games of the genre, New Pokemon Snap gives "shoot" a completely different meaning.
A sequel to the classic Nintendo 64 game, the rail shooter focuses on players shooting photos of different Pokemon across multiple environments. Players can enhance their photos by shooting Fluffruit and Illumination Orbs at the Pokemon, which may fill them with enough glee to get a photo-worthy reaction. It's truly the most wholesome shooter that kids can spend hours in.
1 Portal 2
The Portal series was an innovative take on puzzle games, but it also was a unique taking on first-person shooting as well. While the original game was what started it all, the best game of the series is Portal 2. The game revolves around the premise of a portal gun where players can shoot portals that are connected in order to overcome a level's challenge.
While the story mode is a lot of fun by itself, there is a cooperative mode that is both fun for all ages and a solid challenge that can keep kids busy with a friend or family member.