Suppose you’re after a new PC game for your son, daughter, niece, nephew or any other young gamer within the family. Finding good-quality family-friendly games can be a challenge, particularly if you’re not necessarily a gamer yourself.
The giftee in question may have already given you a gaming wishlist. If, however, you’d like to surprise them, you could earn yourself extra brownie points for choosing a game they’ll love. Games for the under 12s are vast and varied, so to narrow down your options, here are ten excellent titles suitable for young audiences.
A spin-off that genuinely captures the original charm of Minecraft, this action-adventure dungeon crawler has proved incredibly popular with gamers of all ages. Brave the perilous dungeons as a single player or team up with friends as you battle mobs, free villagers, level up and find loot.
Have you ever wanted to be a horrible goose? With Untitled Goose Game, you can! Play as a trouble-making goose on the loose in an idyllic English village as you complete tasks such as “Steal the Groundskeeper’s Keys” and “Trap the Shopkeeper in the Garage”. This puzzle game rewards chaos, creativity and sneakiness - guaranteed to have players of all ages honking with laughter.
This action-adventure game from LEGO allows you to play through all nine Skywalker saga films culminating in the ultimate Star Wars experience as you trawl the galaxy. Well made and highly entertaining, this game features a vast open-world, immersive melee combat and 384 playable characters.
Stardew Valley is a calming simulation RPG in which you have inherited your grandfather’s dilapidated farm. Begin your new life in the country by completing daily tasks and introducing yourself to the residents of Pelican Town. Grow, mine, fish and craft your way to success as you live your tranquil countryside dream.
Jump into this stunning remastered version of Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage! and Spyro: Year of the Dragon. Play as one of the most iconic platforming heroes of all time as you explore a magical world, collect treasure and free fellow dragons from crystal prisons. The Spyro trilogy definitely holds up well and will be just as big of a hit with adults who will love it for its nostalgic charm.
Inspired by hallucinatory 1930s animation, Cuphead truly is a treat for your eyes and your gaming graphics card. Beautiful hand-drawn cel animation is juxtaposed with high-energy run-and-gun gameplay, challenging boss battles and unlock abilities in this visually remarkable title, all the while enjoying a quirky orchestral soundtrack.
Another blast from the past for older gamers and an introduction into the exhilarating world of Sonic for young ones, Sonic Generations celebrates decades of this iconic platformer in striking HD. Revisit iconic levels, rescue familiar characters and defeat the Time Eater to restore the worlds back to their original form. This colourful, energising game guarantees fun for the whole family.
This wholesome, high-spirited 3D puzzle-platform game has you playing as a duo of dogs called Red and Blue. The catch? They’re joined in the middle by a stretchy, noodly body. You have the option of single-player mode or local and online co-op as you navigate a colourful world, solving puzzles and collecting bones.
A masterpiece of 2D platforming, Rayman Legends sees another classic hero’s triumphant return. Play as Rayman as you work your way through a rambunctious world rescuing Teensies and battling monsters in order to restore The Glade of Dreams to its original glory. Play co-op with up to four players at a time to work as a team and work your way through six distinct and unique worlds.
A construction and management simulation perfect for animal lovers of all ages - realise your wildest dreams as the manager of a majestic menagerie with Planet Zoo. Intricate customisation options enable you to create an ideal home for your favourite critters, as you learn how to keep each species happy and thriving by providing them with food, shelter and enrichment activities.