You’ve seen the score. A near-perfect 97 on Metacritic. Thousands of people calling it the best game ever made. But then you look at the breath of the wild rating on the box and see that "E10+" or "PEGI 12" label, and suddenly things feel a little more complicated. Is it actually for kids? Or is it one of those "all ages" games that’s secretly designed to make grown adults pull their hair out in frustration?
Honestly, the rating doesn’t tell the whole story. Not even close.
If you’re a parent trying to figure out if your seven-year-old can handle a Guardian laser to the face, or a player wondering why the ESRB mentioned "exaggerated breasts," you’re in the right place. We’re stripping away the marketing fluff to look at what’s actually in the code.
The Official Breath of the Wild Rating Breakdown
Let's get the technical stuff out of the way first. In North America, the ESRB gave it an E10+ (Everyone 10 and up). Over in Europe, PEGI was a bit more cautious, slapping a 12 rating on it. Australia? They went with M (Mature), which sounds terrifying until you realize Australia’s "M" is basically the equivalent of a "PG-13" movie—recommended for 15+ but not legally restricted.
Why the E10+ label?
The ESRB isn't just worried about Link hitting things with a stick. They look at three specific "problem" areas:
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- Fantasy Violence: You use swords, bows, and literal bombs. Most enemies poof into purple smoke when they die, which keeps it from being "T for Teen." However, there is one specific, brief scene showing a battlefield with dead creatures, some of which are impaled by spears. It’s stylized, sure, but it’s there.
- Mild Suggestive Themes: This is the one that makes people laugh. The rating specifically mentions "fairies with moderate cleavage" (looking at you, Great Fairies) and some slightly thirsty dialogue from NPCs who are clearly into Link.
- Use of Alcohol: There’s a character in a bar who’s clearly had one too many Hylian beers, and a shop owner who tells Link she only serves "drinks that are definitely just for adults."
Basically, it's a PG movie with a few "wait, did they just say that?" moments.
Is It Too Hard for Younger Kids?
Forget the violence for a second. The real breath of the wild rating issue for families isn't the content—it's the difficulty. This game is brutal.
Unlike older Zelda games, there is no "easy mode." Within the first hour, a stray arrow or a fall from a cliff can end your run. For a six or seven-year-old, this can lead to some serious living room meltdowns. The world is "melancholic," as many critics put it. It’s lonely. You’re wandering through the ruins of a destroyed civilization where almost everyone you knew is dead. That’s a heavy vibe for a kid who just wants to find some cool horses.
Then there’s the reading. While the main cutscenes are voiced, about 80% of the quest clues and lore are delivered via text. If your kid isn't a fluent reader yet, you are going to be their personal narrator for the next 100 hours.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the "M" Rating
If you happen to buy an Australian copy of the game, don't panic. The "M" rating there doesn't mean there's hidden gore or "Grand Theft Auto" style content.
The Australian Classification Board is famously picky. They likely saw the "Demon-possessed robots slaughtering a kingdom" backstory and decided it was a bit much for the "PG" bracket. In reality, there is zero realistic blood. No guts. No "bad" language. Link is a golden boy. The worst thing he does is occasionally run around in his underwear because you haven't found a shirt yet.
The "Hidden" Stuff: Scary Moments and "Sexy" Fairies
If you’re sensitive to "creepy" content, there are a few things that might bypass a standard breath of the wild rating check:
- The Guardians: The music changes to a frantic, high-pitched piano solo, a red laser dots your chest, and then boom. It’s jump-scare territory for little kids.
- The Yiga Clan: There’s a stealth mission in their hideout that feels like a horror game. One mistake and you’re swarmed by masked assassins who can kill you in one hit.
- The Great Fairies: When you upgrade your armor, these giant women literally grab Link and drag him underwater or blow kisses that knock him over. It’s played for laughs, but it’s definitely... a choice.
Does the Rating Affect the Quality?
Absolutely not. The fact that it maintains an E10+ while being arguably the most complex open-world game ever made is a feat. Most games with this much depth—think The Witcher 3 or Elden Ring—have to lean into "Mature" territory to feel "serious."
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Nintendo proved you can have a "land-mark in open-world design" (as Wikipedia and every critic on the planet puts it) without needing a high body count or a gritty script. It’s a "prestige" game. It’s an "artistic flex."
Final Verdict: Who Should Actually Play It?
Despite the 10+ or 12+ labels, the "correct" age for this game depends on the person.
- Age 5-7: They can play, but they’ll mostly just want to cook apples and ride horses. They will get stuck on the puzzles (Shrines) and probably cry when a Lynel chases them.
- Age 8-10: This is the sweet spot for the "emergent gameplay" Nintendo loves. They’ll figure out that lightning is attracted to metal shields and use it to blow up enemies.
- Adults: If you haven't played it because you think it's a "kids' game," you’re missing out on 30 million copies' worth of genius. The weapon durability system and the "Chemistry Engine" (where fire, wind, and gravity all interact) are more complex than most "adult" shooters.
If you’re buying this for someone else, grab the physical version if you can. It’s a massive file for the Switch’s internal memory. Also, maybe print out a "recipe cheat sheet" for them. Cooking is half the battle, and the game doesn't explain it well.
The best way to handle the breath of the wild rating is to treat it as a suggestion, not a rule. Just be ready to step in when they get stuck in the rain and can't climb a cliff—because honestly, that still frustrates the adults too.
Next Steps for Players and Parents
If you’re still on the fence, check out a "Let's Play" of the Great Plateau (the starting area). It gives you a perfect 20-minute look at the violence level and the difficulty curve. If that looks okay, your next move is to check your SD card space—you're going to need about 13GB. And maybe buy a Pro Controller; those Joy-Cons aren't great for the precision needed to parry a laser.