Compare this game
Hawken

Review · Action · Xbox One · PlayStation 4 · PC

Hawken

Reviewed: 03 May 2026

Xbox One · PlayStation 4 · PC

505 Games · 2014

Ludograph rating

B

Good

62 /100

Automated review

Hawken is a mech combat game that builds spatial awareness, strategic thinking, and adaptive challenge in its competitive multiplayer setting.

06010030Benefit →Low risk →B 52 · R 23
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

52

Risk (RIS)

23

Daily limit

–

Age guidance

17+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.60
B2Social-emotional
0.30
B3Motor
0.65

Hawken offers strong cognitive benefits in spatial awareness, strategic thinking, and adaptive challenge. Players must quickly assess their environment, plan attacks, and adjust to changing combat situations. Hand-eye coordination and reaction time are also heavily engaged due to the fast-paced nature of mech combat. Teamwork and communication can be fostered in multiplayer modes.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.27
R2Monetization
0.17
R3Social risk
0.22

The primary risks in Hawken stem from its multiplayer, competitive nature, which can lead to competitive toxicity and social comparison. While direct stranger chat is absent, indirect social pressure may exist. The presence of microtransactions for upgrades could encourage spending. The content features frequent mech-on-mech violence.

Content (not in risk score)

R4.1Violence Level
1.00
R4.2Sexual Content
0.00
R4.3Language
0.00
R4.4Substance References
0.00
R4.5Fear / Horror
0.00

Content risk is displayed separately and does not affect the time recommendation.

Heads up

  • Monthly spendTypical real-money spend by engaged players: $0 – $10/mo.

Regulatory design checks · DSA — Not yet assessed·GDPR-K — Assessed: meets criteria·ODDS — Assessed: meets criteria

  • DSA:What Ludograph checks: whether the game's design gives minors the transparency the EU Digital Services Act expects: plain terms, honest defaults, and clear reporting routes.
  • GDPR-K:What Ludograph checks: whether age assurance and consent flows are designed for under-16s, in the spirit of GDPR Article 8.: Estimated from review data. No privacy or child-targeting concerns found.
  • ODDS:What Ludograph checks: whether paid random-reward drop rates are disclosed, as required in China, Japan and South Korea.: Estimated from review data. No paid random-reward mechanics found, so drop-rate disclosure requirements do not apply.

These reflect Ludograph's assessment of the game's design practices against each framework's criteria, not a legal compliance determination.

Avg playtime~1 hReviewedMay 2026Report a data error →How scores are calculated →

Parents ask…

Is Hawken safe for kids?

Ludograph gives Hawken a rating of 62/100, recommended for ages 17 and up. It offers solid benefits but needs parental guidance on the risks.

What age is Hawken appropriate for?

Ludograph's rubric recommends a minimum age of 17+ for Hawken, based on benefits, risks, and content review. That is stricter than ESRB T, because our assessment weighs behavioral design risks, not just content.

How long should kids play Hawken?

We don't publish a daily session budget for Hawken: its design-risk score sits in our highest band, where limiting time alone doesn't address the risks. For children we suggest choosing an alternative instead.

What are the main risks of Hawken?

The primary risks in Hawken stem from its multiplayer, competitive nature, which can lead to competitive toxicity and social comparison. While direct stranger chat is absent, indirect social pressure may exist. The presence of microtransactions for upgrades could encourage spending. The content features frequent mech-on-mech violence.