Natural Selection 2
LumiScore?Our 0–100 score for how developmentally beneficial and low-risk this game is for children. Higher is better.
Growth
69/100
Growth Value
- Problem Solving
- Strategic Thinking
- Critical Thinking
Risk
LOW
Engagement Patterns
Minimal pressure to spend or play excessively.
Heads up
Parent Pro-Tip
Natural Selection 2 is a complex and demanding game best suited for older teens and adults due to its strategic depth, competitive multiplayer environment, and moderate violence. Parents should be aware of the potential for competitive toxicity in online play and encourage healthy breaks. The game offers significant cognitive benefits, particularly in strategic thinking and teamwork, but its intense nature requires good emotional regulation.
Top Skills Developed
Development Areas
Representation?How diverse the game's characters are in gender and ethnicity. Higher = more authentic representation. Display only — does not affect time recommendation.
Bechdel Test?The Bechdel Test checks whether a game has at least two named female characters who talk to each other about something other than a man. A simple measure of representation.— N/A — no named characters
Game does not feature narrative or characters suitable for the Bechdel test.
Parent Pro-Tip
This game excels at developing high-level strategic thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. Its unique blend of genres and player-driven content creation tools can also foster significant creativity and learning transfer.
What your child develops
Natural Selection 2 offers a deeply engaging and complex strategic experience, blending first-person shooter action with real-time strategy. Players will develop advanced problem-solving, critical thinking, and strategic planning skills as they work collaboratively in intense team-based combat. The game also fosters creativity through its level editor and scripting tools, providing a platform for players to design and share their own unique content.
Regulatory Compliance
Tap a badge for details. Grey = not yet assessed.
About this game
Natural Selection is a unique blend of RTS and first-person shooter that is complex enough it takes some time to master. Two teams -- elite marines Frontiersmen and vicious alien Khaara -- compete against each other on robust maps.