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The Evil Within 2

Review · Action · PlayStation 4 · PC · Xbox One

The Evil Within 2

Reviewed: 30 Apr 2026

PlayStation 4 · PC · Xbox One

Bethesda Softworks · 2017

Ludograph rating

A

Recommended

75 /100

The Evil Within 2 is a survival horror game that encourages strategic thinking and problem-solving, but contains intense violence and mature themes.

06010030BenefitLow riskB 60 · R 0
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

60

Risk (RIS)

0

Daily limit

Age guidance

17+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.80
B2Social-emotional
0.23
B3Motor
0.65

The Evil Within 2 offers a rich, non-linear survival horror experience that encourages strategic thinking, problem-solving, and spatial awareness through exploration and resource management. Players can develop abilities and adapt to challenges in a compelling narrative.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.00
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.00

The game features intense violence, horror themes, and mature language, consistent with its M-rating. While not manipulative in design, the content can be disturbing for younger audiences.

Content (not in risk score)

R4.1Violence Level
1.00
R4.2Sexual Content
0.33
R4.3Language
0.67
R4.4Substance References
0.67
R4.5Fear / Horror
1.00

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

Regulatory design checks · DSAAssessed: meets criteria·GDPR-KAssessed: meets criteria·ODDSAssessed: 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.: Estimated from review data. No dark pattern or child-targeting concerns found.
  • 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.

Parents ask…

Is The Evil Within 2 safe for kids?

Ludograph gives The Evil Within 2 a rating of 75/100, recommended for ages 17 and up. It scores well on developmental benefits with manageable risks.

What age is The Evil Within 2 appropriate for?

Ludograph's rubric recommends a minimum age of 17+ for The Evil Within 2, based on benefits, risks, and content review.

How long should kids play The Evil Within 2?

We don't publish a daily session budget for The Evil Within 2: 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 The Evil Within 2?

The game features intense violence, horror themes, and mature language, consistent with its M-rating. While not manipulative in design, the content can be disturbing for younger audiences.