The PEGI age rating for the game is unclear and the minimum age to play the game varies in different app stores*. For example, the Google Play Store provides a rating of 16+ due to violence and horror content whilst Apple’s App Store rates the game 12+. Originally provided as a free game for a limited period, players may require a Netflix membership to play the game.
A player can play against unknown competitors, or create or join a Party to play with friends. However, there is no in-game chat. Some of the deadly challenges in the game are copied from the TV series, but others are new ideas. Players can earn in-game currency (‘Cash’) by completing challenges, including limited-time events. They can use Cash to buy different outfits or weapons, or to open a Mystery Box (a ‘loot’ box which provides random rewards). Players may also receive ‘Wild Tokens’ which can be used to spin a prize wheel in the game and earn ‘Watch-along’ rewards by watching an episode of Squid Game on Netflix.
There are no parental controls or safety settings for Squid Game: Unleashed. Parents may find it helpful to apply the safety and wellbeing settings of the device used to play the game (e.g. through Google Family Link for those playing the game on an Android device), for example to manage screen time limits, limit in-game purchases or to prevent a younger child from downloading age-inappropriate games.
