Roblox vs Minecraft vs Fortnite: how the big three differ

Roblox, Minecraft and Fortnite side by side

From the App Store listings, the ESRB and each company's docs, checked November 4, 2026.

• Made by. Roblox: Roblox Corporation, since 2006. Minecraft: Mojang Studios, owned by Microsoft, out in 2011. Fortnite: Epic Games, since 2017.
• Price. Roblox and Fortnite are free and sell Robux and V-Bucks. Minecraft costs $6.99 on iPhone.
• Devices. All three run on phones, consoles and computers. Roblox also runs on VR headsets.
• Age ratings. App Store: Minecraft 9+, Roblox 13+, Fortnite 13+. ESRB: Minecraft E10+, Roblox T, Fortnite T.
• Playing with friends. Roblox: cross-platform games, with voice and text chat for age-verified users. Minecraft: community servers or a paid Realms world. Fortnite: Battle Royale, Reload and creator islands.
• Making games. Roblox: Roblox Studio, free on Windows and Mac, with Luau scripts. Minecraft: commands, command blocks and add-ons. Fortnite: Creative mode in the game on PC, consoles and phones, or UEFN, which runs on PCs only.

One game and two platforms

Minecraft is one game: a world of blocks to gather, craft and build in, alone or with people you know. Roblox and Fortnite are platforms. Every Roblox game is made by players and studios, from obbies to horror. Fortnite starts with Epic's own modes, like Battle Royale and LEGO Fortnite, then adds creator islands.

For kids, start with the ratings. Minecraft is 9+ on the App Store. Roblox and Fortnite are 13+, with parental controls and age checks. Player-made games vary, so look at what your kid plays.

For a deeper look at two of the editors, read Fortnite Creative vs Roblox. For a social space with friends instead, see games like Rec Room.

Pick by the player

• Pick Minecraft if. you want to build and survive in one big world and don't mind paying once.
• Pick Roblox if. you want many small games with friends, or to learn Studio on a computer.
• Pick Fortnite if. you want a fast shooter with friends, plus LEGO and music modes.
• Pick Roam if. you are 13 or older, on iPhone, and want to make the game yourself.

If you want to make games: a fourth option

Roblox Studio and UEFN need a computer. Roblox is testing Build, a prompt-to-game tab in its phone app. It opened in New Zealand in July 2026, and Roblox said in October 2026 that a wider US rollout comes in December.

Roam is an iPhone app where you play games and make your own. Describe a game in a sentence, or start from a photo of your friend, your dog or a meme, then change it by talking. Roam is free to download and play, and making games works without a subscription. Optional Spark and Reality plans and credit packs add more creation. Roam is rated 13+ on the App Store.

Questions people ask

Is Roblox or Minecraft better for kids?

Minecraft has the lower rating: 9+ on the App Store and E10+ from the ESRB. Roblox is 13+ and T, and its games are made by players, so content varies.

Which is free: Roblox, Minecraft or Fortnite?

Roblox and Fortnite are free to download. Minecraft is $6.99 on iPhone as of November 2026.

Is Roblox or Fortnite better?

They suit different players. Fortnite centers on Epic's own modes, led by Battle Royale. Roblox is a library of games made by players.

Can you make your own game in Roblox, Minecraft or Fortnite?

Yes: Roblox Studio on Windows or Mac, Fortnite Creative in the game or UEFN on a PC, Minecraft commands and add-ons. On iPhone, Roam turns a sentence into a game. Roam is rated 13+ on the App Store.