What it is
Crossy Road is free. You hop across roads and unlock characters by playing, or by watching an advert. Some characters and an option to reduce adverts can cost money. The game does not stop you crossing the road because you have not paid.
What it costs: usually nothing. What it can cost: a one-off unlock if someone taps buy. That is why the card stays off the device even for a game this small.
What to look out for
- A purchase prompt they tap through on a fast screen.
- A saved card from an older download.
- Confusing this with a lookalike that is mostly a shop.
Ways to stay safe
These steps are for Crossy Road. The house rules still apply on every app.
- Do not put your card details on their device. Not in the App Store, Google Play, the game, or PayPal. If you choose to pay, type the card in yourself for that purchase, then remove it.
- They can play and unlock characters without money.
- If you want fewer adverts, you buy that yourself and then remove the card.
- Turn off in-app purchases on the phone for a younger child.
In the news
Published reports you can read yourself. A headline is the proof, not a set of instructions, and this page does not repeat graphic detail.
- Games that sell random prizes are getting higher age ratings The same report. Crossy Road is free to play. A purchase button is still a reason the card stays off the device.
A way to start the conversation
You can say: "This one is free if we ignore the shop. You unlock things by playing. You do not need my card to do that."
Video
Parent briefing
A short video for this guide can be added by an editor. Until then, the written briefing above is the one to use.