Content Ratings
Every visual novel on VNovels carries a content rating so players know what to expect and creators can reach the right audience. Ratings are based on the most intense content on any branch of the story.
Last updated · June 9, 2026
Rating tiers
All Ages
Everyone
Safe for all players. Wholesome adventure, comedy, and slice-of-life stories.
- •No profanity or sexual content
- •No graphic violence — at most lighthearted, cartoon-style peril
- •Comforting, family-friendly themes and choices
Teen
13+
Mild mature elements suitable for teenagers.
- •Mild language
- •Non-graphic action and fantasy violence
- •Mild suggestive themes and romance routes (no nudity)
Older Teen
16+
Heavier themes and intensity for older teens.
- •Stronger language
- •Moderate violence and frightening imagery
- •Romantic and suggestive themes without explicit content
Mature
18+
Intended for adults. May contain intense or explicit themes.
- •Strong language
- •Graphic violence and dark branching storylines
- •Mature sexual themes (within the limits of our Community Guidelines)
How ratings are applied
Creators choose a rating when they publish a visual novel. Because stories branch, the rating must cover the most intense content reachable on any path — not just the main route. Our automated systems and moderators may adjust a rating if the content doesn’t match the selected tier. Rating a work too low to reach a wider audience is a violation of our Community Guidelines and may result in the work being re-rated, age-gated, or removed.
Age-restricted content
Mature (18+) stories are hidden from browse pages by default and only shown to players who have confirmed they are adults.
What is never allowed
No rating permits content that is illegal or that violates our Community Guidelines — including any sexual content involving minors, non-consensual content, or depictions of real, identifiable people in explicit situations. This content is prohibited regardless of rating and will be removed.
Report a mis-rated work
If you think a visual novel is rated incorrectly, email support@vnovels.app with a link to the story.