Rise of Merlin Slot Review
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Cherry Gold Welcome BonusReleased in 2019 by Play’n GO, Rise of Merlin is set in a wizard’s laboratory and uses a 5-reel, 10-payline layout with expanding symbols, high volatility and an above-average 96.58% RTP. The slot is notable for its 5,000× max win and straightforward “Book of” mechanics. This Rise of Merlin slot review covers the game’s features, payouts and playing experience, helping you decide whether the legendary sorcerer’s riches are worth chasing.
Rise of Merlin Pros and Cons
- Pros
- High 96.58% RTP for a volatile slot
- Max payout of 5,000× the stake
- Retriggerable free spins with special expanding symbols
- Adjustable paylines and bets from $0.10 to $100
- Fully optimised for mobile play
- Cons
- High volatility can deplete bankrolls quickly
- No progressive jackpot
- Base game offers few extras beyond the gamble feature
Rise of Merlin Data Table
| Slot Summary | |
|---|---|
| Game Type | Video Slot |
| Developer | Play’n GO |
| Theme | Magic, Arthurian Legend |
| Release Date | 20 June 2019 |
| Layout | 5 Reels × 3 Rows |
| RTP | 96.58% |
| Volatility | High |
| Minimum Bet | $0.10 |
| Maximum Bet | $100 |
| Max Payout | 5,000× stake |
| Hit Frequency | 18.34% |
| Paylines | 10 (adjustable) |
| Free Spins | Yes |
| Features | Wild/Scatter, Free Spins with Special Expanding Symbols, Gamble/Risk Game, Adjustable Paylines |
| Jackpot Type | Non-Progressive (Fixed) |
Rise of Merlin Theme & Symbols
The Rise of Merlin slot transports players to an arcane chamber lit by blue flames, where the legendary wizard experiments with mystical orbs. The game’s Arthurian fantasy theme, combined with richly detailed symbols such as dragons, owls and the sorcerer himself, creates a fitting magical atmosphere. Every spin feels like turning a page in a spellbook, while the crystal ball scatter also acts as a wild, contributing to payouts and triggering the bonus feature.
Visuals & Audio
Play’n GO combines high-definition visuals with polished animations: the reels glow when special symbols expand, and arcane runes pulse around the frame. The deep orchestral soundtrack builds tension, with ethereal chimes accompanying wins and a triumphant fanfare playing when free spins retrigger. Together, the cinematic sound design and detailed artwork reinforce the game’s magical theme on both desktop and mobile devices.
Symbols
Low-Paying Symbols: The 10, J, Q, K and A symbols appear as glittering runic letters. See the payout table below for their values.
High-Paying Symbols:
- Merlin: up to 5,000× the bet for five of a kind
- Red Dragon: up to 1,600× the bet for five of a kind
- White Dragon: up to 600× the bet for five of a kind
- Owl: up to 600× the bet for five of a kind
Rise of Merlin Payout Table
| Symbol | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merlin | 10× | 100× | 1,000× | 5,000× |
| Crystal Ball Scatter | 10× | 100× | 1,000× | 5,000× |
| Red Dragon | 5× | 30× | 300× | 1,600× |
| White Dragon | 5× | 20× | 80× | 600× |
| Owl | 5× | 20× | 80× | 600× |
| A & K | – | 5× | 30× | 120× |
| Q, J & 10 | – | 5× | 20× | 80× |
How to Play Rise of Merlin Slot
To play the Rise of Merlin slot, select the number of active paylines (1-10) using the side panel, then click the plus or minus buttons to set a total bet between $0.10 and $100. Press the large spin button to set the 5×3 reels in motion, or use Autoplay for up to 100 spins with optional stop limits. Wins form by landing three or more matching symbols from left to right, although high-paying symbols pay from two.
The crystal ball acts as both a scatter and a wild, substituting for all symbols and paying anywhere. Three or more crystal balls unlock eight free spins with a randomly selected special expanding symbol. The feature can retrigger repeatedly and add further expanding symbols, increasing your chances of reaching the game’s 5,000× max win. After each winning spin, you can activate the Gamble feature and guess the colour or suit of a card to double or quadruple your prize.
Tips & Strategies for Rise of Merlin
- Start with a smaller stake; the slot’s high volatility can deplete your balance quickly during cold streaks.
- Check the number of active paylines before each spin, as fewer active lines reduce the coverage for regular winning combinations.
- Set loss and win limits in Autoplay to prevent overspending while waiting for the free spins feature to trigger.
- Use the Gamble feature sparingly; choose colour predictions instead of suit predictions to reduce the risk and protect larger base-game wins.
- Play the 96.58% RTP version; some casinos offer reduced-RTP editions, so always check the game information panel before spinning.
Rise of Merlin Review Verdict
Rise of Merlin remains a strong example of Play’n GO’s “Book of” slots, combining a high 96.58% RTP, 5,000× win potential and retriggerable free spins in a mobile-friendly package. If you enjoy high-risk gameplay with simple but potentially rewarding bonus rounds, this magical slot may suit your preferences.
FAQ
- What is the RTP of Rise of Merlin?
- The default RTP is 96.58%, although some casinos may offer lower-RTP versions, so always check the game information screen.
- What is the maximum win in Rise of Merlin?
- The maximum win is 5,000 times your total bet.
- How do I trigger the free spins feature?
- Land three or more crystal ball scatter symbols anywhere on the reels in a single spin to receive eight free spins with a special expanding symbol.
- Can I play Rise of Merlin on mobile?
- Yes, the slot is fully optimised for iOS and Android devices, offering smooth portrait and landscape gameplay without downloads.
- Is there a progressive jackpot in Rise of Merlin?
- No. The game has a fixed maximum payout of 5,000× your stake through its expanding symbol mechanic.