ELK Studios Opens the Gates to Cathedral 9

ELK Studios Opens the Gates to Cathedral 9

ELK Studios

Rated 93.94/100%

381 Casinos | 128 Games

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Number of games

128

Country

Malta

Founded

2013

• Slots

ELK Studios has expanded its collection of narrative-driven slots with Cathedral 9, a title set in the echoing halls of a forgotten sanctuary where nine sacred artifacts await discovery. The story revolves around the gradual discovery of these relics, each one revealing a deeper layer of the cathedral’s buried wealth. When all artifacts align, the cathedral awakens, and its sealed coffins open to expose what lies beneath: a blend of treasure, mystery, and mechanics working in tandem.

At its core, Cathedral 9 features a 6-reel, 5-row layout with an additional feature row. This structure allows several overlapping systems to operate simultaneously, including wild symbols, synced patterns, a symbol-collection mechanic, global multipliers, and feature-triggered reels. Each component feeds into the next, creating a sense of internal progression rather than isolated features appearing by chance. The overall potential is up to 25,000 times the stake, though the game’s emphasis seems less on sheer payouts and more on the unfolding rhythm of its mechanics.

96.62/100%

New

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RTP%

94

Volatility

High

Layout

6×5

Max Win

Cathedral 9

Gold

0 plays

23/10/2025

ELK Studios

The central motif of the mystery coffin defines much of the game’s dynamic. When one of these coffins descends to the bottom of the grid, it activates, revealing its hidden function. Regular coffins turn into identical symbols, effectively transforming the visible grid into a synchronized formation. The super mystery coffin goes further, adding its multiplier to the global total and altering not only the immediate spin but also the pace of rewards across multiple rounds. This cumulative structure suggests a layered system in which the game’s value builds incrementally rather than being confined to single moments of luck.

One of the more intricate mechanics within Cathedral 9 is the Entombed feature. When the corresponding symbol fully covers the feature reel, it transforms all visible positions into payout symbols, reshaping the grid entirely. This mechanic conveys a sense of complete renewal, where the layout resets in pursuit of symmetry and potential value. It serves both as a thematic and a functional shift, consistent with the game’s focus on excavation and revelation.

Parallel to that is the Holy Collect feature, which carries its state over between spins. During any initial drop, holy blockers may descend from the feature reel, feeding into the Holy Collect meter. When the meter activates, it adds several coffins, usually three to six, onto the reels, creating new paths for the mystery coffin mechanic to interact. The persistence of this system establishes continuity between rounds, linking earlier progress to later outcomes, a trait becoming increasingly common in ELK Studios’ design approach.

Above the main playfield, the feature reel operates as a secondary structure. Composed of two rows and six columns, it contains feature symbols, blanks, and inactive cells. As these symbols fall from the upper reel into the main grid, they become active, introducing new modifiers or triggering additional mechanics. This two-tiered configuration provides a steady movement across both reels, maintaining visual activity even during quieter cycles.

The bonus structure in Cathedral 9 follows a multi-layered path. Landing at least three bonus symbols grants entry into the free drop sequence. Each triggering symbol awards between two and four free drops, while further bonus icons within the round extend its length. Beyond that, a hidden challenge lies in completing wins with all nine payout symbols during the bonus mode. Achieving this unlocks the Super Bonus, a state in which only super mystery coffins populate the reels. In this condensed form, the game becomes a closed system of multipliers and symbol synchronizations, sharpening the focus on its core mechanics.

ELK Studios integrates its established X-iter system into Cathedral 9, offering several predefined modes for players who prefer direct access to the game’s feature stages. These range from moderate-cost modes with higher feature-probability to higher-cost entries that secure the Super Bonus directly. The X-iter approach has become an identifiable part of ELK’s catalog, catering to different levels of engagement while maintaining structural consistency with the base model.