Slot Review
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Quick Facts
Provider: ProviderThe Slot Provider is none other than the company who developed the slot. Simply click on the name of the provider to find our more about it! | |
Date Launched: Date LaunchedThe date when this slot game was launched. | 20/06/2019 |
Theme: ThemeTheme is the general genre that the the slot could be classified as. One of the elements that makes slot games appealing, A nicely planned popular theme can potentially skyrocket the popularity of an online slot! | Dragons, Magic |
Jackpot: JackpotA stand-alone or multi-leveled progressive prize pool that a player can win at a given time, simply by spinning the reels. | |
Special Symbols: Special SymbolsThe special symbols of a slot are part of its mechanic. Elements such as Wilds, Scatters and regular paying symbols come together to form winning combinations. | Card, Expanding, Scatters, Wilds |
Review Summary
Take a step into the shadows of ancient wizardry, where the legendary Rise of Merlin slot brews high-stakes spells with just one feature—Free Spins. This game doesn’t care for distractions. No fancy gimmicks, no unnecessary clutter—just raw volatility and sky-high payouts if luck aligns. It’s pure "Book of"-style mechanics, but with a dark, magical twist, and a re-trigger potential that stacks expanding symbols for absurd win potential. Not for the casual scroller. This one’s built for serious slot fanatics chasing that x5000 cap.
Slot Information
Return to Player (RTP): Return to Player (RTP)The Return to Player is a statistic that aims to show the player's edge over the casino - the higher this number is the better! We review all slots based on this RTP value so click on the percentage on the right to find our more slots with a similar RTP! | 96% |
Volatility/Variance: Volatility/VarianceVolatility or Variance is meant to describe the winning potential of a slot game: a high volatility will have you win big but no so often, while a low volatility will let you win frequently, but less. | High |
Progressive Slot: Progressive SlotA progressive slot is a slot that keep on growing its total possible winning pool; usually linked by a network of slots. It is also known as a jackpot. | |
Slot Type: Slot TypeSlots can be categorized as classic, 3D, video slots, etc. Click on the type of slot on the right to see similar types of slots! | Video Slot |
Rows: RowsPart of the design of the slot, the rows are the horizontal lines that trigger special features when certain paying symbols fall in place. | 3 |
Reels: ReelsReels are the vertical lines that are build in the slots architecture; together with the rows they help trigger special winning combinations. | 5 |
Paylines: PaylinesPaylines, or betting lines, are the pre-determined links of symbols across the rows and reels of a slot. A slot can have anywhere from just 1 payline or up to thousands paylines! | 10 |
Slot Layout: Slot LayoutThe layout of the slot is the way the slot is built, based on the number of rows, reels and paylines. | 5 x 3 |
Slot Features
Pros
- Highly rewarding Free Spins with expanding symbols.
- Re-trigger system allows up to 10 expanding symbols.
- Clean, fast gameplay with zero distractions.
Cons
- No side features or mini games.
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Expert’s Opinion
This isn’t a slot I’d casually recommend unless I knew the player was into high-risk gameplay. I respect how Play’n Go stripped everything down to focus on the core mechanic. The Free Spins re-trigger system, especially with stacking expanding symbols, is one of the cleanest setups in any Book-style game. But the volatility is brutal, and the base game feels stale if you’re not hitting anything. If you can handle long dry stretches for the chance at a payout that could blow your mind, Rise of Merlin is worth a spin. Just don’t expect any hand-holding here.
9.58 /10 by Gabriela Kirilova
Introduction to Rise of Merlin
Rise of Merlin Slot Provider
Rise of Merlin is one of the darker, more minimalist entries in Play’n Go’s extensive slot catalogue. Released in mid-2019, it continues the legacy of the provider’s obsession with “Book of…” mechanics, following in the footsteps of iconic titles like Book of Dead. What sets Play’n Go apart is their ability to repackage the same core mechanic with completely different thematic designs, and Rise of Merlin is proof of that. Instead of a classic Egyptian or mythological setup, here we’re dropped into a gloomy, mystical chamber dominated by crystal balls, dragons, and the iconic wizard himself. Play’n Go rarely strays from its formula when it finds one that works, and while some players criticize the repetition, the developer clearly knows what its audience wants—especially those who are into ultra-volatile games with a single high-impact bonus feature. In Rise of Merlin, the design and soundscape are much more subdued compared to other Play’n Go titles, but that works in its favor, giving the game a more serious tone for players who are here strictly to chase huge wins.
Rise of Merlin Slot Characteristics:
Characteristic | Value |
---|---|
Paylines | 10 |
RTP | 94.5% |
Max Win | x5,000 |
Bonus Game | No |
Special Symbols | Expanding, Scatters, Wilds |
Paid Symbols | 10 |
Free Spins | Yes |
Reels | 5 |
Rows | 3 |
Slot Layout | 5×3 |
Technology | HTML5, JS |
Platforms | Mobile, Desktop, Tablet |
Minimum Bet | $0.1 |
Maximum Bet | $100 |
Rise of Merlin Slot Gameplay and Mechanics
The gameplay in Rise of Merlin is brutally simple—but that’s what makes it powerful. You’re playing on a classic 5×3 layout with 10 fixed paylines, and wins are awarded from left to right. The entire game revolves around one central mechanic: landing winning symbol combinations in the base game while hoping to hit the Free Spins trigger. The base game offers no modifiers, no wild reels, and no cascading wins. It’s a static grind, where the only real payout spikes come from lining up Merlin or the Crystal Ball Wild across a payline. This lack of base game features is very intentional—everything is designed to build anticipation for the bonus round. Here’s a breakdown of the mechanics you’ll deal with:
- Layout: 5 reels, 3 rows
- Paylines: 10, fixed
- Max Win: x5000 your stake
- Symbols Pay: From 2 or 3 of a kind (depending on the symbol), left to right
- Wild/Scatter: Crystal Ball symbol
- Special Mechanic: Free Spins with expanding symbols
- Re-trigger Potential: Up to 9 expanding symbols
There are no wilds substituting during normal spins apart from the Crystal Ball, which acts as both Wild and Scatter. You’ll need to land at least three of them in one spin to unlock the bonus feature. This game is all about patience—spins can go cold for dozens of rounds, then suddenly spike with a massive hit from a high-value symbol line or Free Spins entry. It’s a pure, unforgiving mechanic for players who prefer volatility over complexity.
Rise of Merlin Slot RTP
The Return to Player (RTP) of Rise of Merlin sits at a relatively low 94.51%, which is below industry average. This is not ideal for players who care about long-term value, especially since this title falls into the high-volatility category. On top of that, Rise of Merlin uses RTP ranges, meaning operators can choose to offer it at lower RTP settings if they want. Some casinos might offer the game with an RTP as low as 91.23%, so always double-check before playing. This system isn't player-friendly and feels like a drawback for a game that already offers punishing variance. If you're chasing the x5000 max win, then you're already accepting the risk, but the lowered RTP just makes the grind tougher.
Rise of Merlin Slot Volatility
This slot is brutally volatile. There’s no sugarcoating it—Rise of Merlin is high variance all the way, with dry streaks that can stretch for a frustrating number of spins. You won’t see small, frequent payouts here. Instead, wins tend to come in clusters, often driven by big symbol hits or during the Free Spins feature with multiple expanding symbols stacked. The game is intentionally built for that “all or nothing” player mentality. If you enjoy Book-style slots that can go hundreds of spins without anything significant, only to explode with a massive win, you’ll get what you came for. But it’s not ideal for those who expect smooth payout pacing. This level of volatility rewards patience and large bankrolls, and it's very easy to burn through your funds chasing that one massive combo.
Rise of Merlin Slot Betting Range
The betting range is wide enough to cater to all bankroll types, at least on paper. You can stake anywhere from $0.01 to $100 per spin, giving flexibility for cautious players and high rollers alike. That said, with this game’s extreme variance and lack of frequent base game wins, playing on lower stakes often feels pointless if you’re targeting meaningful wins. If you're playing to actually win big, you'll likely want to bet closer to $1 or more per spin to make the Free Spins rounds and full-line symbol hits worthwhile. The wide range is good, but due to how the mechanics are structured, Rise of Merlin really only shines when played at medium-to-high stakes.
Rise of Merlin Slot Symbols Explained
The symbol lineup in Rise of Merlin follows a classic setup with a clear split between premium characters and lower-tier fillers, but every icon plays a defined role in shaping your payouts. At the very top, the Crystal Ball doubles up as both the Wild and Scatter symbol. This dual-purpose orb is the game’s most valuable icon, delivering 500x your line bet for five matching symbols in a row. It also acts as the trigger for the Free Spins feature, making it the most crucial symbol on the reels.
Right next to it is Merlin himself, the wizard protagonist and a top-paying symbol. Land five of these on a line, and you’ll also secure a 500x payout, tying with the Crystal Ball in terms of raw value. Next comes the Red Dragon, a premium icon that offers 160x your stake for five of a kind, followed by the Blue Dragon and Owl, both of which pay out 60x for landing five across a payline.
Finally, the low-paying symbols are represented by the standard royal cards—A, K, Q, J, and 10. These don’t offer much in terms of returns, but they show up frequently enough to keep the balance ticking. A five-symbol combination from this group pays out between 1.2x and 0.8x, depending on the rank.
Rise of Merlin Symbols
Let's explore each symbol and its' payout range:


x5 = 5000
x4 = 1000
x3 = 100
x2 = 10


x5 = 5000
x4 = 1000
x3 = 100
x2 = 10


x5 = 1600
x4 = 300
x3 = 30
x2 = 5


x5 = 600
x4 = 80
x3 = 20
x2 = 5


x5 = 600
x4 = 80
x3 = 20
x2 = 5


x5 = 120
x4 = 30
x3 = 5


x5 = 120
x4 = 30
x3 = 5


x5 = 80
x4 = 20
x3 = 5


x5 = 80
x4 = 20
x3 = 5


x5 = 80
x4 = 20
x3 = 5
Rise of Merlin Slot Free Spins Round
The Free Spins feature is the only bonus round in Rise of Merlin, but it’s executed with precision. Triggering the feature requires landing 3 or more Crystal Balls on a single spin, which grants you 8 Free Spins. Before the round begins, one symbol is randomly chosen to act as the expanding symbol. If it's a high-paying symbol, only 2 are needed on separate reels to expand. For low-paying symbols, it takes at least 3. When the symbol appears in a winning combination, it expands to cover its entire reel and pays out as if it were a regular line win, regardless of positioning.
The key twist—and what sets Rise of Merlin apart—is the re-trigger system. Land 3 more Crystal Balls during the Free Spins, and you’ll not only get 8 more spins, but also an additional expanding symbol. This can be done up to 9 times, giving you the potential to have 10 different expanding symbols in play by the end of the session. The re-triggers can snowball into massive wins if you land the right symbol early and keep stacking them through re-triggers. It’s a tight, high-risk-high-reward system with a singular focus—and it works.
Rise of Merlin Slot Features
There are no side games, multipliers, or modifiers here. Rise of Merlin runs on a single core mechanic, with all the value concentrated into the Free Spins round. If you like features stacked on top of features, this isn’t for you. But if you prefer a one-shot mechanic done right, here's what you get:
- Book of Mechanic – Identical to other “Book of” games: expanding symbols + re-triggers
- Free Spins – 8 spins, re-triggerable, expanding symbol mechanic
- Symbol Expansion – Triggered during Free Spins; fills entire reels
- Dual Function Wild/Scatter – Crystal Ball acts as both
- Up to 10 Expanding Symbols – Only possible through repeated re-triggers
Everything revolves around the Crystal Ball, making it the centerpiece of both base and bonus play. No distractions, just pure focus on chasing the re-triggered Free Spins chaos.
Rise of Merlin Demo Version
We at CasinoLandia offer a free demo version of Rise of Merlin directly on our site. This lets you test out the full game without risking any real money. You can see exactly how the Free Spins system works, watch the expanding symbols in action, and get a feel for how often those re-triggers drop—before you decide to play for real cash. Given this game’s volatile nature, we strongly recommend trying the demo first to see if it fits your risk appetite.
Rise of Merlin Slot Compatible Devices
Rise of Merlin is fully optimized for all modern devices. Whether you’re spinning on a desktop browser, smartphone, or tablet, the game runs smoothly thanks to Play’n Go’s HTML5 engine. You get the same dark visuals, sharp animations, and responsive spin controls across all screen sizes. The minimal design also works well on mobile, where clunky interfaces often ruin classic-style slots. It loads quickly, adapts well to portrait mode, and retains its full functionality, including auto-spin and turbo play options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
These questions provide concise answers to common queries about Rise of Merlin Slot, ensuring clarity and understanding for players.
What is the RTP of Rise of Merlin?
94.51% RTP, with range settings depending on the casino. Always check the RTP at the site you're playing on.
What is the maximum win in Rise of Merlin?
The slot offers a maximum win of 5,000x your stake, achievable during the Free Spins round with multiple expanding symbols.
How many paylines does Rise of Merlin have?
There are 10 fixed paylines in total. You can’t adjust them.
Does Rise of Merlin Slot Offer a Free Spins Round?
Yes, it has a Free Spins feature with expanding symbols and the potential for multiple re-triggers.
Can I play Rise of Merlin on my mobile device?
Yes. The game is fully mobile-optimized for smartphones and tablets via HTML5.
Is there a demo version available for Rise of Merlin?
Yes. CasinoLandia offers a free demo version where you can try the game without spending real money.
What are the betting limits in Rise of Merlin?
You can bet between $0.01 and $100 per spin, depending on the casino.
What features does Rise of Merlin offer?
Main features include:
- Free Spins with expanding symbols
- Re-triggerable bonus rounds
- Crystal Ball Wild/Scatter symbol
- Up to 10 expanding symbols in one session
Where can I play Rise of Merlin?
You can play it at any reputable online casino that offers Play’n Go titles. We recommend checking operator RTP settings first.
What is the volatility level of Rise of Merlin?
It’s a high volatility slot, designed for risk-takers and high rollers.
What symbols should I look out for in Rise of Merlin?
Focus on the Crystal Ball, as it triggers Free Spins and acts as the Wild. Merlin is also a high-value symbol, paying the same top prize as the Crystal Ball.
Concluding Thoughts
Rise of Merlin is laser-focused. You get one main feature, one set of mechanics, and one way to hit massive wins. That’s it. It’s not for players who enjoy feature-packed slots or narrative-driven gameplay. But for those who like high-volatility titles where the entire structure is designed around chasing a massive payout in Free Spins, this is one of the cleanest, most efficient implementations of the “Book of” formula. It won’t be everyone’s favorite, and it doesn’t try to be. Rise of Merlin knows exactly what it is—and it delivers for the players who understand that.