Rise of Merlin Slot: Full Review of the Slot Machine by Play'n GO
Rise of Merlin is an enchanting slot game from leading provider Play'n GO, which transports players into the mystical world of medieval magic. Released in June 2019, the slot quickly gained popularity among gambling enthusiasts thanks to its high-quality graphics, engaging gameplay, and generous bonus features.
Slot Technical Specifications
Key Parameters of Rise of Merlin
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Provider | Play'n GO |
| Release date | 17 June 2019 |
| Number of reels | 5 |
| Number of rows | 3 |
| Paylines | 10 (adjustable) |
| RTP | 94.51% - 96.58% |
| Volatility | High |
| Max win | 5,000x your bet |
| Min bet | €0.01 |
| Max bet | €100.00 |
| Mobile version | Available |
RTP Range and its Impact on Gameplay
The Return to Player (RTP) percentage for Rise of Merlin varies from 94.51% to 96.58% depending on the operator's settings. This means that, in the long term, the slot returns between 94.51 and 96.58 pence for every pound wagered. It is recommended to choose casinos with the highest RTP for optimal gameplay.
Gameplay and Symbols: Merlin's Magical Arsenal
Symbols and their Value
The Rise of Merlin slot uses themed symbols reflecting the world of medieval magic:
High-Paying Symbols:
- Merlin — the most valuable symbol (up to 500x for 5 symbols)
- Crystal Ball — Wild/Scatter symbol (up to 500x for 5 symbols)
- Red Dragon — medium-paying symbol (up to 160x for 5 symbols)
- White Dragon — medium-paying symbol (up to 60x for 5 symbols)
- Owl — medium-paying symbol (up to 60x for 5 symbols)
Low-Paying Symbols:
- A, K — card symbols (up to 12x for 5 symbols)
- Q, J, 10 — card symbols (up to 8x for 5 symbols)
Gameplay Features
One of the unique features of the Rise of Merlin slot machine is the ability to adjust the number of active paylines from 1 to 10. This allows players to control their bet size and payout frequency, which is particularly important given the slot's high volatility.
Bonus Features: Magic in Action
Free Spins — Free Spins
Free spins in Rise of Merlin are activated when 3 or more crystal ball symbols land anywhere on the reels. The feature includes:
- 8 free spins per activation
- Randomly chosen expanding symbol
- Retrigger potential when 3+ scatters land
- Additional expanding symbols with each retrigger
Expanding Symbols Mechanic
The key feature of Rise of Merlin free spins is the expanding symbols system:
- Before the free spins begin, one symbol is randomly chosen
- If the chosen symbol forms a winning combination, it expands to cover the entire reel
- Upon a retrigger, another expanding symbol is added
- A maximum of 9 expanding symbols can be obtained
Gamble Game (Gamble Feature)
After any win, players can activate the gamble feature to increase their payout:
- Guess the card colour — double your win
- Guess the card suit — quadruple your win
- The maximum gamble amount is limited
Strategies and Tips for Playing
Recommendations for Beginners
| Aspect | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Bet size | Start with minimum bets to learn the mechanics |
| Number of lines | Play on all 10 lines for maximum chances |
| Bankroll management | Set limits per session |
| Game Mode | Start with the demo version |
Advanced Strategies
Managing Bets with High Volatility:
- Use no more than 1-2% of your bankroll per spin
- Increase bets only after a series of wins
- Be prepared for long losing streaks
Optimising Bonus Rounds:
- Do not use the gamble feature with large wins
- Remain patient while waiting for bonus rounds
- Remember: the Free Spins activation frequency is approximately 1:175
Comparison with Competitors
Rise of Merlin vs Book of Dead
| Feature | Rise of Merlin | Book of Dead |
|---|---|---|
| Free Spins on activation | 8 | 10 |
| Expanding symbols | Up to 9 (with retriggers) | 1 |
| RTP | 96.58% | 96.21% |
| Max win | 5,000x | 5,000x |
| Volatility | High | High |
Rise of Merlin offers more complex mechanics with multiple expanding symbols, which compensates for the lower number of free spins per activation.
Mobile Version and Compatibility
The Rise of Merlin mobile version is fully adapted for playing on smartphones and tablets:
- iOS and Android support
- Responsive interface
- Maintained graphics quality
- Optimised for touch control
- Fast game loading
Where to Play Rise of Merlin
Casino Selection Criteria:
- Licensing — choose only licensed operators
- RTP — look for casinos with a maximum RTP of 96.58%
- Demo mode — free play option
- Bonus offers—welcome bonuses and free spins
- Mobile compatibility—high-quality mobile app
Recommended Bonus Types:
- Wager-free bonuses
- Free spins on Play'n GO slots
- Cashback offers
- Loyalty programmes
Rise of Merlin by Play'n GO is a high-quality video slot that successfully combines proven mechanics with innovative elements. The slot is ideal for players who:
✅ Prefer high-volatility games✅ Appreciate quality graphics and theme✅ Enjoy bonus rounds with big win potential✅ Are looking for an alternative to the classic Book of Dead
With an RTP of up to 96.58% and a maximum win of 5,000x the stake, the Rise of Merlin slot offers excellent opportunities for significant payouts with the right approach to the game.
FAQ
Can I play Rise of Merlin for free?
What is the max win in the slot?
How often do free spins trigger?
Can I play on mobile?
How does Rise of Merlin differ from Book of Dead?
What is the minimum bet in the game?