Editorial note: this is a general guide to how Rise of Merlin works. Slot rules, feature availability and RTP can vary between operators and game versions, so always check the in-game information panel before you spin. Slots are games of chance — nothing here is a prediction of results, and no strategy changes the odds.

Rise of Merlin slot review

Rise of Merlin is Play’n GO’s 2019 Arthurian take on its own book formula — five reels, three rows and ten paylines where a glowing tome acts as both wild and scatter, and the free spins hand everything to a randomly chosen expanding symbol. Think Book of Dead with a wizard’s staff instead of an explorer’s hat. Play’n GO has produced many book games over the years, but this Arthurian entry is consistently rated among the best of them, helped by atmospheric forest visuals that elevate it beyond a simple reskin.

How Rise of Merlin plays

Camelot supplies the cast: card royals at the low end, with dragons, castles, the Lady of the Lake’s sword and Merlin himself paying best. The shining spell book substitutes for every symbol as a wild and pays in any position as the scatter, while an optional gamble feature offers double-or-nothing on regular wins.

Free spins and the expanding symbol

Three or more books award ten free spins, with one symbol randomly elevated to special status before the round begins. Whenever enough of it lands, the special symbol expands across its reels and pays as a scatter on all ten lines — a screen filled by Merlin as the chosen symbol is the result every player is chasing. Three further books inside the round retrigger ten more spins.

RTP, volatility and max win

The commonly published RTP is around 96.58%, a touch above Book of Dead’s, with lower operator versions in circulation — the in-game information panel shows the live figure. Volatility is high, with the value loaded into the bonus, and the advertised maximum win is 5,000 times your stake.

Frequently asked questions

How does Rise of Merlin compare to Book of Dead?

The structure is essentially identical — ten lines, a wild-scatter book and an expanding free-spins symbol — with a Camelot theme and a slightly higher published RTP.

How do you trigger free spins?

Land three or more spell books anywhere for ten free spins, with retriggers available during the round.

What is the RTP?

Around 96.58% in the standard version, with operator variants — check the in-game information panel.

What is the maximum win?

The advertised cap is 5,000 times your total stake.

Related guides

Book of Dead slot review

Legacy of Dead slot review

Eye of Horus slot review


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