3 Secret Cities Slot Review

Introduction

3 Secret Cities is an adventure‑themed slot from  4ThePlayer (distributed by some platforms including those under the Relax Gaming umbrella) that immerses players in a jungle/temple‑ruins setting inspired by Aztec and lost‑city lore. The game casts you as an explorer seeking hidden treasure across three progressively richer “cities,” combining classic slot spins with a multi‑level “map progression + bonus hunt” mechanic. The result is a slot that feels like an expedition — not just spinning reels — adding suspense, progression, and high‑reward potential beyond basic paylines.

Game Features and Bonuses

• Layout: 5 reels × 4 rows, using a “1024 ways to win” system (not fixed paylines). Wins are achieved by landing matching symbols on consecutive reels from the first reel.

• Special Symbols:

  • Wild Symbol: A golden sun‑stone or similar Aztec‑themed wild substitutes for regular symbols (but not scatters), helping complete winning combinations.

  • Scatter / Bonus / Temple Symbol: Special “temple scatter” symbols that trigger bonus mechanics — either the map‑progression pick feature (when two scatters land on specific reels) or the Free Spins “Temple Pick” bonus (when three scatters land on reels 1, 3, and 5).

• Bonus Mechanics & Map Progression (BONUS↑UP):

  • If you land 2 scatters on reels 1 and 3, you trigger a pick‑feature: choose between a cash prize (up to 50× bet) or progression along the “secret cities map,” from Jungle City → Lake City → Gold City. Advancing increases the quality of future bonuses (more free spins, higher multipliers, better stacked symbols).

  • If you land 3 scatters (on 1, 3, 5), you trigger the Temple Pick + Free Spins bonus: you select blocks in a temple‑style structure to reveal — number of free spins, a win multiplier, and which symbol becomes “super‑stacked.” Once picks complete, spins start under those bonus settings.

• Free Spins & Retriggers: During Free Spins, landing additional scatter pairs (on reels 1 and 3) retriggers extra spins (often 5–10). On retrigger, you again may get a pick to adjust bonus modifiers (e.g., stacked symbol, multiplier). This can continue multiple times, enabling extended bonus sessions.

• Feature Buy Option: In supported jurisdictions, players can skip base‑game grind and directly buy a bonus round — picking which city’s bonus (Jungle, Lake or Gold) to enter, with the associated free spins, multiplier and stacked‑symbol potential.

Game Statistics

• Release Date: Mid‑2021 (the slot is listed among the 2021 releases by 4ThePlayer).

• Game Type: Video Slot (Ways‑to‑Win format with 1024 ways).

• Reels and Win Ways: 5 reels × 4 rows; 1,024 ways to win.

• RTP (Return to Player): ~ 96.5% for standard play; ~ 98.0% when using the Feature Buy option.

• Volatility: High / Very High — the slot leans toward less frequent but potentially large wins.

• Max Win Potential: Up to 50,000× your bet (from the top-tier Gold City bonus).

Gameplay Mechanics and Strategies

• Unique Mechanics: The blend of “map progression + pick‑and‑choose bonus + stacked symbols + retriggerable free spins” gives 3 Secret Cities more depth than a standard slot. You’re not just waiting for scatters — even a pair of scatters moves you closer to a better bonus tier. The Temple Pick adds an element of choice and suspense, since you pick for your free spins count, win multiplier, and stacked symbol — each affecting payout potential.

• In‑Game Dynamics: In base game spins, wins follow standard 1024‑ways logic — but payouts tend to be modest. The real excitement comes from triggering bonuses. As you progress across the “secret cities” (via bonus‑up picks), the free‑spin bonuses become richer: more spins, larger multipliers, and stacked high‑value symbols increase the chance for big wins. Retriggers during free spins extend the bonus — and each retrigger may come with new picks to re‑define bonus conditions.

• Player Strategy: Because of high volatility, patience and bankroll management matter. Lower base‑game volatility makes bonus triggers the key — so aim for steady play until scatters or use the Bonus Buy if allowed and you prefer faster access to potential big wins. When in a bonus, prioritize picks that give higher multipliers and stack high‑value symbols — these maximize payout potential.

Comparison with Similar Slots

Compared with simpler slots where free spins or scatter bonuses are the sole features, 3 Secret Cities adds a layered progression system — the map between cities — offering a sense of long‑term journey rather than one‑off bonuses.

Compared to other high‑volatility “adventure‑theme” slots, 3 Secret Cities stands out for combining choice (via picks), stacked symbols, retriggers, and a very high top payout (50,000×). For players who appreciate risk + reward with a sense of exploration and progression, it delivers more depth than many traditional slots.

Conclusion

3 Secret Cities shines as a treasure‑hunt style slot: immersive theme, layered bonus progression, and high‑reward potential make for an engaging experience. Its strengths are the Bonus↑Up progression (map‑based upgrade path), pick‑driven Temple Pick free spins, retriggers, stacked symbols, and the possibility of massive wins. On the downside: the base game is quiet and payouts outside bonuses tend to be modest; high volatility may also result in long dry spells — making it better suited for players comfortable with risk and patient gameplay.

This slot is ideal for high‑risk / high‑reward players, fans of adventure/explorer themes, and those who enjoy bonus‑heavy slots with strategic choice and progression rather than simple spin‑win mechanics.

Meta Description

3 Secret Cities slot delivers Aztec‑temple adventure with 1024 ways, map‑progression bonus tiers, pick‑and‑choose free spins, stacked symbols, and up to 50,000× max win — great for high‑risk players.