Merlin's Grimoire Slot Review
Introduction
Merlin's Grimoire is a High volatility video slot from Play'n GO with a 96.2% RTP, a 5x3-6 layout, and a maximum win of 30,000x the bet, available to play at Chips.gg.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Provider | Play'n GO |
| Title | Merlin's Grimoire |
| Release Date | July 2022 |
| RTP | 96.2% (as deployed at Chips.gg) |
| Volatility | High |
| Layout | 5 reels, 3-6 rows |
| Ways to Win | 243 (base), up to 7776 |
| Min. Bet | 0.10 |
| Max. Bet | 100 |
| Max. Win | 30,000x |
| Hit Frequency | N/A |
Facts verified July 2026 against the live Chips.gg game configuration.
Game Features and Bonuses
Layout: The game starts with a 5-reel, 3-row setup, providing 243 ways to win. This can expand through the Splitting Reels feature, increasing the number of rows and potential ways to win.
Special Symbols: The game features a combined Wild and Scatter symbol, represented by the Grimoire (spellbook). This symbol substitutes for other symbols to form wins and triggers the Free Spins round.
Free Spins: Landing three or more Wild Scatter symbols activates the Free Spins feature, awarding 10 free spins. Additional free spins can be retriggered up to five times by landing more Wild Scatters during the bonus round.
Bonus Rounds: Before the Free Spins begin, a special Expanding Symbol is randomly selected. This symbol will expand to cover entire reels when it contributes to a win, even if not on adjacent reels.
Unique Features: The Splitting Reels feature can activate randomly, particularly within the Free Spins round, causing symbols to split and thus creating up to 7776 ways to win.
Gameplay Mechanics and Strategies
Unique Mechanics: Merlin's Grimoire combines the popular expanding symbol mechanic with a dynamic Splitting Reels feature. This allows the game grid to expand from a standard 5x3 to up to 5x6, significantly increasing the potential ways to win during gameplay.
In-Game Dynamics: Wins are formed by landing matching symbols on adjacent reels starting from the leftmost reel. The Splitting Reels can randomly activate in the base game on reels 2, 3, and 4, and on all reels during Free Spins, doubling payways for wins involving split symbols.
Player Strategy: As with all slot games, Merlin's Grimoire is based on random outcomes, and no strategy can guarantee wins. Players should manage their bankroll effectively and adjust their bet size according to their comfort level with the game's High volatility. Understanding the RTP of 96.2% helps in setting realistic expectations for long-term play.
Comparison with Similar Slots
Merlin's Grimoire shares thematic and mechanical similarities with other "book-style" slots, particularly those from Play'n GO. For instance, it builds upon the expanding symbol mechanic seen in [Book of Dead](/catalog/playngo-book-of-dead), which also features a 5x3 layout and a free spins round with a special expanding symbol. Another comparable title is Lord Merlin and the Lady of the Lake, also by Play'n GO, which shares the Merlin theme and high volatility, often incorporating similar bonus structures. While these games feature expanding symbols, Merlin's Grimoire differentiates itself with the addition of the Splitting Reels mechanic, which dynamically increases the ways to win up to 7776, a feature not typically found in traditional "book-style" games.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum win potential in Merlin's Grimoire?
The maximum win potential in Merlin's Grimoire is 30,000 times your bet. This significant payout is primarily achievable through the combination of Splitting Reels and Expanding Symbols during the Free Spins feature.
How does the Splitting Reels feature work?
The Splitting Reels feature can randomly activate, causing symbols on a reel to split. This increases the number of symbols on that reel and, consequently, the number of ways to win, potentially reaching up to 7776 ways.
Can Free Spins be retriggered in Merlin's Grimoire?
Yes, the Free Spins feature can be retriggered. Landing three or more Wild Scatter symbols during the bonus round will award an additional 10 free spins, up to a maximum of five retriggers.
What is the RTP of Merlin's Grimoire at Chips.gg?
The Return to Player (RTP) for Merlin's Grimoire at Chips.gg is 96.2%. It's important to note that some game providers offer different RTP configurations, so the percentage can vary at other casinos.
Is Merlin's Grimoire a high or low volatility slot?
Merlin's Grimoire is classified as a High volatility slot. This means that while wins may be less frequent, they have the potential to be larger when they do occur.
Conclusion
Merlin's Grimoire offers a compelling blend of classic "book-style" mechanics with an innovative twist. The High volatility and 96.2% RTP provide a balanced risk-reward profile for players seeking substantial payouts. The standout Splitting Reels feature, combined with expanding symbols in the Free Spins round, creates exciting gameplay moments and the potential for significant wins up to 30,000x the bet. While the theme might feel familiar to fans of Play'n GO's other Merlin-themed titles, the enhanced mechanics give it a fresh appeal. This slot is best suited for players who enjoy high-risk, high-reward gameplay and appreciate dynamic reel modifiers.
