5 Lions Megaways Slot Review
Introduction
5 Lions Megaways is a high volatility video slot from Pragmatic Play with a 96.5% RTP, a 6-reel, 2-7 row layout, and a maximum win potential of 5,000x the bet, available to play at Chips.gg.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Provider | Pragmatic Play |
| Theme | Chinese, Guardian Lions |
| Reels | 6 |
| Rows | 2-7 |
| Paylines | Up to 200,704 ways to win |
| RTP | 96.5% (as deployed at Chips.gg) |
| Volatility | High |
| Max Win | 5,000x |
| Min Bet | 0.2 |
| Max Bet | 125 |
| Release Date | June 2021 |
Facts verified July 2026 against the live Chips.gg game configuration.
Game Features and Bonuses
Layout: The game features 6 reels with a dynamic row configuration from 2 to 7 symbols per reel, due to the Megaways mechanic. An extra horizontal reel above reels 2, 3, 4, and 5 can add more symbols, increasing the ways to win.
Special Symbols: The golden lion acts as the Wild symbol, substituting for all symbols except the scatter. The Yin Yang symbol is the Scatter, triggering the Free Spins feature.
Free Spins: Landing 3 or more Scatter symbols activates the Free Spins. Players choose from 7 options, each offering a different number of free spins and a set of Wild Multipliers (e.g., 25 spins with 2x, 3x, 5x multipliers, or 6 spins with 15x, 30x, 40x multipliers).
Bonus Rounds: The Free Spins round is the primary bonus, where chosen Wild Multipliers apply to wins involving a Wild symbol. Retriggers are possible by landing 3 or more scatters during the feature.
Unique Features: The Tumble feature removes winning symbols, allowing new ones to fall into place for consecutive wins. Wild Multipliers can appear in the base game during tumbles, ranging from 2x to 40x. An Ante Bet option increases the chance of triggering Free Spins by 25% for an extra cost.
Gameplay Mechanics and Strategies
Unique Mechanics: 5 Lions Megaways utilizes the popular Megaways engine, which dynamically changes the number of symbols on each reel with every spin, leading to a varying number of ways to win, up to 200,704. The Tumble feature ensures that winning combinations can lead to successive wins within a single spin.
In-Game Dynamics: Wins are formed by landing 3 or more matching symbols on adjacent reels starting from the leftmost reel. The game's high volatility means that wins may be less frequent but can be substantial when they occur, especially with the Wild Multipliers in play.
Player Strategy: While no strategy can alter the game's inherent RTP, players can consider the Ante Bet option to double their chances of triggering the Free Spins feature, though this comes at an increased cost per spin. During Free Spins, choosing a mode with fewer spins but higher multipliers might appeal to players seeking higher risk and reward.
Comparison with Similar Slots
5 Lions Megaways builds on Pragmatic Play's existing "5 Lions" series, enhancing it with the Megaways mechanic. For instance, "5 Lions Dance" offers a more traditional fixed payline structure with a bonus game that transforms symbols. "Great Rhino Megaways" by Pragmatic Play also features the Megaways engine and a high volatility profile, offering a similar dynamic reel experience and a free spins round with increasing multipliers. Another comparable title is "[The Dog House](/catalog/pragmaticplay-the-dog-house) Megaways," which combines sticky wilds and raining wilds in its free spins, providing a different bonus dynamic within the Megaways framework.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum win available in 5 Lions Megaways?
The maximum win in 5 Lions Megaways is 5,000 times your bet. This potential is often realized through the Wild Multipliers during the Free Spins feature.
How does the Megaways mechanic work in this game?
The Megaways mechanic means that each reel can display a different number of symbols on every spin, from 2 to 7. This dynamic setup can create up to 200,704 potential ways to win.
Can I buy the bonus round in 5 Lions Megaways?
Yes, the game offers a Bonus Buy feature. For 100x your current bet, you can directly activate the Free Spins round and choose one of the 7 available options.
What is the RTP of 5 Lions Megaways?
The Return to Player (RTP) for 5 Lions Megaways is 96.5%. It's important to note that RTP can vary slightly between different casino builds, but this is the configuration deployed at Chips.gg.
Are there any special symbols in the base game?
Yes, the golden lion acts as a Wild symbol, substituting for other symbols to help form winning combinations. The Yin Yang symbol is the Scatter, which triggers the Free Spins feature.
Conclusion
5 Lions Megaways offers a visually appealing and highly volatile slot experience, combining a popular Chinese theme with the dynamic Megaways engine. The game's strengths lie in its Tumble feature for consecutive wins, the strategic choice within the Free Spins bonus, and the potential for significant payouts through Wild Multipliers up to 40x. While its high volatility might not suit all players, those who enjoy unpredictable gameplay and the thrill of large potential wins will find it engaging. The Ante Bet and Bonus Buy options provide additional control over accessing the game's most exciting features.
