Shippy D. POP Slot Review

Introduction

Shippy D. POP is a high volatility video slot from Avatar UX with a 96.1% RTP, featuring a 5-reel, 3-row layout that can expand up to 9 rows, offering up to 118,098 ways to win. Players can aim for a maximum win of 50,000 times their bet. This game is available to play at Chips.gg.

Quick Facts

Facts verified July 2026 against the live Chips.gg game configuration.

Game Features and Bonuses

• Layout Expansion (PopWins): Winning symbols "pop" and are replaced by two new symbols, expanding the reel height. Reels can grow up to 6 rows in the base game and 9 rows during Free Spins, increasing the number of ways to win.

• ZapReel: A horizontal reel above reels 2-4 can award special features on each spin. In the base game, these include x2/x3 multipliers, split symbols (up to 5 identical symbols), expanded winning symbols, and synced reels. During Free Spins, all ZapReel positions contain boosted features, including multipliers up to x10 and split symbols up to 10 identical symbols.

• Free Spins: Triggered by expanding all 5 reels to 6 rows. Players start with 6 free spins and can use a Gamble Wheel to potentially increase them to 9, 12, or even 18 spins. Losing the gamble returns the player to the base game without Free Spins. During Free Spins, reels start at 6 rows and can expand to 9, with reel progress not fully resetting between spins.

• Bonus Buy: The game offers options to purchase Free Spins. Players can buy 6 Free Spins for 125x the bet, or 12 Free Spins for 500x the bet. The 6 Free Spins purchase also allows for the Gamble Wheel option.

• Special Symbols: The game features lower-paying card royals (9-A), medium-paying animal symbols (rhinos, seals, ships), and higher-paying pirate characters. There are no traditional Wild or Scatter symbols, as features are integrated through PopWins and the ZapReel.

Gameplay Mechanics and Strategies

• Unique Mechanics: Shippy D. POP utilizes the PopWins mechanic, where winning symbols are removed and replaced by two new symbols, increasing the reel height and potential ways to win. This dynamic reel expansion is central to the gameplay, creating cascading wins and opportunities for larger payouts. The ZapReel adds another layer of unpredictability, introducing various modifiers that can significantly impact the outcome of a spin.

• In-Game Dynamics: Wins are formed by landing three or more matching symbols on adjacent reels, starting from either the leftmost or rightmost reel. The game's high volatility means that wins may be less frequent but can be substantial when they occur, especially with the reel expansion and ZapReel modifiers. The Free Spins round, with its persistent reel height and boosted ZapReel features, is designed for the highest win potential.

• Player Strategy: While no strategy can alter the game's inherent RTP, players can consider their betting size in relation to the high volatility. Utilizing the Bonus Buy feature might appeal to those looking to access the Free Spins round directly, though this comes at a higher cost. Understanding the Gamble Wheel's risk-reward for Free Spins is also key for players who trigger the bonus naturally.

Comparison with Similar Slots

Shippy D. POP shares its core PopWins mechanic with other Avatar UX titles. For instance, LooneyPop features a similar expanding reel structure and ZapReel, but with a different theme. Another comparable game is JunglePop, which also uses the PopWins feature to expand the grid and increase ways to win. While themes vary, the underlying gameplay loop of expanding reels and dynamic modifiers is consistent across these titles, appealing to players who enjoy cascading wins and evolving game grids.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the RTP of Shippy D. POP?

The RTP of Shippy D. POP is 96.1% as configured for play at Chips.gg. It is important to note that some casinos may offer different RTP configurations for this game.

How does the PopWins mechanic work?

When you land a winning combination, the winning symbols are removed from the reels and two new symbols appear in their place, increasing the height of that reel. This process can continue, expanding the grid and the number of ways to win.

What is the maximum win potential in Shippy D. POP?

Players in Shippy D. POP can achieve a maximum win of up to 50,000 times their initial bet. This substantial payout is typically realized through extended PopWins sequences and boosted features during the Free Spins round.

Are there Free Spins in Shippy D. POP?

Yes, Free Spins are triggered by expanding all 5 reels to 6 rows in the base game. Players can also gamble their initial 6 free spins for a chance to win more before the round begins.

Can I buy a bonus round in this game?

Yes, Shippy D. POP includes a Bonus Buy feature. You can purchase direct entry into the Free Spins round for either 125x your bet (for 6 spins with a gamble option) or 500x your bet (for 12 spins).

Conclusion

Shippy D. POP offers a distinctive pirate-themed adventure with Avatar UX's signature PopWins mechanic at its core. The expanding reels, coupled with the dynamic ZapReel modifiers, create an engaging and unpredictable gameplay experience. While the graphics might not appeal to everyone, the high volatility and impressive 50,000x max win potential make it an attractive option for players seeking big payouts. This game is well-suited for those who enjoy innovative reel mechanics and high-risk, high-reward slot action.