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.
