Darkness (Relax Gaming)
Relax Gaming
Darkness Slot Review
Introduction
Darkness is a high volatility video slot from Print Studios with a 96.14% RTP, featuring a 5x4 layout and 26 paylines, offering a max win of 20,000x the bet, and is available to play at Chips.gg.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Provider | Print Studios |
| Reels | 5 |
| Rows | 4 |
| Paylines | 26 |
| RTP | 96.14% (as deployed at Chips.gg) |
| Volatility | High |
| Hit Frequency | 33.0% |
| Max Win | 20,000x |
| Min Bet | 0.1 |
| Max Bet | 50 |
| Release Date | October 19, 2023 |
Facts verified July 2026 against the live Chips.gg game configuration.
Game Features and Bonuses
Layout: The game features a 5-reel, 4-row grid set within a dark, haunted house theme, with tree roots and skeletons forming part of the environment.
Special Symbols: The Wild Symbol, depicted as Dirge Wild, substitutes for all regular paying symbols and is the highest-paying symbol itself. Scatter Symbols, represented by a burning pentagram, trigger the free spins.
Free Spins (Dark Ritual Bonus): Landing 3, 4, or 5 Scatter Symbols awards 10, 12, or 14 free spins, respectively. During this feature, landing Wilds on specific pentagram positions awards additional spins and makes the Wilds sticky. Filling all five positions with sticky Wilds summons Lucifer, turning reels 2, 3, and 4 completely wild for the remainder of the bonus.
SuperSpinners: There are 14 SuperSpinners located between the reels, which can activate on any spin. If a winning line crosses an active SuperSpinner, its multiplier (between 2x and 10x) is applied to the win. Multiple SuperSpinners on a single winline multiply consecutively.
Unique Features: The game includes a Scatter Boost option, which increases the bet by 50% to improve the chances of triggering free spins. Giant Symbols, ranging from 3x2 to 5x4, can also land on any spin, counting as multiple instances of a regular symbol. A Bonus Buy option is available to directly purchase entry into the free spins round.
Gameplay Mechanics and Strategies
Unique Mechanics: Darkness utilizes a 5x4 reel structure with 26 fixed paylines. Wins are formed by landing at least three matching symbols from left to right on a payline. The game's atmosphere can be adjusted by players, allowing them to control the screen's darkness for an enhanced experience.
In-Game Dynamics: The SuperSpinners are a core mechanic, providing dynamic win multipliers that can significantly boost payouts on any given spin. The Dark Ritual Bonus offers a progressive free spins experience where sticky wilds and the potential for fully wild middle reels can lead to substantial wins.
Player Strategy: While no strategy can alter the inherent RTP of the game, players can consider activating the Scatter Boost feature to increase the frequency of triggering the free spins round, albeit at a higher per-spin cost. Understanding the value of the SuperSpinners and aiming for multiple multipliers on a single win can also be a focus.
Comparison with Similar Slots
For players seeking comparable experiences, consider Ancient Tumble, a High volatility video slot with a 96.1% RTP and a maximum win of 10,000x the bet. Another option is Beast Gains, also a High volatility Video Slot with a 96.1% RTP, but offering a higher max win of 25,000x the bet. For a slightly different risk profile, Bill and Coin 2: Mummy Mischief presents a Medium-High volatility with a 96.1% RTP and a 15,000x maximum win.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum win potential in Darkness?
The maximum win in Darkness is 20,000 times your bet. This significant payout is primarily achievable through the game's bonus features, especially the Dark Ritual Bonus with its sticky wilds and potential for fully wild reels.
How does the Scatter Boost feature work?
The Scatter Boost feature increases your bet by 50%. In return, it significantly improves the probability of triggering the free spins round, making it a strategic option for players aiming for the bonus game.
Can I buy access to the free spins round?
Yes, Darkness includes a Bonus Buy option. For a cost of 100 times your current bet, you can guarantee a spin that triggers the Dark Ritual Bonus with at least three Scatter Symbols.
What is the RTP of Darkness, and can it change?
The base RTP of Darkness is 96.14% as deployed at Chips.gg. However, the game also offers alternative RTP configurations, such as 96.40% when using the Scatter Boost and 96.79% when purchasing the Free Spins via the Bonus Buy feature.
Are there any unique symbols in the game?
Yes, beyond the standard Wild and Scatter symbols, the game features 14 SuperSpinners between the reels. These can activate with multipliers (2x-10x) that apply to any winning line crossing them, adding an extra layer of excitement to each spin.
Conclusion
Darkness offers a genuinely immersive and eerie experience for players who appreciate a darker aesthetic in their slot games. Print Studios has crafted a game that stands out with its unique atmosphere and well-integrated features like the SuperSpinners and the evolving Dark Ritual Bonus. While the high volatility means wins may not be frequent, the potential for a 20,000x max win provides significant excitement. The ability to adjust screen darkness and the detailed, non-royal symbols further enhance the thematic depth. This slot is best suited for players who enjoy high-risk, high-reward gameplay and a truly unsettling, yet engaging, horror theme.
