Badger Miners Slot Review
Yggdrasil Gaming have built a recognisable style with their slot releases, and Badger Miners represents an interesting entry into the mining-themed niche. Released in July 2023, this 5×3 game brings an unconventional approach to the genre by positioning adorable badger characters as the protagonists rather than human miners. The theme delivers visual charm through meticulously crafted graphics and clay model-style animation, though the appeal carries trade-offs depending on session length and player preferences.
Base Game & Features
Badger Miners operates on a 5×3 grid with 243 paylines, creating multiple paths to victory on each spin. The reel structure supports five distinct symbol types, with the Dynamite Scatter symbol holding particular importance for triggering the game’s primary bonus feature. The base game mechanics revolve around two key systems: Cash Wilds and Multiplier Stacking, both of which interact to create the game’s win potential.
Cash Wilds and Respins
The Cash Wilds feature represents Yggdrasil’s innovation for this release. When Cash Wilds land on reels 2, 3, or 4, they collect all win amounts from that spin and then trigger respins. Critically, these wilds move upward one position with each respin, creating a cascading effect that can accumulate significant value during extended respin sequences. Multiplier values remain active throughout respins, allowing the collected cash to benefit from multiplier boosts simultaneously.
Multiplier Stacking System
Random multipliers (ranging from 2x to 100x) appear above the middle three reels on every spin. The game employs colour-coded operators—plus and times symbols—that combine these multipliers for cumulative effects. This system adds volatility to the base game, though community testing suggests practical performance sometimes underperforms relative to the mathematical potential. The multiplier values can reach 100x independently, and when combined with Cash Wilds’ accumulated value, they theoretically support the game’s 10,000x maximum win.
Bonus Features & Free Spins
Badger Miners free spins trigger when you land five or more Dynamite Scatter symbols anywhere on the reels. This awards a base allocation of seven free spins, with each additional scatter symbol granting an extra two spins. Practically, this means 5 scatters = 7 free spins, 6 scatters = 9 free spins, and 7 scatters = 11 free spins. This scaling system encourages accumulating multiple scatters in a single triggering spin.
The mechanical innovation during free spins lies in the persistence of the Cash Wilds system. Wilds acquired during the base game continue to operate, accumulating value throughout the bonus round. Multipliers similarly persist, meaning the multiplier stacking system remains fully active. This design creates potential for substantial accumulation, particularly when Cash Wilds land again during free spins, effectively extending the respin sequences within an already-enhanced feature.
Bonus Buy Feature
Yggdrasil have included a Bonus Buy option for players outside regulated markets like the UK. This feature allows you to purchase direct access to the free spins bonus round instead of waiting for scatter triggers through natural gameplay. The standard cost sits at 95x your current bet, though some operators provide a range of 95x to 100x depending on their configuration. For players with sufficient bankroll and the preference for immediate feature access, this option provides mechanical choice without affecting RTP calculations.
Our Honest Verdict
Overall Rating: 6.5/10
Badger Miners represents a mechanically straightforward high-volatility offering that delivers genuine innovation in some areas while falling short in others. Yggdrasil’s Cash Wilds mechanic is genuinely noteworthy and brings something fresh to the mining slot category. The visual presentation excels with charming badger characters and meticulous graphics that stand apart from human-miner conventions. The 96% RTP sits at industry standard, and the betting range (0.20 to 50.00) accommodates diverse bankroll levels.
However, high volatility comes with significant trade-offs. The 24.78% hit frequency means wins occur roughly once every four spins, but extended base game play between feature triggers creates lengthy dry spells. For comparison, free spins trigger approximately once every 300 spins, creating substantial patience requirements. Professional testing indicates the multiplier system, whilst mathematically sound, often underperforms practical win generation relative to initial expectations. The adorable badger aesthetic, whilst visually engaging initially, loses appeal during extended sessions for many players.
Badger Miners suits specific player segments effectively: those seeking high-volatility gameplay without excessive mechanical complexity, fans appreciating unique thematic approaches, players with sufficient bankroll for extended base game play, and those drawn to Yggdrasil’s mechanical style. The game won’t dominate “best of 2023” conversations or achieve blockbuster popularity, but positions itself comfortably as a niche option within Yggdrasil’s catalogue. It represents a successful innovation (Cash Wilds) housed within a solid but unremarkable overall package.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Badger Miners has a default RTP of 96.0%, but operators can choose from four different RTPs: 96.0%, 94.2%, 90.5%, or 86.0%. The specific RTP may vary depending on the casino.
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The maximum win in Badger Miners is 10,000x your stake. This is achieved through the combination of Cash Wilds respins and random multipliers that can reach up to 100x placed above the middle reels.
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Badger Miners is a high volatility slot game. It has a hit frequency of 24.78%, meaning wins occur less frequently but can be larger. This means players should expect bankroll fluctuations during longer sessions.
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Badger Miners features Cash Wilds that move up one cell per respin and collect win amounts, random multipliers above the middle three reels with values up to 100x, and a free spins mode triggered by five scatter symbols. The game also includes a bonus buy feature.
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To trigger free spins in Badger Miners, you need to land five dynamite scatter symbols on the reels. This awards 7 free spins, and each additional scatter on the triggering spin grants 2 more free spins. Cash Wilds remain active during free spins.
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In Badger Miners, the minimum bet is 0.20 and the maximum bet is 50.00, giving players a wide range of wagering options.
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Badger Miners is developed by Yggdrasil Gaming, a Swedish gaming software provider known for creating innovative slot games with unique features and high-quality graphics.
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Yes, Badger Miners includes a bonus buy feature that allows players to purchase direct access to the free spins bonus round instead of waiting to trigger it naturally through scatter symbols.
