Bandits Thunder Link

Bandits Thunder Link Slot Review

Stakelogic are well known for combining established mechanics into fresh packages, and Bandits Thunder Link is a bold move that demonstrates their willingness to experiment. Released in March 2021, this Wild West-themed slot consolidates mechanics from some of the industry’s most successful games—Dead or Alive 2 and Money Train 2—into one cohesive experience. The real innovation lies in the three selectable bonus modes, each catering to different volatility preferences. What makes Bandits Thunder Link stand out is that it delivers multiple gameplay approaches without sacrificing mechanical depth. Players seeking variety in high-volatility entertainment will find this a formidable offering.

Base Game & Features

Reel Structure and Paylines

Bandits Thunder Link operates on a standard 5-reel, 3-row grid with 10 fixed paylines. The grid expands during the Thunder Link feature, growing from the base 5×3 layout to 6×3 with the first Lock symbol, then to 7×3 with the second Lock symbol. This mechanical progression creates escalating win potential during respins, making the feature visually and mechanically satisfying. The fixed payline structure keeps gameplay straightforward while the reel expansion adds tactical elements during bonus rounds.

Special Symbols and Win Mechanics

The base game features a Wild symbol represented by a group of five cowboys and cowgirls, paying up to 250x your stake for five on a line. Standard symbols include Gold Bars, Sheriff Badges, Revolvers, Cowboy Hats, and Horseshoes arranged in high to low pay hierarchy, complemented by card values. The Scatter symbol, depicted as a Skull, triggers the bonus features when three or more land.

Notably, the base game is devoid of integrated features—there’s no random modifier system or progressive meter. Gameplay focuses entirely on spinning for scatter symbols to unlock the bonus round. This streamlined approach means players either receive standard payline wins or progress toward triggering the feature. It’s a design choice that emphasises the bonus experience over base game engagement, making the three-option bonus selection feel like the game’s true centrepiece.

Bandits Thunder Link Free Spins & Bonus Features

When you land three or more Scatter symbols, the game unveils its standout feature: a choice between three completely different bonus modes. This selection system is Bandits Thunder Link’s defining characteristic. Each mode caters to different risk appetites, from conservative to extreme volatility. The game makes up for its feature-sparse base gameplay with genuine diversity in these bonus options, giving players meaningful tactical decisions about how they want their bonus round to unfold.

Wild Wild Wins

Wild Wild Wins awards 12 free spins with sticky wild symbols remaining locked in place for the duration. Every winning combination receives a 2x multiplier, effectively doubling all payouts. This is the most conservative of the three options, appealing to players who want free spins with meaningful multipliers without excessive variance. The sticky wild mechanic ensures win frequency remains decent, though the cap at 2x multiplier limits ceiling potential. If you trigger additional wins mid-feature, you’ll retain your sticky wilds while the multiplier continues doubling all connections. Landing a wild on all reels retriggers an additional 5 free spins, extending the feature if fortune favours you.

Wild Bonanza

Wild Bonanza delivers 12 free spins with sticky wild symbols that accumulate multipliers up to a maximum of 3x. Unlike Wild Wild Wins, the multipliers vary per wild rather than applying uniformly to all wins. This creates higher volatility—some wins might receive the full 3x boost whilst others receive lower multiplier values. The mechanic echoes the High Noon Saloon Bonus concept from Dead or Alive II, combining sticky wilds with escalating multiplier potential. This mid-volatility approach offers more explosive win potential than Wild Wild Wins whilst remaining somewhat controlled compared to Thunder Link. Retriggering works identically, granting 5 additional spins when a wild lands on all reels.

Thunder Link

Thunder Link is the game’s high-volatility hammer—but it’s technically respins rather than free spins. You begin with 3 respins instead of traditional free spins, but here’s where the excitement escalates: landing new symbols resets your respin counter, potentially extending the feature indefinitely. Lock symbols are your gateway to expanded win potential. When a Lock symbol lands, it’s held in place and the reel grid expands—first Lock expands from 5×3 to 6×3, the second Lock expands to 7×3. This reel expansion creates mathematical opportunities for larger combinations and more payline interactions across the expanded grid.

Thunder Link symbols become active within this expanded grid. These symbols carry multipliers that accumulate as new Thunder Link symbols land during the respin sequence, capping at a maximum of 50x. Money Hat and Safe symbols collect these accumulated multipliers, converting them into actual win values. The expanding reels combined with multiplier accumulation delivers the explosive potential that attracted many to Money Train 2’s hold-and-win mechanics. The Thunder Link expanding reels feature is genuinely exciting, creating dynamic gameplay moments when multipliers build toward that 50x cap. This delivers the game’s maximum win of 50,000x stake potential within this bonus mode.

Bonus Buy

A Bonus Buy option is available for 100x your current stake. This immediately unlocks the bonus feature, allowing you to bypass base game spinning and jump directly to selecting your preferred bonus mode. For players chasing the explosive Thunder Link feature or wanting to expedite the experience, this option provides convenient access to the high-volatility mechanics. The cost is steep at 100x, but it does guarantee immediate access to the three bonus variants.

Our Honest Verdict

Bandits Thunder Link is a breath of fresh air compared to Dead or Alive and Money Train—yet it’s also a calculated game that borrows heavily from both. The game’s greatest strength is its three-option bonus architecture, offering genuine player agency in choosing their volatility level. Community feedback confirms this structure delivers meaningful variety, with the Thunder Link expanding reels feature earning praise for its dynamic, engaging gameplay moments. The game offers gameplay aspects similar to both Dead or Alive and Money Train, but consolidates them under a Wild West aesthetic that feels cohesive.

However, there are trade-offs worth considering. The 95.6% RTP sits below the 96% industry average threshold, which impacts long-term expected returns compared to higher-RTP competitors. The base game is feature-sparse, with minimal engagement between bonus triggers—it’s primarily a scatter-hunt experience. Community consensus recognises the base game feels minimal with limited feature interaction; players are mainly spinning to hit scatters, creating a somewhat disconnected experience between base gameplay and bonuses.

That said, the game deserves commendation for daring to create a one-stop shop for Wild West features. The high volatility is genuine and as advertised—exactly what high-volatility enthusiasts expect. Players experience quiet base game periods punctuated by explosive bonus rounds with the potential for dramatic swings. For experienced high-volatility players who aren’t budget-constrained and enjoy massive but infrequent rewards, this consolidation of mechanics into three selectable bonus modes provides formidable entertainment. The game packs a punch with immense replay value and great potential for the right player. It’s a formidable offering with solid mechanics, though not without its conceptual limitations.

• What is the RTP of Bandits Thunder Link?

  Bandits Thunder Link has a 95.6% RTP with 5 reels, 10 paylines, and a 5×3 base grid that expands to 6×3 or 7×3 during the Thunder Link feature. Stakelogic offers customisable RTP values which could be in the 94.xx% range or lower depending on jurisdiction, so always check the help file to confirm which version you’ll be playing.
• What is the maximum win on Bandits Thunder Link?

  The maximum theoretical win is 50,000x your stake. This potential is reached during the Thunder Link respin feature when Lock symbols expand the reels, Thunder Link symbols accumulate multipliers up to 50x, and Money Hat or Safe symbols collect these multipliers as actual wins. The high volatility and massive win potential make it ideal for experienced players chasing significant returns.
• What is the volatility of Bandits Thunder Link?

  Bandits Thunder Link is high volatility. The game features a 95.6% RTP matched with high volatility, meaning wins aren’t frequent but can be substantial when they land. This volatility characterisation is driven by the base game’s feature-sparse design, sparse scatters, and the explosive bonus modes that deliver the bulk of player returns.
• Does Bandits Thunder Link have free spins?

  Yes. Free spins are triggered when landing at least 3 Scatter symbols. You then select from three bonus variants: Wild Wild Wins (12 spins with 2x multiplier sticky wilds), Wild Bonanza (12 spins with sticky wilds gaining up to 3x multipliers), or Thunder Link (3 respins with expanding reels up to 7×3 and multipliers accumulating up to 50x). Each variant offers different volatility levels.
• Can I play Bandits Thunder Link on mobile?

  Yes, Bandits Thunder Link is optimised for mobile play. The game uses HTML5 responsive design, ensuring seamless gameplay across iOS, Android, Windows, and desktop devices. Touch-based controls have been optimised for a seamless mobile gaming experience, with stunning graphics and exciting gameplay adapted for smaller screens.
• Does Bandits Thunder Link have a bonus buy feature?

  Yes. A Bonus Buy option costs 100x your current stake and unlocks access to the free games feature immediately. This allows you to skip the base game and jump directly to selecting one of the three bonus variants. It’s possible to win 50,000x your total bet from any of the bonus modes, though the Thunder Link feature offers the highest win ceiling.
• What are the three bonus options in Bandits Thunder Link?

  Wild Wild Wins: 12 free spins with sticky wilds and 2x win multiplier. Wild Bonanza: 12 free spins with sticky wilds gaining up to 3x multipliers (similar to Dead or Alive II mechanics). Thunder Link: 3 respins with expanding reels (5×3 → 6×3 → 7×3), special multiplier symbols, and Lock symbols that trigger reel expansion—this feature has a 50x multiplier cap and delivers the game’s maximum win potential.
• Is Bandits Thunder Link suitable for new players?

  Bandits Thunder Link is recommended for experienced players who enjoy high volatility slots. It’s ideal for players who enjoy massive, less frequent rewards and aren’t limited by their budget. The game’s high volatility and feature-sparse base game make it better suited to experienced high-volatility enthusiasts rather than casual or new players. Players familiar with Dead or Alive and Money Train will find the mechanics familiar and engaging.