Crank It Up

Crank It Up Slot Review

Pragmatic Play released Crank It Up in July 2024 as a high-volatility offering that combines a disco-themed aesthetic with a sophisticated bonus structure. The game embraces a dance club atmosphere complete with energetic music and vibrant graphics, positioning itself squarely for players who enjoy the anticipation of rare but substantial wins. What sets Crank It Up apart from typical Pragmatic Play releases is its two-stage free spins mechanic, where bonus rounds evolve from traditional spinning into a strategic multiplier accumulation phase.

Base Game & Features

The game operates on a standard 5×3 grid with 20 paylines, released on 4 July 2024. Players can wager between £/€0.2 and £/€240 per spin, giving both cautious and aggressive bettors suitable stakes. The base game itself remains relatively sparse, focusing player attention toward the bonus feature where the real action takes place.

The disco theme runs throughout the visual presentation, with reels set against towering speakers inside a nightclub venue. Thematically appropriate symbols and an immersive soundtrack complement the energetic atmosphere. The base game emphasises simplicity, allowing the free spins feature to become the centrepiece of the gameplay experience rather than competing for attention through modifier systems or additional base mechanics.

Crank It Up Free Spins

The bonus feature activation is straightforward: 3, 4, or 5 scatter symbols award 10, 15, or 20 free spins respectively. What makes Crank It Up noteworthy is what happens during these bonus rounds. The free spins feature can be retriggered unlimited times, meaning a fortunate player could accumulate significant spin counts if scatters land repeatedly.

During free spins, wild symbols land exclusively on reels 2, 3, and 4, marking their positions on the grid. As additional wilds land on these marked positions, they accumulate multipliers that progress through the sequence: x2, x3, x5, x10. This multiplication system creates a building tension where each additional wild increases the potential payout of the spin. Importantly, when multiple multipliers participate in the same winning combination, they add together rather than multiply, providing a more predictable (though still potentially lucrative) calculation of winnings.

After the basic free spins conclude, the game awards 3 additional special spins. During these special spins, all marked positions from the free spins phase transform into sticky wilds that carry over their accumulated multipliers. Critically, new wild symbols cannot land during special spins, meaning players only benefit from the multipliers they’ve already established. This design prevents runaway multiplier stacking whilst rewarding players who successfully accumulated wilds during the primary free spins phase.

Bonus Buy & Ante Bet

For players seeking immediate access to the bonus round, Crank It Up offers a Bonus Buy feature for 80x the current bet. Activating this purchase guarantees entry to the free spins phase, with the purchase resulting in 3, 4, or 5 scatter symbols appearing on the next spin, awarding 10, 15, or 20 free spins accordingly. The Bonus Buy RTP sits slightly higher at 96.03% compared to the default RTP of 95.95%, making it mathematically advantageous for players willing to pay the premium access fee.

Our Honest Verdict

Crank It Up represents Pragmatic Play’s take on the high-volatility bonus feature slot. The game delivers what it promises: high volatility gameplay with a maximum win of 10,000x stake, a two-stage bonus structure that builds anticipation, and a thematic presentation that complements the gameplay mechanics. The multiplier system works well when wilds cooperate, though winnings remain heavily dependent on wild frequency during the free spins phase.

However, the game carries notable limitations. The base game is deliberately minimal, offering little engagement between bonus triggers. Community consensus describes the base game as “dull,” with winning focus entirely on reaching the free spins feature. The hit frequency of free spins (landing approximately once every 224 spins according to player analysis) is relatively low compared to many contemporary slots, meaning extended dry spells between bonuses are commonplace. For players who value consistent base game action or moderate win potential, Crank It Up will feel sparse.

That said, the free spins mechanic itself demonstrates genuine engagement. The two-stage progression—where players first accumulate multipliers, then apply them through sticky wilds in special spins—creates a satisfying flow that justifies the feature’s position as the game’s centrepiece. With an RTP of 95.95% (or 96.03% via Bonus Buy), the return rates sit competitively for a high-volatility Pragmatic Play title. The disco theme, vibrant graphics, and energetic soundtrack provide solid thematic cohesion without feeling overdone.

Crank It Up is best suited for high-volatility enthusiasts who prioritise bonus feature depth over base game diversity. It will satisfy players comfortable with sparse base games who understand that rare spins can deliver substantial 10,000x wins. Those seeking frequent payouts, consistent engagement, or innovative base mechanics will find more compelling alternatives in Pragmatic Play’s broader portfolio. The game occupies a solid middle ground—neither groundbreaking nor disappointing—offering exactly what its mechanical foundation suggests.

Crank It Up FAQs

• What is the RTP of Crank It Up?

  The default RTP for Crank It Up is 95.95%, though there are multiple RTP options available including 96.03% when buying free spins, along with alternative RTPs of 94.95% and 93.95%. Different casinos may offer varying versions of the game with different RTP rates.
• What is the maximum win on Crank It Up?

  The maximum win on Crank It Up is 10,000x the bet. This is the win cap for the game regardless of how the bonus features are triggered or what multipliers are achieved.
• Does Crank It Up have free spins?

  Yes, Crank It Up has free spins. Free spins are triggered with 3, 4, or 5 scatter symbols awarding 10, 15, or 20 free spins respectively. The free spins feature can be retriggered unlimited times, and additionally includes sticky wild multipliers during bonus play.
• What is the volatility of Crank It Up?

  Crank It Up has high volatility. This means wins are less frequent but potentially larger when they do occur. The game is designed for players who enjoy the excitement of big wins over consistent smaller payouts.
• Can I buy the bonus feature in Crank It Up?

  Yes, Crank It Up features a bonus buy option. Players can purchase direct access to the free spins feature for 80 times the bet, allowing them to skip the base game and go directly to the bonus round.
• When was Crank It Up released?

  Crank It Up was released by Pragmatic Play on 4 July 2024. The game is a recent addition to Pragmatic Play’s slot portfolio and features the dance club/music venue theme with modern bonus mechanics.
• How do the multipliers work in Crank It Up free spins?

  During Crank It Up’s free spins, wilds land on reels 2, 3, and 4, marking their positions. When a wild lands on an already-marked spot, the multiplier increases (x2, x3, x5, x10). After basic free spins end, 3 special spins are awarded where all marked positions transform into sticky wilds carrying the multiplier values.
• What is the theme of Crank It Up slot?

  Crank It Up features a dance club and music venue theme with dancing characters, vibrant graphics, and an energetic atmosphere. The game’s visual design complements the high-energy gameplay and bonus features with bright, engaging animations.