Forest Fortune Slot Review
Hacksaw Gaming has built a solid reputation for creating slots that balance visual appeal with compelling mechanics, and Forest Fortune exemplifies this approach perfectly. Released in March 2021, this nature-themed slot operates on a 5×5 cluster-pays grid and presents itself as something altogether different from the standard high-volatility offering. With its enchanting forest aesthetic and a hit frequency of just 30.44%, Forest Fortune caters to experienced players chasing substantial payouts who value sophisticated bonus mechanics over frequent wins.
Base Game & Features
Forest Fortune uses a 5×5 grid with a cluster-pays win mechanic, where matching symbols must connect horizontally or vertically to create winning combinations. The base game features nature-themed symbols including beetles, berries, mushrooms, butterflies, and bumblebees. Wins occur when clusters of 5 or more identical symbols land on the grid, creating what Hacksaw describes as a more dynamic win structure than traditional payline systems.
Wind Wild
The standout base-game feature is the Wind Wild modifier. Wild symbols on the reels spread in random directions, with the distance matching the number of wild symbols in play. When the wind feature activates fully across the grid, it can deliver a payout of up to 1,000x your stake. This modifier provides meaningful base-game uplift and adds genuine variance to standard spins without relying solely on bonus features.
Forest Fortune Free Spins
The bonus round is where Forest Fortune truly separates itself from simpler slot offerings. Landing 3 or more Monarch butterfly scatter symbols triggers the free spins feature, which begins with 3 spins. The key mechanic here is the resetting counter system: each winning spin resets the count back to 3, meaning the feature can extend well beyond the initial allocation. The feature ends either when you hit the 10,000x maximum win or when 3 consecutive non-winning spins occur, creating an engaging dynamic where you’re constantly chasing that next win.
Butterfly Multipliers
During free spins, a dual butterfly multiplier system creates substantial variation in potential outcomes. Blue butterflies add values ranging from +1 to +100 to your multiplier total, while green butterflies multiply reel values directly by 2x to 50x. A Tornado symbol also appears during the bonus round, collecting all accumulated values on a spin. Under ideal circumstances with both multiplier types aligning, wins can escalate significantly—though poor multiplier distributions can equally lead to disappointing bonus rounds, reflecting the inherent volatility of the design.
Bumblebee Progress Mechanic & 3 Million Jackpot
Beyond the primary free spins mechanic, Hacksaw Gaming added a Hold & Win progressive element with bumblebee symbols. Collecting 3 bees on each of the 5 reels (15 total) completes the progress bar and triggers a fixed EUR 3 million jackpot—a genuinely eye-watering prize. Most players won’t see this feature regularly due to the completion requirements, but it adds another layer of chase potential to extended sessions. For UK players, this represents real value positioning within the game’s mechanics.
Bonus Buy Feature
For players outside UK jurisdiction, a bonus buy option is available at 100x your current stake, instantly triggering the free spins feature whilst bumping the RTP to 95%. However, UK players are unable to access this feature due to UKGC regulations prohibiting bonus buy mechanisms. Community testing indicates losses in approximately 9 of 10 purchase attempts, reflecting the modest RTP boost and high volatility. Bonus buy is best viewed as a premium engagement tool rather than a path to quick returns.
Our Honest Verdict
Forest Fortune is a genuinely appealing high-volatility offering that Hacksaw Gaming have refined with considerable care. The bonus mechanics are complex and engaging, combining resetting free spins with dual multiplier systems that deliver variable but potentially spectacular outcomes when conditions align. Visual design doesn’t compromise on clarity either—the uncluttered presentation and pleasant animations create a serene yet engaging experience that works beautifully on mobile.
The trade-off, however, sits with volatility and player profile. A hit frequency of just 30.44% means base-game spins can feel long and challenging, and the 94.6% RTP sits below industry average (typically 95-96%). This combination won’t suit casual or budget-conscious players. For experienced slots enthusiasts with adequate bankroll who thrive on tension and appreciate sophisticated bonus mechanics combined with polished presentation, Forest Fortune will reward your patience. For those seeking frequent wins or better long-term value, other options merit consideration.
Forest Fortune FAQs
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What is the RTP of Forest Fortune?
Forest Fortune has an RTP of 94.60% in standard play, increasing to 95% when using the bonus buy feature (though unavailable to UK players). This sits slightly below industry average, reflecting the game’s high-volatility design. -
What is the maximum win on Forest Fortune?
The maximum win is 10,000x your stake through the cluster-pays system combined with multiplier stacking during free spins. Additionally, a rare EUR 3 million fixed jackpot can be triggered by filling the bumblebee progress bar (landing 3 bee symbols on all 5 reels). -
Does Forest Fortune have free spins?
Yes. Landing 3 or more Monarch butterfly scatter symbols triggers free spins beginning with 3 spins. The key mechanic is the resetting counter—each winning spin resets the count back to 3, potentially extending the feature well beyond the initial allocation. The feature ends after 3 consecutive non-winning spins or when hitting the 10,000x max win. -
Can I play Forest Fortune on mobile?
Forest Fortune is fully optimised for mobile play across iOS and Android devices. The 5×5 grid and touch-friendly interface adapt perfectly to smartphone and tablet screens using HTML5 technology, without compromising visual quality or game functionality. -
Does Forest Fortune have a bonus buy feature?
Yes, Forest Fortune offers a bonus buy for 100x your stake, instantly triggering free spins with the RTP increased to 95%. However, this feature is unavailable to UK players due to UKGC regulations that prohibit bonus buy mechanisms. -
What special features does Forest Fortune have?
Forest Fortune includes the Wind Wild modifier (spreading wilds for up to 1,000x payout), blue and green butterfly multipliers during free spins (+1 to +100 and 2x to 50x respectively), a Tornado symbol that collects reel values, and a bumblebee progress mechanic leading to a EUR 3 million fixed jackpot. -
What is the volatility level of Forest Fortune?
Forest Fortune is classified as high volatility with a hit frequency of 30.44%. This means wins occur less frequently than in medium-volatility slots, but when they do land, they tend to be substantial. High volatility is recommended for players with adequate bankroll who enjoy risk-taking and less frequent rewards.
