Hand of Anubis

Hand of Anubis Slot Review

Hacksaw Gaming have built a reputation for applying dark, sinister aesthetics to familiar slot themes, and Hand of Anubis continues that tradition with Egyptian mythology. Where most Egypt-themed slots lean on bright gold and sunshine visuals, this release dives into the underworld with brooding shadows and ominous tones. Following similar design philosophy seen in Cursed Crypt and Rise of Ymir, the provider once again demonstrates their ability to rewrite innocent themes with darker twists.

The 5×6 grid operates on a Cluster Pays mechanic requiring 5 or more matching symbols to connect horizontally or vertically. With an RTP of 96.24% (multiple tiers available: 94.32%, 92.28%, 88.41%), high volatility (5/5), and a maximum win of 10,000x stake, Hand of Anubis sits firmly in high-variance territory. The bet range spans 0.10 to 100 per spin, accommodating both cautious players and high-stakes chasers.

Base Game & Features

The base game grid comprises 5 reels and 6 rows with Cluster Pays determining wins rather than traditional paylines. Landing 5 or more matching symbols horizontally or vertically creates a winning cluster. Cascading Reels remove winning symbols and replace them with new ones, enabling consecutive wins from a single spin.

The symbol hierarchy divides into high and low categories. Premium symbols include the Ankh with Red Gem (highest payer), Snake, Triangle, Eye of Horus, and Bird. Standard symbols comprise Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten.

Soul Orbs

Red and blue Soul Orbs act as wild symbols with progressive multiplier mechanics. Each orb type functions differently:

• Red Soul Orbs: Multiplier increases by +1 for every symbol in each winning cluster. Larger clusters drive higher multipliers.
• Blue Soul Orbs: Multiplier increases by +1 per winning cluster, regardless of cluster size. Consecutive cascades boost the multiplier steadily.

These wilds substitute for all symbols except scatters, and their multipliers apply to any wins they contribute to. The hit frequency sits at 36%, meaning a winning cluster forms roughly every 2.7 spins on average, though the high volatility creates streaky patterns.

Hand of Anubis Free Spins

Two distinct bonus rounds are available depending on the number of scatter symbols landed. Both features offer unique mechanics that emphasise multiplier accumulation and hold-and-win potential.

Underworld Free Spins

Triggered by landing exactly 3 scatters, Underworld Free Spins awards 10 free spins initially. The defining feature is the 5 individual multipliers positioned at the bottom of the reel set. Each multiplier can reach a maximum of x9,999, though activation requires strategic gameplay.

Green Soul Orbs appear exclusively in this bonus round and serve a dual purpose: they unlock lower multipliers and award +3 free spins each time a multiplier activates. This spin extension mechanic enables prolonged bonus sessions when green orbs land consistently.

Judgement Free Spins

Landing 4 scatters activates Judgement Free Spins, a hold-and-win variant starting with 3 refilling spins. Rather than clearing the grid, winning combinations remain sticky while new symbols cascade in. Each time a new multiplier block lands, the spin counter resets to 3.

Anubis Skull symbols introduce an additional layer of complexity by multiplying the values below them by x2, x3, x4, x5, or x10. These multiplicative elements stack with existing multiplier blocks, creating explosive potential when multiple skulls align.

The feature concludes when all 3 spins expire without new blocks landing, or when the grid fills completely. Multiplier accumulation follows similar mechanics to Underworld, though the hold-and-win format encourages value clustering rather than cascade chains.

Hand of Anubis Bonus Buy

Players outside the UK can purchase direct access to either bonus round via the feature buy option:

• Underworld Free Spins: Costs 129x the bet with RTP of 96.29%
• Judgement Free Spins: Costs 200x the bet with RTP of 96.18%

Both options sit above the base game RTP, offering slightly improved returns for those willing to invest significant capital upfront. The higher cost for Judgement reflects the hold-and-win format’s potential for sustained value accumulation.

Hand of Anubis Slot Demo Gameplay

Hand of Anubis is available in demo mode at most online casinos, allowing players to test the mechanics without financial commitment. The demo version includes full access to both bonus features, multiplier mechanics, and cascading systems, providing an accurate representation of real-money gameplay.

Hand of Anubis: Our Honest Verdict

Rating: 8.6/10

Hacksaw Gaming deliver another solidly executed high-volatility release that distinguishes itself through aesthetic rather than mechanical innovation. The dark Egyptian theme stands apart from the typical gold-soaked visuals dominating this space. Where most Egypt slots lean bright and optimistic, Hand of Anubis embraces shadows, ominous tones, and underworld mythology. This tonal shift alone justifies attention, particularly for players fatigued by conventional Egyptian presentation.

The Cluster Pays mechanic combined with cascading reels creates engaging base game pacing, though the high volatility (5/5) means extended dry spells between significant wins. The dual Soul Orb system (red for symbol count, blue for cluster count) introduces strategic depth without overwhelming complexity. Both bonus rounds function well: Underworld rewards patient multiplier building, while Judgement suits players favouring hold-and-win formats.

The 10,000x maximum win sits comfortably within Hacksaw Gaming’s established range, though it feels conservative given the brutal volatility. That said, the 36% hit frequency provides more regular smaller wins than many extreme variance slots, softening the harshness somewhat.

Both bonus features are well-designed. Underworld’s multiplier activation mechanic via green orbs creates tension, while Judgement’s hold-and-win format with Anubis Skull multipliers adds variety. The inability to decisively favour one over the other speaks to balanced design rather than one dominant feature overshadowing the other.

Hand of Anubis will appeal most to high-volatility enthusiasts willing to weather punishing variance for occasional explosive payouts. Casual players seeking consistent returns should look elsewhere. The slot doesn’t revolutionise cluster mechanics or bonus systems, but it executes familiar concepts competently within a refreshingly dark aesthetic framework. Hacksaw Gaming rarely disappoint, and this release maintains that standard without exceeding it.

Hand of Anubis FAQs

• What is the RTP of Hand of Anubis?

  Hand of Anubis operates on a multi-tier RTP system with the highest tier at 96.24%. Alternative configurations include 94.32%, 92.28%, and 88.41%, depending on operator settings. The bonus buy options offer slightly elevated RTPs: 96.29% for Underworld Free Spins and 96.18% for Judgement Free Spins.
• What is the maximum win on Hand of Anubis?

  The maximum win on Hand of Anubis is 10,000x your stake. This aligns with Hacksaw Gaming’s standard win potential for high-volatility releases. Given the extreme variance (5/5 volatility rating), reaching this cap requires patience and significant bankroll endurance.
• Does Hand of Anubis have free spins?

  Yes, Hand of Anubis features two types of free spins. Underworld Free Spins (triggered by 3 scatters) awards 10 free spins with progressive multipliers up to x9,999. Judgement Free Spins (triggered by 4 scatters) provides a hold-and-win format starting with 3 refilling spins. Both modes offer distinct mechanics and win potential.
• Can I play Hand of Anubis on mobile?

  Yes, Hand of Anubis is fully optimised for mobile play across iOS and Android devices. The Cluster Pays mechanic and cascading reels translate effectively to touchscreen interfaces, and all bonus features function identically to desktop versions. Hacksaw Gaming titles are built with mobile-first design principles.
• Does Hand of Anubis have a bonus buy feature?

  Yes, Hand of Anubis includes a bonus buy feature available outside the UK. Players can purchase Underworld Free Spins for 129x the bet (RTP 96.29%) or Judgement Free Spins for 200x the bet (RTP 96.18%). Both options provide guaranteed bonus access without waiting for natural scatter triggers.
• How does the Soul Orb multiplier system work?

  Hand of Anubis features red and blue Soul Orbs that function as wild symbols with progressive multipliers. Red orbs increase their multiplier by +1 for every symbol in a winning cluster, favouring larger clusters. Blue orbs increase by +1 per cluster regardless of size, rewarding consecutive cascades. Both types substitute for all symbols except scatters.
• What volatility is Hand of Anubis?

  Hand of Anubis is rated at high volatility (5 out of 5 on Hacksaw Gaming’s scale). This classification indicates brutal variance with extended dry spells between wins, balanced by potential for substantial payouts when features align. The 36% hit frequency provides more regular base game wins than some extreme variance slots, though significant returns remain infrequent.