John Hunter & the Tomb of the Scarab Queen Slot Review
Pragmatic Play has established a recognisable formula across the John Hunter series, and this third instalment continues that tradition with solid mechanics wrapped in thematic presentation. Released in September 2019, John Hunter & the Tomb of the Scarab Queen brings the explorer franchise to Ancient Egypt, delivering the kind of measured, feature-rich gameplay that appeals to players seeking variety without revolutionary mechanics.
The game operates on a 5×3 grid with 25 fixed paylines and a medium volatility rating of 3/5, making it a comfortable middle ground for those who appreciate consistent gameplay alongside bonus feature engagement. At 96.50% RTP, it sits well above average and reflects the solid value proposition Pragmatic Play typically delivers across their portfolio.
Base Game & Features
The foundation of John Hunter rests on the Money Collect feature, a mechanic that genuinely keeps base game spins engaging. On any spin, golden scarab symbols can land on reels 1-4 paired with a collect symbol on reel 5. These scarabs carry random money values that accumulate until the collect symbol appears.
What prevents this feature from becoming monotonous is the variety built into the Collect symbols themselves. Five distinct types fundamentally change how money interactions play out:
- Standard Collect: Banks the value of all visible money symbols
- Extra Credit Collect: Adds extra value to all money symbols before collecting
- Multiplier Collect: Multiplies all values by 2x, 3x, 5x, 10x, or up to 25x—this is the pathway to the 10,500x maximum win
- Expanding Collect: Fills the entire reel with money symbols that take new random values
- Respin Collect: Locks all money symbols in place whilst remaining reels respin for additional symbols
The base game can pay up to 800x your stake on any standard spin, whilst the Scarab Queen Wild substitutes for all symbols except bonus and scatter symbols, providing standard wild functionality without additional flourishes.
Players appreciate how the Money Collect feature triggers frequently enough to keep momentum without feeling forced. The varied collect mechanics mean each trigger offers something slightly different, preventing the feature fatigue that can plague single-mechanic slots. For those seeking gameplay with decent base game action rather than purely feature-chasing, this delivers.
Bonus Features & Free Spins
Free Spins are triggered when three Pyramid Scatter symbols land on reels 2, 3, and 4, awarding 8 initial spins. What makes this feature compelling is the unlimited retrigger system—additional pyramids during free spins grant another 8 spins with no maximum cap. The Money Collect feature remains active throughout the entire free spins round, creating extended sessions where significant wins can accumulate.
The trigger frequency feels achievable rather than frustratingly rare. Players report that the combination of reasonable scatter placement and the medium volatility backdrop makes free spins feel like an accessible achievement rather than a once-per-hundred-spins miracle. This accessibility appeals to those who enjoy extended play sessions with reasonable feature frequency.
Whilst the 10,500x theoretical maximum is headline-grabbing, community feedback consistently notes it’s aspirational rather than realistic in practice. Most significant wins come through feature interactions rather than base game play, which means the theoretical maximum sits well beyond typical winning scenarios. For those aware of this nuance, the game remains rewarding—for maximum win chasers unfamiliar with the mechanics, expectations should be recalibrated.
Our Honest Verdict
John Hunter & the Tomb of the Scarab Queen is a competent instalment that rewards extended play sessions rather than a breakthrough release. Pragmatic Play delivers exactly what they’ve built a reputation for: solid mechanics, thematic consistency, and feature variety without revolutionary reinvention.
What works well: The Money Collect mechanic with its five distinct collect variations genuinely keeps gameplay engaging. The unlimited free spins retrigger system appeals to players who appreciate extended bonus sessions. At 96.50% RTP and medium volatility, the value proposition sits comfortably above average. The Ancient Egypt theme is well-executed with clean, polished graphics.
Where it falls short: If you’re chasing high-volatility excitement or revolutionary mechanics, this plays it safe within established boundaries. The 10,500x maximum win requires perfect alignment of features rather than realistic base game achievement. Players with premium slot experience may find the visual presentation slightly less polished than comparable titles like Book of Dead.
This is best suited for series fans and medium-volatility enthusiasts seeking feature-rich gameplay with decent win frequency. It will more than suffice for those familiar with Pragmatic Play’s approach. If you prefer chasing big sudden hits or expect revolutionary mechanics, look elsewhere in the developer’s catalogue.
Rating: 7.8/10—A solid, engaging slot that delivers on Pragmatic Play’s established standards. Not a breakthrough, but a dependable choice for extended sessions.
John Hunter & the Tomb of the Scarab Queen FAQs
The RTP is 96.50%, which sits well above average for online slots. This represents solid value for players. Some casinos may offer alternative RTP settings, though 96.50% is the primary offering confirmed by Pragmatic Play.
The maximum win is 10,500x your stake, achieved primarily through the Money Collect bonus feature with up to 25x multiplier mechanics. Wins of up to 800x the bet are possible on any base game spin without bonus activation. Note that the full 10,500x maximum requires perfect alignment of features rather than realistic base game achievement.
The volatility is medium, rated 3 out of 5 by Pragmatic Play. This means the slot provides a good balance between winning opportunities and play time, with wins occurring fairly often compared to high-volatility slots. It suits players seeking consistent gameplay rather than explosive big-hit chasing.
The main features include the Money Collect symbol feature with five types of collect symbols (Standard Collect, Extra Credit Collect, Multiplier Collect up to 25x, Expanding Collect, and Respin Collect), Free Spins triggered by three Pyramid Scatters on reels 2, 3, and 4 with unlimited retriggers, and the Scarab Queen Wild symbol that substitutes for all symbols except bonus and scatter symbols.
The Money Collect feature uses scarab beetle symbols with random money values that accumulate on the reels. Five types of Collect symbols appear on reel 5 and trigger different collection mechanics: Standard Collect banks the value, Extra Credit Collect boosts values before collecting, Multiplier Collect multiplies all values by up to 25x, Expanding Collect fills the entire reel with new money symbols, and Respin Collect locks money symbols whilst other reels respin.
Free Spins are triggered when three Pyramid Scatter symbols appear on reels 2, 3, and 4. You start with 8 free spins, and the feature offers unlimited retriggers, allowing you to keep winning additional 8-spin increments during the free spin round without a maximum cap. The Money Collect feature remains active throughout free spins.
The bet range is from 0.25 credits (25p) per spin on the low end to 125 credits (£125) per spin on the high end, providing flexibility for both casual players and high-stakes gamblers. This wide range accommodates different bankroll preferences and playing styles.
The slot was released in September 2019 by Pragmatic Play and is the third instalment in the John Hunter series of explorer-themed slot games, following Secrets of Da Vinci’s Treasure and Aztec Treasure. It represents a competent evolution of the formula rather than revolutionary departure.
