Legacy of Ra Megaways Slot Review
Blueprint Gaming have built a recognisable reputation for combining classic slot mechanics with modern innovations. When they integrated the Megaways engine into their portfolio with titles like Fishin’ Frenzy Megaways, the results proved successful. Legacy of Ra Megaways represents another evolution in this approach, taking direct inspiration from the iconic Book of Ra series and pairing the expanding symbol mechanic with Big Time Gaming’s revolutionary payline system.
Released on March 5, 2019, this Egyptian-themed slot uses a 6-reel configuration rather than the standard 5 reels typically seen in Megaways slots. This design choice creates up to 15,625 ways to win with dynamic rows ranging from 3 to 7 symbols high. Blueprint has deliberately stayed true to the simplicity of the original Book of Ra format, skipping the base game modifiers they typically include in other releases. The focus here is squarely on the bonus round, where the expanding symbol mechanic delivers the bulk of the win potential.
Base Game & Features
The game operates on 6 reels with 3-7 rows per reel, creating a dynamic grid that shifts on every spin. This Megaways structure delivers between 64 and 15,625 paylines depending on the configuration landed. Wins form from left to right with adjacent symbols, regardless of their size on the reels. Most symbols require 3 or more consecutive matches to trigger a payout, though the premium female explorer symbol only needs 2 to award a win.
The paytable follows a traditional Egyptian theme. High-paying symbols include the female explorer (the highest-value symbol paying 25x stake for 6 matches), Egyptian eagle, Anubis vase, and scarab beetle. Lower-value symbols use standard card ranks: A, K, Q, J, 10, and 9. Wild symbols substitute for all regular symbols except the scatter, helping complete winning combinations across the reels.
Base gameplay is feature-sparse by design. Blueprint has opted to channel the game’s excitement entirely into the bonus round rather than layering modifiers into the standard spins. For players accustomed to frequent base game features, this approach can feel measured between bonus triggers. The RTP sits at 96.01% with extremely high volatility, creating a risk profile where extended dry spells are offset by the potential for substantial wins once the bonus activates.
Stakes range from 0.10 to 100 per spin, accommodating both cautious players and those comfortable with higher wagers. Maximum win potential reaches 50,000x the stake, capped at £250,000 per spin. Base game wins rarely exceed 2,000x stake, positioning the free spins feature as the primary route to significant payouts.
Legacy of Ra Megaways Free Spins
The free spins bonus triggers when 3 or more scatter symbols land anywhere on the reels. Scatter count directly determines the number of spins awarded:
- 3 scatters = 10 free spins
- 4 scatters = 15 free spins
- 5 scatters = 25 free spins
- 6 scatters = 50 free spins
Landing the bonus trigger requires patience given the extremely high volatility, though the payoff mechanics justify the wait.
At the start of the bonus round, one symbol is randomly selected as the special expanding symbol. This mechanic, borrowed from the Book of Ra series, operates differently than standard Megaways fare. When the chosen symbol appears during free spins, it expands to cover the entire reel. The critical advantage here is position flexibility: the expanding symbol doesn’t need to start from reel 1, and matches don’t require consecutive placement. This adds tremendous variance to the bonus, as scattered expanding symbols across multiple reels can create substantial wins that standard payline games would miss entirely.
Free spins can retrigger with no limit. Landing 3+ scatters during the bonus awards additional spins using the same scale as the initial trigger. With unlimited retrigger potential, sessions can extend significantly when luck favours the player, compounding wins through repeated expanding symbol appearances.
Bonus Buy & Ante Bet
A bonus buy feature allows instant access to the free spins round for 100x the stake, awarding 10 free spins. When using the bonus buy (called Ra Bonus Bet), the RTP increases to 97.01% from the base 96.01%. This feature is restricted in the UK market due to UKGC regulations, but remains available to players in jurisdictions where bonus buy mechanics are permitted.
The 100x cost is expensive compared to many Megaways slots, and given the extremely high volatility, players may not recover their investment on every purchase. The bonus buy suits those with sufficient bankroll to weather multiple attempts, rather than casual players hoping for immediate returns.
Our Honest Verdict
Legacy of Ra Megaways delivers a well-executed combination of Book of Ra-style expanding symbols with Big Time Gaming’s Megaways engine. The 6-reel configuration distinguishes it from typical 5-reel Megaways slots, and the expanding symbol mechanic that operates without positional restrictions adds genuine excitement to the bonus round. For players familiar with the original Book of Ra series, this adaptation successfully modernises the formula without diluting what made the original engaging.
The extremely high volatility positions this firmly in the territory for big win chasers. With a maximum payout of 50,000x stake and unlimited retriggers during free spins, the potential is substantial. However, volatility this extreme isn’t for everyone. The base game can feel measured between bonus triggers, and some players may find the feature-sparse standard spins lack engagement. Blueprint’s design choice here is deliberate: channel all excitement into the bonus rather than diluting win potential with base game modifiers.
Those seeking consistent smaller wins or frequent base game action should look elsewhere. This is built for players willing to weather dry spells for explosive potential when the bonus hits. The game holds its own against recent high-volatility releases, though it won’t convert players who prefer lower variance or feature-rich base gameplay. Rating: 7/10 – a solid offering for the right audience, though the extremely high volatility will polarise opinion.
Legacy of Ra Megaways FAQs
-
What is the RTP of Legacy of Ra Megaways?
The standard RTP is 96.01%. When using the bonus buy feature (Ra Bonus Bet), the RTP increases to 97.01%. This is slightly below average for modern Megaways slots but remains competitive for extremely high volatility games. -
What is the maximum win on Legacy of Ra Megaways?
The maximum win is 50,000x your stake, capped at £250,000 per spin. This represents substantial win potential, though reaching maximum payout is extraordinarily rare with odds of approximately 1 in 6,775,067 spins. -
Does Legacy of Ra Megaways have free spins?
Yes. Free spins trigger when 3 or more scatter symbols land anywhere on the reels. You’ll receive 10, 15, 25, or 50 free spins depending on whether you land 3, 4, 5, or 6 scatters. During free spins, one randomly selected symbol expands to cover full reels without requiring consecutive positions, and the feature can retrigger with no limit. -
Can I play Legacy of Ra Megaways on mobile?
Yes. Legacy of Ra Megaways is fully optimised for mobile play on iOS and Android devices. The game uses HTML5 technology, allowing it to run smoothly on smartphones and tablets without requiring app downloads. The interface adapts well to smaller screens while maintaining full functionality. -
Does Legacy of Ra Megaways have a bonus buy feature?
Yes, but with restrictions. The bonus buy (Ra Bonus Bet) costs 100x your stake and grants 10 free spins with an increased RTP of 97.01%. However, this feature is not available to UK players due to UKGC regulations prohibiting bonus buy mechanics. Players in other jurisdictions may access it where legally permitted. -
What volatility is Legacy of Ra Megaways?
Legacy of Ra Megaways has extremely high volatility, often rated 11/10 on standard volatility scales. This means extended dry spells between wins are common, but the potential for substantial payouts exists when the bonus feature hits. The game suits players with larger bankrolls who can weather variance. -
How many paylines does Legacy of Ra Megaways have?
Legacy of Ra Megaways uses the Megaways mechanic, offering between 64 and 15,625 ways to win depending on the reel configuration. The game uses 6 reels with 3-7 rows per reel, and the number of paylines changes dynamically with each spin.
