Lost Relics 2 Slot Review
NetEnt has built a formidable reputation for delivering polished, mechanically sophisticated slot experiences, and Lost Relics 2 stands as a testament to that track record. Released in September 2023, this sequel to the original Lost Relics takes an archaeological adventure theme and wraps it in a deeply engaging cluster pays system that rewards discovery and exploration. Rather than chasing mechanical trends, NetEnt refined what worked in the original whilst introducing genuinely innovative features that elevate the gameplay experience beyond a simple rehash. The result is a weighty sequel that rewards both familiar fans and newcomers alike.
Base Game & Features
Lost Relics 2 operates on a 6×6 grid using a cluster pays mechanic, where symbols must connect vertically or horizontally to form winning clusters. This departure from traditional paylines creates a more dynamic win structure that feels responsive to player action. The game’s volatility sits firmly in the high category, paired with a hit frequency of 33.50%. That combination means spins land less frequently but carry more punch when they do, making each win feel meaningful rather than merely accumulating small gains.
Wild symbols substitute for other symbols to complete winning combinations, functioning as the core mechanic for building larger clusters. The base game features a progressive unlock system where stone blocks beneath winning symbols gradually clear, revealing hidden treasures beneath. This incremental discovery keeps engagement high, as players feel actively invested in uncovering what lies beneath rather than passively watching reels spin.
Hidden Chests Feature
The Hidden Chests feature represents the mechanical centrepiece of Lost Relics 2’s design philosophy. By unlocking tiles above winning clusters, players reveal treasure chests in three distinct types. Silver chests offer modest rewards, golden chests provide mid-tier value, and amethyst chests unlock the highest-value outcomes. Each chest can reward multipliers up to 7x, up to seven random wilds, cash prizes up to 250x stake, additional free spins, or level-ups that trigger grid expansion. This progressive unlock system creates genuine commitment to gameplay—players spin not just for immediate wins but for the anticipation of the next chest reveal, which community feedback confirms remains exciting even during base game play.
Bonus Features & Free Spins
Free spins in Lost Relics 2 trigger via three scatter symbols appearing anywhere on the grid, or through treasure chest reveals during base gameplay. Players begin with 10 spins, a solid foundation that can extend considerably through retriggering. The bonus round is where Lost Relics 2 truly distinguishes itself from its predecessor.
Level Up Feature & Grid Expansion
During free spins, the Level Up feature becomes available through treasure chest rewards. When triggered, the grid expands from 6×6 to an impressive 10×10 configuration, dramatically increasing win combinations and opportunities. More critically, any multipliers and wild symbols gained during level-up remain sticky and persistent throughout the remainder of the bonus round. This mechanic creates cumulative win potential—each level-up further boosts the multiplier stack, and with wilds remaining locked in place, the winning combinations compound exponentially. It’s precisely this feature that enables the game’s maximum win of 21,148x stake, a genuinely respectable figure that significantly outperforms the original’s ceiling.
Free spins can be retriggered by landing additional scatter symbols or through further treasure chest rewards. Combined with the level-up mechanic and sticky modifiers, the bonus round offers substantial depth that community players confirm creates exciting win-boosting potential beyond the base game. The bonus structure rewards both luck and engagement, as players who unlock multiple level-ups and extend their free spins session can generate truly significant returns.
Our Honest Verdict
- Overall Verdict: 7.5/10
- Lost Relics 2 is a weighty sequel that successfully builds on the original with modern mechanics justifying genuine replay value. NetEnt has delivered a gripping archaeological adventure that avoids the trap of simply repackaging familiar features. The hidden chest mechanic provides compelling engagement even during base gameplay, whilst the level-up expansion and sticky multiplier system create meaningful win opportunities in the bonus round. For high volatility enthusiasts, this game merits serious consideration. The 33.50% hit frequency paired with up to 21,148x maximum win potential means players should expect less frequent wins but with the capacity for substantial payouts, particularly during extended bonus sessions. The absence of cascading reels compared to the original might initially concern fans of the first game, but the hidden chest unlock system and progressive feature discovery offset this difference entirely. The game doesn’t suffer for its mechanical choices—instead, it carves out its own identity whilst honouring the Lost Relics legacy. Various modifiers and the grid expansion mechanic further diversify gameplay compared to the prequel, offering enough complexity to maintain interest across multiple sessions. Best suited for players who appreciate exploration-themed slots with progressive feature discovery and don’t mind volatility swings in exchange for substantial win potential.
