Mayana Slot Review
Quickspin have built a reputation for delivering distinctive mechanics that prioritise innovation over chasing industry trends. Mayana exemplifies this approach, introducing an expanding reel system that fundamentally changes how paylines function within a traditional 3-reel format. Released in October 2017, the game combines a South American rainforest theme with mechanics that appeal to players seeking alternatives to the standard free spins formula. The immersive Mayan setting serves the gambling action rather than overshadowing it, creating an atmosphere conducive to extended play sessions.
Base Game & Features
Mayana operates on a unique expanding grid system that distinguishes it from conventional slot layouts. The game begins with a 3×3 reel configuration offering 27 paylines, but as wins occur and symbols land in winning combinations, the grid expands up to a full 5×3 formation, increasing the number of ways to win to 243. This progressive expansion means each successful spin creates potential for larger subsequent payouts without requiring bonus features.
The betting range spans from £0.25 to £100 per spin, accommodating both conservative players and high rollers comfortable with substantial stakes. This flexibility appeals to a wide audience, though the high volatility classification means win frequency comes at the cost of higher variance during play sessions.
Special Symbols & Icon Design
The symbol set reflects the ancient Mayan temple theme through carefully detailed icon work. Higher-value symbols feature masks, precious gems, and jungle animals, whilst lower values employ traditional card symbols. The visual polish extends to animation quality—reel expansions trigger fluid, engaging transitions that build anticipation without unnecessary delay. Symbol values scale with the grid configuration, meaning expanded formations create more opportunities for matching combinations across additional reels.
Bonus Features & Re-spins
Rather than traditional free spins rounds, Mayana employs a re-spin mechanic triggered by winning combinations. When you land wins, the winning symbols lock in place whilst the grid expands, triggering a free re-spin with increased payline potential. The system can award multiple consecutive re-spins, with each respin resetting the win counter and providing fresh opportunities for expansion.
The standout feature is the Mucha Mayana bonus multiplier, activated randomly when the full 5×3 grid becomes completely expanded. This feature applies multipliers ranging from 4x to 20x to your winning combinations, substantially amplifying payouts when activated. The random nature of the trigger means multipliers can apply during base game respins rather than being confined to a separate bonus mode. The potential for the multiplier to activate during cascading respins creates the game’s most exciting moments, though activation frequency remains relatively rare in extended play sessions.
Our Honest Verdict
Rating: 7.5/10
Mayana sits comfortably as an innovative mid-tier offering that delivers on visual polish and mechanical interest without overstretching its scope. The 96.63% RTP positions it firmly in the above-average range, and the 13,254x maximum win potential provides genuine excitement for players chasing substantial multipliers. The expanding reel mechanic remains genuinely engaging—watching the grid expand on each win creates rhythm and anticipation that sustains interest across extended sessions.
However, the game’s strengths come with notable trade-offs. The high volatility means base game pacing can feel drawn out between feature activations, and the Mucha Mayana multiplier triggers infrequently enough that relying on it as the primary win driver creates frustration. Quickspin’s reputation for tight paytables weighs on perceived value despite the above-average RTP—casual players may find their bankroll depleting faster than expected.
The game appeals directly to players seeking alternatives to free spins mechanics and those comfortable with high variance gameplay. Fans of Quickspin’s design philosophy will appreciate the emphasis on mechanical innovation over flashy animations. Conversely, those preferring feature-heavy gameplay or consistent base game wins should look elsewhere—this release prioritises depth through expanding mechanics rather than frequency through traditional bonus rounds.
Mayana FAQs
What is the RTP of Mayana?
Mayana features an RTP of 96.63%, considered above-average compared to many online slots. This means for every £100 wagered, the game returns approximately £96.63 to players over extended play. The above-average return rate positions Mayana favourably within the Quickspin portfolio.
What is the maximum win on Mayana?
The maximum win on Mayana reaches 13,254x your stake. This significant win potential is achieved through combining the expanding grid system (which increases paylines from 27 to 243 ways to win) with the Mucha Mayana multiplier feature that can reach up to 20x. Whilst rare, the combination of these mechanics creates genuinely substantial payout opportunities.
Does Mayana have free spins?
No, Mayana does not include traditional free spins. Instead, the game features a re-spin mechanic triggered whenever you land a winning combination. When you win, the winning symbols stick in place whilst the grid expands, and you receive a free re-spin with increased potential ways to win. This alternative approach removes the reliance on bonus rounds whilst maintaining engagement through consecutive feature activations.
Can I play Mayana on mobile?
Yes, Mayana is fully optimised for mobile devices. Built using HTML5 technology by Quickspin, the game runs directly in your web browser on iOS, Android, and Windows devices without requiring any app download. The responsive design maintains graphical quality and gameplay functionality across all device sizes, making Mayana equally playable on smartphones, tablets, or desktop.
Does Mayana have a bonus buy feature?
No, Mayana does not offer a bonus buy option. The game relies entirely on natural gameplay mechanics, including the random Mucha Mayana multiplier trigger and the re-spin system, to generate winning opportunities. This design choice emphasises organic feature activation rather than purchased entry to bonus modes.
How volatile is Mayana?
Mayana is classified as a high volatility slot, rated at approximately 5 on Quickspin’s volatility scale. High volatility means wins occur less frequently than in low or medium volatility games, but when they do occur, the payouts tend to be substantially larger. This gameplay style suits players comfortable with larger bankroll swings and those seeking the excitement of bigger individual wins.
What are the paylines in Mayana?
Mayana begins with 27 paylines on its base 3×3 grid, but as you land wins and the grid expands up to a full 5×3 configuration, the number of ways to win increases dramatically to 243. This expanding mechanic is central to the game’s design, creating progressive increases in win potential with each successful spin without requiring separate bonus features.
What is the Mucha Mayana bonus feature?
The Mucha Mayana is a special random multiplier feature that can activate when the full 5×3 grid is completely expanded during gameplay. When triggered, it applies a multiplier to your wins ranging from 4x to 20x, significantly boosting your payout from that spin. The random nature of this feature means it can occur during re-spins, creating unexpected big win opportunities. Whilst powerful when activated, the trigger remains relatively rare in practice.
