PiggyPop Slot Review
AvatarUX have established themselves with the PopWins mechanic, and PiggyPop represents the eighth iteration in this expanding series. Released in November 2021, the game delivers the signature expansion mechanics PopWins fans know well, combined with a sophisticated wealthy pig theme that sets it apart visually. With a 95.5% RTP, high volatility, and a 10,690x maximum win, PiggyPop appeals to experienced slot players seeking consistent bonus action rather than flashy innovation. The unlimited free spins feature with a progressive multiplier system creates a solid proposition for PopWins enthusiasts looking for meaningful win potential without excessive complexity.
Base Game & Features
PiggyPop operates on the signature PopWins mechanic, which forms the foundation of the entire gameplay experience. The game features a 6-reel grid that expands based on winning combinations, starting at 93,312 ways to win in the base game. When a winning combination lands, those symbols disappear and are replaced by two new symbols, increasing the reel height and cascading opportunities. This system creates dynamic progression where each win has the potential to trigger additional combinations on the newly expanded reels.
The symbol hierarchy is straightforward and thematic. High-paying symbols include the four pig variations (Golden, Green, Blue, and Pink), whilst medium-paying symbols feature luxury items like rings, cocktails, and perfume bottles. Low-paying symbols consist of traditional playing cards (Ace, King, Queen). Notably, there are no wild symbols in PiggyPop—the game relies entirely on the PopWins expansion mechanic to create additional winning opportunities rather than wild substitutions.
Betting ranges from £0.20 to £100 per spin, accommodating both casual players and high rollers. The hit frequency sits at 18.93% (approximately 1 in every 5 spins returns a win), which maintains regular engagement during base gameplay. This frequency, whilst slightly below the typical online slot average of 20-30%, still ensures spins feel regular rather than tediously drawn out.
Golden Pig Multiplier Symbol
The most significant base game modifier is the Golden Pig symbol, which displays a multiplier equal to the number of pigs visible on the reels. For example, with five pig symbols in view, the Golden Pig applies a 5x multiplier to any combination it contributes to. This mechanic creates moments of genuine excitement when multiple pigs land simultaneously. During free spins, once all reels reach maximum height of 8 rows, this multiplier effect doubles, significantly amplifying win potential in the bonus round.
Bonus Features & Free Spins
The bonus feature activates when all six reels reach maximum height (6 symbols tall) during the base game. This trigger requirement creates a sense of progression throughout standard play—players watch the reels gradually build towards the bonus rather than waiting for random scatter symbols. Once triggered, players enter the unlimited free spins mode, which operates fundamentally differently from traditional fixed-spin bonuses.
Free spins employ a 3-spin lives system. Players begin with 3 lives, and every winning spin resets the counter back to 3. The bonus concludes only after 3 consecutive losing spins occur. This mechanic creates genuine tension and engagement—each non-winning spin feels like an opportunity being lost, whilst each win regenerates hope. In practice, this system generates extended bonus rounds frequently, making the free spins feature a core draw of the game.
The free spins experience starts with 4-6 symbol heights depending on player selection, and reel heights can expand to a maximum of 8 symbols, increasing ways to win to 524,288. A progressive multiplier accompanies the bonus, beginning at 2x and increasing by 1x for each spin. Once all reels unlock to maximum height, the multiplier jumps by 2x per spin thereafter. Critically, this multiplier never resets between spins—it continuously accumulates throughout the entire bonus round, potentially reaching extremely high values in extended feature runs.
Gamble Wheel Feature
Before free spins begin, players can optionally activate the Gamble Wheel, a high-risk feature that attempts to improve starting reel heights. The wheel begins at 4 symbols, with first wins advancing to 5 symbols, and subsequent wins progressing to 6 symbols. However, losing the gamble returns players entirely to the base game—bonus spins are forfeited completely. This creates a genuine dilemma: the potential for improved bonus conditions versus the risk of losing the feature entirely. Community feedback consistently describes this gamble as “ferocious” and potentially infuriating when players lose after finally triggering the bonus.
Bonus Buy Feature
AvatarUX provide three bonus purchase options that directly address the gamble wheel risk. The Standard Bonus Buy costs 100x stake and guarantees entry to free spins without the gamble risk. Bonus Buy Max (available for stakes below £2 per spin) costs 400x stake and launches players directly into the best setup—a 6-row grid with 93,312 ways to win. The Super Bonus option at 600x stake provides enhanced free spins with a higher starting multiplier. These options substantially mitigate the frustration of the gamble mechanic for risk-averse players willing to pay premium stakes.
Our Honest Verdict
PiggyPop is a competent PopWins entry that delivers solid gameplay for series enthusiasts. The unlimited free spins mechanic with progressive multipliers creates genuine excitement, particularly in extended bonus runs where multipliers compound meaningfully. The 10,690x maximum win is realistic and achievable—community feedback confirms free spins regularly deliver 50x to 200x payouts, making win potential feel attainable rather than illusory. For PopWins fans accustomed to the expansion mechanic, PiggyPop offers reliable, familiar entertainment.
However, the game carries notable limitations. The 95.5% RTP sits below industry average, which is disappointing given the high volatility positioning. The controversial gamble wheel feature adds excitement but creates frustration when players lose bonus spins they’ve worked to trigger—though the Bonus Buy Max feature effectively negates this concern for stakes below £2. Visually, the sophisticated pig theme appeals to some players but lacks universal visual wow factor. Community consensus suggests PiggyPop doesn’t innovate meaningfully within the PopWins series, feeling more like incremental iteration with a fresh theme rather than genuine mechanical evolution.
Best suited for: PopWins fans seeking reliable bonus action and progressive multiplier excitement. Players familiar with AvatarUX’s mechanics will find PiggyPop satisfying, though those seeking innovation or maximum value should explore earlier PopWins titles like BountyPop or CherryPop. Mobile compatibility and the Bonus Buy feature make this accessible to various player preferences, but the below-average RTP means mathematically this isn’t optimal value compared to industry benchmarks.
PiggyPop FAQs
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What is the RTP of PiggyPop?
PiggyPop features a 95.5% RTP, which sits below the industry average of 96%. This is slightly disappointing given the high volatility mechanics, though reasonable hit frequency at 18.93% provides regular engagement. -
What is the maximum win potential?
PiggyPop can deliver payouts up to 10,690x your stake, representing the game’s maximum winning potential. This maximum is genuinely attainable, with community reports confirming free spins frequently return 50x to 200x payouts. -
Does PiggyPop have free spins?
Yes, PiggyPop features unlimited free spins triggered by increasing all reels to 6 positions high. The bonus uses a 3-spin life system where each winning spin resets lives to 3, concluding after 3 consecutive losses. Reel heights expand to 8 symbols during bonus, paired with a progressive multiplier starting at 2x and increasing with each spin. -
What is the PopWins mechanic?
PopWins is AvatarUX’s signature mechanic where winning combinations are removed from the grid and replaced by two new symbols, increasing reel height and the number of ways to win. If the new symbols create additional wins, the process continues as a cascading feature, creating dynamic gameplay progression. -
What is the Bonus Buy feature in PiggyPop?
PiggyPop offers three Bonus Buy options: 100x stake for standard free spins, 400x stake for Bonus Buy Max with optimised 6-row grid (available for stakes below £2), and 600x stake for Super Bonus with enhanced starting multiplier. These options eliminate gamble wheel risk for players who prefer guaranteed entry. -
Can I play PiggyPop on mobile?
Yes, PiggyPop is fully optimised for mobile devices and works seamlessly on both iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. You can play with bet amounts ranging from £0.20 to £100 per spin. -
How many ways to win does PiggyPop have?
PiggyPop features the PopWins mechanic with expandable paylines. The base game starts with 93,312 ways to win, but during free spins with reel expansion to 8 rows high, this can increase to 524,288 ways to win. -
Is the gamble wheel feature optional?
Yes, the gamble wheel is completely optional and activates only if players choose to spin it before free spins begin. It attempts to improve starting reel heights but risks losing the bonus entirely if unsuccessful. The Bonus Buy feature provides a guaranteed alternative for risk-averse players.
