Rich Wilde and the Wandering City Slot Review
Play’n GO have established themselves as a developer capable of meaningful innovation rather than recycled concepts. Rich Wilde and the Wandering City, released in November 2021, exemplifies this approach by taking the established Rich Wilde formula and introducing genuinely different mechanics. The 243 ways to win system and multiplier reel structure represent a deliberate evolution of the series, positioning this entry as a distinct offering for high-volatility enthusiasts willing to embrace extended variance for substantial win potential.
Base Game & Features
The game operates on a classic 5×3 reel layout but replaces traditional paylines with 243 ways to win, a mechanical choice that remains surprisingly uncommon in adventure-themed slots. Rather than fixed paylines, the game rewards symbols matching from left to right on any position across the reels, fundamentally changing how winning combinations form. This shift creates opportunities for more frequent base game action, though the paytable adjusts accordingly to compensate for the expanded win possibilities.
Multiplier Reels
The defining base game mechanic is the Multiplier Reels feature, which activates randomly on standard spins. During these spins, 2x multipliers appear above reels 2, 3, and 4. The genius lies in how they combine: the multiplier values add together, meaning you can achieve boosts of 2x, 4x, or up to 6x on a single spin. This mechanic provides meaningful engagement whilst waiting for the bonus feature, preventing extended stretches of base game play from feeling entirely barren. The feature activates frequently enough to maintain player interest without trivialising the game’s high volatility designation.
Rich Wilde and the Wandering City Free Spins
The bonus round triggers when you land 3 or more diamond scatter symbols anywhere across the reels, awarding 10 initial free spins. Before the round begins, the game selects one symbol at random to become an expanding scatter. During free spins, whenever this chosen symbol lands as part of a winning combination, it expands to cover the entire reel, dramatically amplifying win potential. This mechanic fundamentally differs from Book of Dead’s expanding symbol approach, providing a distinct game feel within the Rich Wilde ecosystem.
The bonus feature remains retriggerable up to 5 times, with each retrigger adding 10 additional spins. This means the theoretical maximum free spins round stretches to 60 spins if you manage to hit all retriggers. However, scatter symbols appear infrequently due to the game’s 9/10 volatility rating, which some players experience as frustrating during extended base game sessions. The multiplier reels remain active during free spins, allowing the two mechanics to interact and create the highest win potential moments.
Our Honest Verdict
Rich Wilde and the Wandering City isn’t exactly innovation personified, but it represents a thoughtful evolution of an established series. Play’n GO clearly designed this entry with distinct mechanics rather than reskinning their existing formula. The combination of 243 ways to win paired with multiplier reels creates more engaging base game moments than typical expanding symbol games, whilst the free spins mechanic offers meaningful differentiation from Book of Dead’s proven template.
The 96.20% RTP sits comfortably in the mid-to-high range for modern slots, providing fair value for the volatility profile. However, the 9/10 volatility rating demands player acknowledgement: this game is designed for those comfortable with extended dry spells punctuated by occasional wins. The absence of a bonus buy feature represents a notable omission in 2021 onwards standards, forcing players to rely entirely on RNG for bonus activation rather than offering paid instant access. For casual players accustomed to bonus buy convenience, this design choice may feel dated.
The maximum win potential of 10,000x your stake carries a probability of approximately 1 in 1 billion spins, representing an extreme outlier scenario rather than realistic player expectation. Whilst the headline figure possesses aspirational appeal, the more achievable wins come through intelligent combination of the multiplier system with free spins expanding symbols. Visually, the game delivers immersive artwork and slick Play’n GO presentation that consistently impresses across all device sizes, with mobile optimisation that meets modern standards without compromise.
This slot best suits high-volatility enthusiasts and Book of Dead devotees willing to experience a different mechanical rhythm within familiar character aesthetics. Players seeking regular bonus hits, lower variance gameplay, or bonus purchase convenience should explore alternatives. For its intended audience—those comfortable with substantial variance and drawn to sophisticated feature interactions—Rich Wilde and the Wandering City delivers solid entertainment value backed by verifiable mechanics and proper execution.
Rich Wilde and the Wandering City FAQs
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What is the RTP of Rich Wilde and the Wandering City?
The default RTP is 96.20%, with customisable RTP options available including 94.20%, 91.20%, 87.20%, and 84.20%. The 96.20% default RTP sits within the mid-to-high range for modern online slots, providing fair value for the game’s 9/10 volatility profile. -
What is the maximum win on Rich Wilde and the Wandering City?
The maximum win stands at 10,000x your stake. This extremely rare occurrence carries a probability of approximately 1 in 1 billion spins and is achieved through combining the multiplier feature with expanding symbols during the free spins bonus round. Players should view this as an aspirational figure rather than a realistic expectation. -
What is the volatility of Rich Wilde and the Wandering City?
The game features high volatility, scoring 9 out of 10 on Play’n Go’s volatility scale. This rating reflects significant variance with frequent modest wins interrupted by longer dry spells, offset by the potential for substantial payouts when features activate. This volatility profile suits players comfortable with extended gameplay periods between bonus triggers. -
Does Rich Wilde and the Wandering City have free spins?
Yes, the game features a comprehensive free spins bonus round. Landing 3 or more diamond scatter symbols anywhere on the reels triggers the feature, awarding 10 initial free spins. A symbol is randomly chosen before the round to become an expanding scatter that covers entire reels when landing in winning combinations. The feature can be retriggered up to 5 times, awarding 10 additional spins per retrigger, for a theoretical maximum of 60 total spins. -
What are the key features of Rich Wilde and the Wandering City?
The game features three primary mechanics: (1) Multiplier Reels with random 2x multipliers appearing above reels 2, 3, and 4 that combine additively for up to 6x boosts during base game spins; (2) Free Spins with pre-selected expanding symbols that cover entire reels for significant win multiplication; (3) 243 ways to win system instead of traditional paylines, creating more frequent base game win opportunities across the 5-reel layout. -
When was Rich Wilde and the Wandering City released?
Rich Wilde and the Wandering City was released by Play’n Go on 18 November 2021. The game follows the successful Rich Wilde slot series and represents an evolution of the franchise formula with the introduction of the 243 ways to win mechanic and enhanced multiplier system, distinguishing it from earlier series entries. -
Can I play Rich Wilde and the Wandering City on mobile?
Yes, Rich Wilde and the Wandering City is fully mobile compatible and optimised for all major platforms. Built on HTML5 technology, the game delivers smooth gameplay across iOS and Android devices with proper support for all screen sizes. Mobile players experience no functionality compromise compared to desktop play. -
How many paylines does Rich Wilde and the Wandering City have?
Rich Wilde and the Wandering City features 243 ways to win instead of traditional fixed paylines. This mechanic represents a significant departure from the 10-payline structure found in some earlier Rich Wilde titles, providing substantially more winning combinations across the 5-reel layout. The 243 ways system rewards matching symbols from left to right across any reel position.
