Wild West Duels

Wild West Duels Slot Review

Pragmatic Play’s western-themed offerings have carved a recognisable niche within their extensive portfolio, and Wild West Duels represents a notable entry in this space. Released in February 2023, the game arrives with a 5×5 grid configuration and high-volatility mathematics that positions it firmly within the developer’s premium range rather than their more accessible titles.

The game operates on 15 fixed paylines with a 96% RTP and very high volatility rated at 5/5 on the developer’s internal scale. Maximum win potential reaches 20,000x the stake, with documented player wins confirming this isn’t merely theoretical — forum discussions include verified hits of 11,159x on a £0.20 bet alongside multiple 2,000x+ multiplier achievements. The bet range spans £0.20 to £100, accommodating both conservative bankroll management and high-roller appetites.

What distinguishes Wild West Duels from Pragmatic Play’s broader catalogue is the triple-bonus structure. Rather than offering a single free spins mode, the game provides three mechanically distinct bonus features: Beer Game (sticky wilds with 2x-3x multipliers), Duel (guaranteed expanding wilds), and Lost Relics (interactive pick-em mechanic). This architectural choice creates genuine variety rather than cosmetic variations on a single feature.

Base Game & Features

The base game operates on a 5×5 reel configuration with 15 non-adjustable paylines running left to right. Symbol values follow a traditional hierarchy with themed premium symbols (cowboys, sheriffs, outlaws) paying higher than standard playing card symbols (10 through A). Wins form when three or more matching symbols land adjacently across active paylines.

Expanding Wild symbols represent the core base game mechanic. When wilds land on the reels, they expand vertically to cover the entire reel and reveal a multiplier value ranging from 2x to 100x. This multiplier applies to any winning combination passing through the expanded wild reel. While activation frequency varies according to the high-volatility profile, multiplier reveals create meaningful engagement between bonus triggers — a 100x multiplier on a decent base game win can deliver substantial returns without requiring feature activation.

The mathematical pacing produces a hit frequency of approximately 1 in 3.6 spins (28.12% win rate), meaning players experience frequent small payouts alongside losing spins. However, the high-volatility structure ensures small wins serve primarily to extend session time rather than generate profit. Real returns depend on accessing the bonus features, which trigger at approximately 1 in 528 spins. This extended drought frequency requires significant bankroll depth to weather the swings.

Feature Triggers

Three or more scatter symbols anywhere on the reels trigger the bonus selection screen. Players then choose between three distinct bonus modes, each carrying different cost implications for the bonus buy option. Alternatively, players can directly purchase any bonus feature using the buy mechanic: Beer Game costs 100x bet, Duel costs 200x bet, and Lost Relics costs 400x bet. Crucially, RTP remains constant at 96% regardless of whether features are triggered naturally or purchased, eliminating the disadvantage that plagues many bonus buy implementations.

Wild West Duels Free Spins

The triple-bonus architecture distinguishes Wild West Duels from single-feature volatile slots. Each bonus mode delivers genuinely distinct mechanics rather than superficial variations, creating replayability and accommodating different player preferences within the same game.

Beer Game Free Spins

Beer Game awards 10 free spins with sticky wild mechanics. Beer mug symbols landing during free spins convert to sticky wilds and remain locked in position for the duration of the feature. Each beer wild carries a 2x or 3x multiplier, and crucially, multipliers from multiple sticky wilds stack together — landing three beer wilds with 3x multipliers creates a combined 9x multiplier applied to any winning combination. This accumulation potential explains the feature’s popularity among players seeking consistent mid-range returns. Free spins cannot retrigger during the feature.

Duel Free Spins

Duel delivers 10 free spins with a guaranteed wild mechanic that addresses a common complaint in volatile slots: dead free spins. At least one wild symbol appears on every single spin, and these wilds expand vertically to cover entire reels. Expanded wilds reveal multiplier values ranging from 2x to 100x, with the potential for multiple expanded wilds to land simultaneously. This guaranteed wild structure ensures consistent action during bonus rounds rather than leaving outcomes to pure chance. Forum discussions document Duel wins exceeding 2,400x bet, confirming the feature’s explosive potential when high multipliers combine with premium symbol hits.

Lost Relics Free Spins

Lost Relics represents the most mechanically sophisticated bonus option. Players receive 3 free spins alongside an interactive pick-em mechanic: select 9 shovels from a field of 25. Each selected shovel reveals either cash prizes, multipliers, or additional features. This player-driven element reduces pure randomness fatigue and increases psychological investment compared to passive free spin rounds. The premium 400x bet purchase cost reflects the feature’s higher variance profile and interactive engagement.

Win Cap & Maximum Potential

All bonus features contribute toward the game’s 20,000x bet maximum win. When total round winnings reach this cap, the round immediately ends, winnings are awarded up to the cap, and all remaining features forfeit. Real-world documentation validates this theoretical maximum as achievable rather than fantasy: community reports include verified wins of 11,159x on a £0.20 bet, alongside multiple discussions of 2,303x and 2,426x Duel achievements. These documented multipliers confirm that combining expanded wilds with premium symbol combinations can realistically accumulate toward the cap.

Our Honest Verdict

Wild West Duels requires candid positioning regarding originality. Critical consensus across professional reviews views the game as “Hacksaw’s Wanted Dead or a Wild by another name” — both games share western themes, 5×5 grids, 15 paylines, three-bonus structures, expanding dueling wilds with multipliers, and similar volatility profiles. The mechanical similarities are undeniable.

However, dismissing Wild West Duels as mere imitation overlooks its execution improvements. The Duel feature’s guaranteed wild per spin mechanic delivers more consistent returns than the original’s occasional wild reels, addressing player frustration with dead bonus rounds. The triple-bonus structure provides greater mechanical variety, and the Lost Relics pick-em feature adds an interactive element absent from the inspiration. Community reception confirms this nuance: whilst players acknowledge the derivative design, forum discussions and win-sharing activity demonstrate genuine engagement with the finished product.

The audio design represents a significant misstep. Sci-fi influenced electronic sound effects — particularly the laser-like multiplier reveal sounds — feel incongruent with the hard-boiled western visual setting, creating a tonal disconnect that undermines immersion. Pragmatic Play’s visual execution is crisp with smooth animations and effective location transitions, but the audio choices belong in a different game entirely.

Volatility considerations matter substantially here. The 1 in 528 bonus hit frequency creates extended dry spells that require significant bankroll reserves. This is explicitly designed for high rollers and high-risk enthusiasts rather than casual players seeking regular entertainment. Those accustomed to medium volatility or frequent feature triggers will find the pacing punishing. However, for the target audience, the compensation arrives through explosive bonus potential — documented wins validate that 2,000x+ multipliers occur with sufficient frequency to justify the drought periods.

Wild West Duels ultimately succeeds as a polished high-volatility offering despite its derivative foundations. The 20,000x maximum win potential is demonstrably achievable, the triple-bonus structure prevents monotony, and the guaranteed wild mechanics improve upon the original game’s frustrations. It won’t satisfy those seeking original artwork or unique atmosphere, but for volatility enthusiasts willing to weather substantial swings for explosive potential, the execution delivers on its high-risk promises.

Wild West Duels FAQs

• What is the RTP of Wild West Duels?

  Wild West Duels has a theoretical RTP of 96.00%. However, operators can adjust the RTP down to 95% or 94% as they see fit. The RTP does not change if you purchase either of the bonus rounds, meaning the RTP remains the same across all purchase options.
• What is the volatility of Wild West Duels?

  Wild West Duels is a high volatility instalment from Pragmatic Play. It scores 5 out of 5 on the in-game volatility scale. You can expect ups and downs on your bankroll in longer sessions. The volatility is high, which means payouts can take a while to arrive, but when they do, they can be above average. This game is designed for high rollers and anyone who likes high-risk, high-reward gameplay.
• What is the maximum win in Wild West Duels?

  The maximum win possible in Wild West Duels is 20,000x the stake. If the total win of a round reaches 20,000x bet, the round immediately ends, a win is awarded up to the cap, and all remaining features are forfeited.
• What are the bonus features in Wild West Duels?

  Wild West Duels has three different bonus features: Beer Game (100x bet cost, 10 free spins with sticky 2x-3x multiplier wilds), Duel (200x bet cost, 10 free spins with expanding wilds and multipliers), and Lost Relics (400x bet cost, 3 free spins with 25 shovel picks). Players select which bonus to trigger after hitting three scatter symbols.
• How do the expanding wilds work in Wild West Duels?

  Expanding Wilds can appear during the base game with multiplier values ranging from 2x to 100x. In the Duel bonus, wild symbols are able to expand on your free spins, and on each spin you will have at least one wild on the reels. In the Beer Game, beer mugs become sticky wilds during the feature with 2x or 3x multipliers that stack together.
• What grid layout does Wild West Duels use?

  Wild West Duels uses a 5×5 grid layout with 15 fixed paylines. The paylines are non-adjustable, meaning all 15 are always active during gameplay.
• Is Wild West Duels similar to other slot games?

  Wild West Duels is, for all intents and purposes, Hacksaw’s Wanted Dead or a Wild by another name. However, despite the similarity, the finished product is a playable game with great win potential featuring three bonuses, expanding wilds, and multipliers that can combine to deliver up to 20,000x the stake.
• What is the bet cost for each bonus feature in Wild West Duels?

  Beer Game with Sticky Wilds costs 100x your current bet. Duel with Expanding Wilds costs 200x your current bet. Lost Relics with Wilds and Multipliers costs 400x your current bet. These are the bonus buy prices if players want to trigger a specific bonus directly.