Release the Kraken is a maritime-themed video slot from Pragmatic Play featuring a 5-reel, 4-row layout with 20 paylines. Set in the depths of the ocean, this game combines Norse mythology with modern slot mechanics, offering random features and progressive multiplier free spins.
Release the Kraken by Pragmatic Play transports players to the ocean depths where legendary sea creatures guard ancient treasures. Released in January 2020, this slot combines mythological storytelling with engaging gameplay mechanics that keep the experience dynamic through both base game and bonus features. The game draws inspiration from Norse sagas and classic maritime literature, presenting the infamous Kraken as both antagonist and benefactor in this underwater adventure.
The visual presentation stands out among Pragmatic Play's catalog with its semi-transparent reels positioned before a wrecked galleon resting on the seabed. Animated sunlight filters through the water, creating an atmospheric environment enhanced by carefully designed sound effects and background music. Rather than pursuing hyper-realistic 3D graphics, the developers opted for a cartoonish 2D aesthetic that gives sea creatures a friendly appearance while maintaining the ominous presence of the Kraken itself.
The 5-reel, 4-row configuration provides 20 fixed paylines where matching symbols must land from left to right to generate wins. The paytable divides into two distinct categories: low-value card royals and high-value thematic symbols. The lower tier consists of standard playing card symbols from Jack through Ace, offering modest returns but appearing frequently to maintain gameplay momentum.
High-value symbols feature ocean inhabitants rendered in the game's distinctive art style. A green fish, blue fish, sea turtle, and shark comprise the premium symbol set, each delivering progressively better payouts. The game logo serves as the highest-paying regular symbol, awarding 25x the stake for five of a kind. The standard wild symbol matches this value and substitutes for all symbols except bonus, free spins, and chest bonus icons.
With a volatility rating of 4 out of 5 lightning bolts in Pragmatic Play's system, Release the Kraken sits firmly in the medium-high range. This translates to less frequent but potentially more substantial wins compared to low volatility games. Players should expect periods without significant returns punctuated by feature activations that can deliver meaningful payouts.
The 96.5% return to player percentage represents the theoretical long-term payback rate. This figure places Release the Kraken above the industry average and indicates a fair mathematical model. However, RTP operates over millions of spins, meaning individual sessions will vary significantly from this theoretical value. Some casino operators may offer versions with alternative RTP settings, so verifying the specific percentage before playing remains advisable.
The base game maintains engagement through randomly triggered modifiers that can activate on any spin. When triggered, three tentacles emerge from the depths, each holding a sign inviting players to pick one. This selection reveals one of several possible features that immediately enhance the current spin or initiate a mini-bonus sequence.
This modifier introduces a pick-and-click element where three treasure chests appear on the reels. Players open chests sequentially, revealing one of several outcomes. The More Wilds result adds additional Kraken wild symbols to the reels before continuing. Continue Spinning advances to the next pick without immediate effect. The All Wins x2 and Collect option doubles any winning combination values before concluding the feature. A simple Collect outcome ends the sequence and pays out any accumulated wins at their current value.
The strategic element lies in the progressive nature of chest reveals, where multiple More Wilds outcomes can stack substantial wild symbols on the grid before the feature concludes. This creates anticipation as each chest opens, with the potential for significant win combinations if wilds land in optimal positions.
This feature places a massive 3x4 wild symbol block onto the reels, covering 12 positions simultaneously. The colossal wild can land partially or fully visible, and its size makes it highly likely to contribute to multiple payline wins. When this feature triggers, the oversized wild essentially guarantees a winning spin, with the final payout depending on which premium symbols appear alongside it.
The visual impact of the colossal wild reinforces the Kraken theme, as the massive symbol dominates the screen and creates an immediate sense of a significant event occurring. This feature tends to produce the most consistent wins among the random modifiers due to the sheer coverage area of the wild block.
Release the Kraken operates on a standard 5x4 grid configuration with 20 fixed paylines paying left to right. The betting range accommodates both casual players and high rollers, with coin values from 0.01 to 0.50 and 1-10 coins per line, resulting in total bets from 0.10 to 100.00 per spin.
The game utilizes a certified random number generator ensuring fair play across all licensed casinos. The mathematical model delivers a balanced experience with medium-high volatility, meaning wins occur at moderate frequency with varied payout sizes. The default RTP of 96.5% positions it competitively within the Pragmatic Play portfolio.
The roaming wilds feature adds between 5 and 10 wild symbols to random positions across the reels. After the initial placement, these wilds remain in position for a respin. Following the respin, each wild moves to an adjacent position, and another respin occurs. This process continues until no new winning combinations form, creating a cascading effect where wilds migrate across the grid.
The roaming mechanic introduces an element of anticipation as wilds shift positions, potentially forming new winning combinations with each movement. The feature can extend for multiple respins if wilds continue landing in positions that create wins, though the random movement means results vary considerably between activations.
Landing three or more scatter symbols anywhere on the reels triggers the main bonus feature. The free spins round begins with an initial allocation and incorporates progressive multipliers combined with roaming wild mechanics. This combination creates the highest win potential in the game, as multipliers can accumulate throughout the feature duration.
Upon entering free spins, players encounter a chest selection screen where opening chests reveals various modifiers. Possible outcomes include additional free spins, extra roaming wilds added to the reels, starting multiplier values, or minimum payway guarantees. The modifiers obtained during this initial phase set the parameters for the entire bonus round.
During free spins, all wild symbols transform into roaming wilds that move position after each spin. The critical mechanic involves multiplier progression: whenever two or more roaming wilds occupy the same position, the global multiplier increases by 1x. This multiplier applies to all wins for the remainder of the bonus round and can theoretically climb to significant levels if wilds frequently overlap.
The roaming nature means wilds migrate unpredictably across the reels, creating dynamic gameplay where each spin offers potential for multiplier increases. Strategic value emerges from the cumulative nature of the multiplier, as early increases compound the value of subsequent wins throughout the remaining spins.
Additional scatter symbols landing during the free spins round award extra spins, extending the feature and providing more opportunities for multiplier growth. The combination of extended duration and accumulated multipliers creates scenarios where late-stage free spins deliver substantially larger wins than early spins, building momentum as the feature progresses.
The medium-high volatility profile requires appropriate bankroll management. A recommended approach involves securing at least 100x the chosen bet size as a playing bankroll, allowing sufficient spins to weather dry periods between feature triggers. The random base game modifiers provide occasional relief, but the primary win potential concentrates in the free spins bonus.
Bet sizing should reflect personal risk tolerance and session goals. Lower bets extend playing time and increase the probability of triggering features through volume of spins. Higher bets amplify individual win values but consume bankroll more rapidly. The absence of a bonus buy feature means all players access bonuses through organic scatter landings, making bet selection purely a matter of bankroll management rather than feature access strategy.
Pragmatic Play later released Release the Kraken Megaways, which reimagines the concept with the popular Megaways mechanic offering up to 117,649 ways to win. The sequel features a six-reel variable matrix, mystery symbols, and modified bonus mechanics. While sharing thematic elements, the two games deliver distinctly different mathematical models and gameplay experiences.
The original Release the Kraken maintains appeal for players preferring fixed paylines and more predictable volatility patterns. The Megaways version caters to those seeking higher variance and the explosive potential of the expanding ways system. Both games feature roaming wilds and progressive multipliers, but the implementation differs significantly between versions.
Built on HTML5 technology, Release the Kraken functions seamlessly across desktop, tablet, and smartphone devices without requiring downloads. The interface scales appropriately to smaller screens while maintaining full functionality of all features. Touch controls replace mouse clicks naturally, and the game adjusts graphical detail based on device capabilities to ensure smooth performance.
Mobile sessions deliver the identical RTP and volatility as desktop play, with no compromise in feature availability or payout potential. The portrait and landscape orientations both accommodate the game layout effectively, though landscape typically provides better visibility of the full reel set and paytable information.
Release the Kraken establishes itself as a solid mid-range offering in Pragmatic Play's extensive slot portfolio. The combination of random base game features and a well-designed free spins round creates sufficient variety to maintain interest across extended sessions. The 96.5% RTP and medium-high volatility position it as a balanced choice for players seeking regular feature engagement without extreme variance.
The thematic execution successfully brings the Kraken mythology to life through cohesive visual design and appropriate sound design. While maximum win potential remains modest compared to some modern high-volatility slots, the game compensates with more frequent feature triggers and a progressive multiplier system that builds excitement during bonus rounds. Players who appreciate maritime themes, mythological elements, and balanced gameplay mechanics will find Release the Kraken delivers a satisfying slot experience.
The default RTP is 96.5%, which is above the industry average. However, some casino operators may offer versions with different RTP settings, so always check the specific percentage at your chosen casino before playing.
Free spins activate when three or more scatter symbols land anywhere on the reels during a base game spin. There is no bonus buy option, so the feature can only be triggered organically through regular gameplay.
The highest-paying regular symbol awards 25x the stake for five of a kind. The maximum win potential comes from the free spins feature with progressive multipliers and roaming wilds, though the game does not advertise a specific maximum win cap.
Yes, the game is built with HTML5 technology and works on all modern smartphones and tablets without requiring downloads. The mobile version includes all features and maintains the same RTP as the desktop version.
The original uses a fixed 5x4 layout with 20 paylines, while the Megaways sequel features a 6-reel variable matrix with up to 117,649 ways to win. The Megaways version includes mystery symbols and modified bonus mechanics, offering higher volatility and different win potential.
The game has medium-high volatility, rated 4 out of 5 in Pragmatic Play's system. This means wins occur less frequently than low volatility games but tend to be larger when they hit, requiring appropriate bankroll management for extended play sessions.
Three random features can trigger on any base game spin: Kraken Locking Wilds adds wilds through a chest-picking game, Colossal Kraken Wild places a massive 3x4 wild block on the reels, and Roaming Kraken Wilds adds multiple wilds that move positions across respins.
Bets range from 0.10 to 100.00 per spin, accommodating both casual players and high rollers. This is achieved through adjustable coin values from 0.01 to 0.50 and selecting 1-10 coins per line across the 20 fixed paylines.
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Pragmatic Play continues developing ocean-themed slots following the success of Release the Kraken series.
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Major casino operators now display RTP percentages prominently following regulatory guidance across multiple jurisdictions.