Pros
  • Excellent high RTP slot of 96.53% (check casino setting).
  • Multiple random base game modifiers (Guaranteed Win, Shifting Wilds) keep the action flowing.
  • Free Spins bonus features a pre-bonus mini-game to boost starting conditions.
  • Shifting Wilds carry escalating multipliers in the base game.
  • High maximum win potential of 5,000x the total stake.
Cons
  • High volatility slot requires significant patience and bankroll management.
  • RTP can be offered at a lower rate (e.g., 95.50%) by some South African online casinos.
  • The 5,000x max win is competitive but not the highest offered by Pragmatic Play.

⭐ Release the Kraken 2 Slot Review — South African Casino Guide

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Introduction — What Is Release the Kraken 2?

Release the Kraken 2 is the dramatic sequel to the popular slot from Pragmatic Play, launched in 2022. This online slot dives deeper into the dark, mysterious ocean, where the legendary Kraken guards immense riches. The game maintains the core 5×4 grid structure of the original but significantly upgrades the volatility and introduces several high-impact, randomly triggered base game features.

The slot machine utilizes a standard 5×4 reel layout with 20 fixed paylines. Unlike the original, this version leans heavily into High volatility, appealing directly to South African online casinos players who are focused on the frequent random modifiers and the high-stakes Free Spins bonus. The game’s excellent statistical profile and acceptance of ZAR deposits make it a prime choice for serious online gambling South Africa enthusiasts looking for volatile action and a massive 5,000x max win potential.

FieldContent
ProviderPragmatic Play
Release Year2022
RTP96.53%
VolatilityHigh (5/5)
Reels5
Paylines20 (Fixed)
Max Win5,000x Total Bet
Min/Max BetR0.50 / R1,000 (Approx. ZAR equivalent)
Bonus FeaturesFree Spins Mini-Game, Shifting Stacked Wilds (with escalating multipliers), Guaranteed Win, Kraken Respin, Buy Free Spins (Normal and Super)
Wild/Scatter TypeWild: Kraken Logo; Scatter: Kraken Tentacle
DevicesDesktop, Mobile Slot (Android, iOS via HTML5)
ThemesOcean, Kraken, Mythology, High Seas
Supported CasinosMajor ZA casino sites featuring Pragmatic Play

Key Features

The primary feature set of Release the Kraken 2 revolves around its diverse base game modifiers and the highly customizable, progressive Free Spins bonus.

RTP (Return to Player)

The theoretical RTP (Return to Player) for Release the Kraken 2 is set at a strong 96.53%. This figure is notably above the industry average, establishing it as a competitive high RTP slot. This provides South African players with great statistical value over the long term. However, players must verify the setting at their chosen ZA casino sites, as Pragmatic Play offers lower RTP versions (e.g., 95.50% and 94.50%).

Volatility

Release the Kraken 2 is classified at the top end of the scale as a High volatility slot (5 out of 5). This means the payout frequency can be low, but the potential size of those wins is immense, largely driven by the multiplying Wilds and the enhanced Free Spins feature. This math model is ideal for experienced players engaging in real money gambling who are chasing the maximum 5,000x prize.

Reels & Paylines

The online slot operates on a standard 5-reel, 4-row grid with 20 fixed paylines. Winning combinations are formed by landing 3 or more matching symbols on adjacent reels, starting from the leftmost reel.

Max Win

The maximum win potential in Release the Kraken 2 is capped at 5,000x the total stake. This huge target is achievable during the Free Spins bonus round, where the high-value, progressive Multipliers are at their peak.

Bonus Features

The game is packed with features, split between random base game modifiers and a lucrative bonus round.

Wilds / Scatters

  • Wild Symbol (Kraken Logo): The Wild substitutes for all paying symbols. It is critical in the base game, often appearing as Shifting Stacked Wilds.
  • Scatter Symbol (Kraken Tentacle): Landing 3, 4, or 5 Scatters anywhere on the reels triggers the main Free Spins bonus round.

Multipliers

Multipliers are key to the big win potential and appear in two forms:

  • Shifting Stacked Wild Multipliers: In the base game, a full stack of Wilds can appear and shift one position to the left after each spin. With each shift, the Wild’s multiplier increases by +1x. This can lead to significant base game payouts.
  • Free Spins Progressive Multiplier: The bonus starts with a multiplier (chosen via the pre-bonus mini-game) that increases by +1x after every winning tumble/spin, applied to the current spin’s total payout.

Base Game Modifiers (Random Kraken Features)

The Kraken can randomly appear on any non-winning base game spin to trigger one of three features:

  1. Guaranteed Win: The reels are guaranteed to spin a win between 20x and 50x the stake.
  2. Shifting Stacked Wilds: A full stack of Wilds lands on the screen, triggering the shifting reel mechanic with escalating multipliers.
  3. No Longer Guaranteed Win (Kraken Respin): A non-winning spin is transformed into a win via a respin, often rearranging symbols to create a high-value combination.

Free Spins Bonus (Mini-Game Selection)

The Free Spins feature is the main attraction, triggered by 3, 4, or 5 Scatters. Before the spins begin, a Mini-Game is played where the player selects from a grid of chests to determine their starting conditions:

  • Starting Free Spins: Can range from 4 to 20 spins.
  • Starting Multiplier: Can range from 1x to 10x.

The bonus round uses a Progressive Multiplier that increases by +1x after every single winning spin/tumble and remains active for the duration, leading to the 5,000x maximum win potential. Landing Scatters during the bonus awards extra spins.

Progressive Jackpots

Release the Kraken 2 does not feature a progressive jackpot. Its payout potential is focused entirely on the fixed maximum win of 5,000x the stake, achieved through the high-value, progressive Multipliers within the Free Spins bonus.

Bonus Features Explained

The gameplay strategy involves leveraging the random base game features while chasing the customized bonus round:

  • Shifting Wilds: The Shifting Stacked Wilds are key to high base game payouts, as the increasing multiplier on the shifting stack can lead to multiple high-value wins.
  • Free Spins Mini-Game: The chest selection mini-game offers the potential to start with a huge advantage (e.g., 20 Free Spins and a 5x multiplier), drastically reducing the risk of a low-payout bonus and maximizing the big win potential.
  • Buy Free Spins: The game offers the option to instantly purchase the Free Spins bonus for a cost of 100x the current stake, or purchase the Super Free Spins (where the mini-game offers higher minimum starting values) for 250x the stake.

How to Trigger the Bonus Round

Triggering the Free Spins bonus feature in the Release the Kraken 2 slot is done via the Scatters:

  1. Land Scatters: Land three or more Kraken Tentacle Scatter symbols anywhere on the 5×4 grid.
  2. Play Mini-Game: The player participates in the chest selection mini-game to determine the number of initial free spins and the starting Multiplier.
  3. Start Bonus: The bonus begins with the customized conditions, and the Progressive Multiplier (increasing by +1x on every win) builds up to achieve the 5,000x max win target.

Mobile Compatibility

Release the Kraken 2 is fully optimized as a modern mobile slot experience.

  • Performance on Android / iOS: Built using robust HTML5 technology, the game delivers smooth, high-definition graphics and fast performance on all Android and iOS devices. The complex random features and bonus mini-game are displayed clearly and load quickly.
  • HTML5 Technology: This ensures that South African players using ZAR deposits can enjoy the high-energy, high-volatility action seamlessly on any handheld device.

Graphics & Sound Design

The Release the Kraken 2 slot features high-quality, atmospheric graphics. The design is darker and more detailed than the original, with the 5×4 reel set against the gloomy depths of the ocean, surrounded by sunken ships and treasure. Symbols include high-value sharks, eels, and the fearsome Kraken.

The sound design is dramatic and orchestral, building tension appropriate for the deep-sea mythological theme. The sound effects are crucial for the random modifiers, with a booming sound signaling the Kraken’s appearance and sharp effects accompanying the multiplying Wilds.

Where to Play Release the Kraken 2 in South Africa

As a major title from Pragmatic Play, Release the Kraken 2 is widely available at virtually all reputable South African online casinos that feature their content. Players looking to experience the high-volatility, feature-rich gameplay using ZAR deposits can find this slot machine at established ZA casino sites such as:

  • Betway
  • Hollywoodbets
  • FezBet
  • PlayOJO

RTP & Volatility Analysis

The strong RTP of 96.53% combined with the maximum High Volatility rating provides a classic high-risk slot profile. The high RTP slot ensures a generous statistical return, but the high variance demands patience and bankroll depth. Success hinges on maximizing the benefits from the frequent base game modifiers and, crucially, customizing the Free Spins bonus to start with the highest possible Multipliers and spin counts, leading to the ultimate 5,000x big win potential.

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