Release the Kraken Pokie Review

Release the Kraken uses a 5x4 reel layout with 20 fixed paylines. During free spins, the number of paylines doubles to 40. The game is set in an underwater world, with the Kraken’s tentacles wrapped around the reels. Pragmatic Play built this as a non-standard format: the extra row and the dynamic payline count during the bonus set it apart from a typical 5x3 pokie.

Wins are formed by landing matching symbols on adjacent reels from the leftmost reel, following the active paylines. The base game includes three random modifiers that can trigger on any spin, adding wilds or expanding the Kraken’s influence. These modifiers are the core of the game’s identity.

To start, set your bet using the bet selector. The minimum is $0.20 and the maximum is $100 per spin. The game uses a 5x4 reel layout with 20 fixed paylines, meaning you cannot adjust the number of lines. Wins are formed by matching symbols on adjacent reels from the leftmost reel along these paylines. During free spins, the paylines double to 40, giving more ways to win. The paytable and game info are accessible via the info button, usually located near the bet selector. Use the spin button to start a round. There is no ante bet or bonus buy feature in this game, so you cannot pay to increase your chances of triggering free spins. The only way to enter the bonus is through the natural trigger.

The base game has three random modifiers:

• Kraken Lockin Wilds: The Kraken locks a random reel, turning it fully wild for that spin.
• Colossal Kraken Wilds: A 2x2 or 3x3 block of wilds appears in the centre of the reels.
• Infectious Kraken Wilds: One wild lands, then spreads to adjacent positions, creating a cluster of wilds.

These modifiers can combine on a single spin, potentially creating multiple wilds across the grid. For example, a Colossal Kraken Wilds block plus a Lockin Wild can cover a large portion of the reels, leading to multiple payline wins.

The free spins feature triggers when Bonus symbols land on reels 1 and 3, and the Free Spins symbol lands on reel 5. You receive 10 free spins. During the bonus, chest picks appear and award +1, +2, or +3 additional spins. Roaming wilds stay on the reels for the entire feature, and each new wild that lands increases the win multiplier by +1. With 40 paylines active, the multiplier can grow quickly.

High volatility means wins are less frequent but larger when they land. For a $50 session, a sensible bet is around $0.50 per spin, giving you 100 spins. For a $200 session, you could bet $1.00 per spin, giving 200 spins. This approach spreads your bankroll over a reasonable number of spins, though high volatility can still produce long dry spells.

There is no bonus buy or ante bet in this game, so you cannot pay to trigger the feature directly. The only way to reach free spins is through the natural trigger. No betting system changes the RTP; the house edge remains the same regardless of bet size.

Set a loss limit before you start and stick to it. This is a game for players who can tolerate swings and have the bankroll to ride them out.

The default RTP is 96.5%, but there are three versions available: 94.50%, 95.50%, and 96.50%. The official Pragmatic Play page lists 96.50%. If you play the 94.50% version, you lose an extra $2 per $100 wagered compared to the 96.50% version. Over time, this difference adds up.

The maximum win is 10,000x your stake. If you bet $1, that is $10,000. If you bet $0.20, the max win is $2,000.

Before playing, check the RTP version in the game’s info panel. This is the only way to know which version you are playing.

The demo mode uses play credits but operates on the same maths and RTP version as the real-money build at the casino you open it in. For a high-volatility game like this, a demo session is useful to see how often the three random modifiers trigger and how the free spins feature behaves. You can also test different bet sizes across the range, from $0.20 to $100, to get a feel for the swings. When you switch to real AUD, bets become real, so your bankroll limits matter. The demo does not give you real winnings, but it helps you decide if the game suits your style.

You can play Release the Kraken for real money at Huff n More Puff, More Chilli, in AUD. A demo mode is available there, so you can try the game without risking money first. When you play for real, check the RTP version in the game’s info panel to ensure you get the best available version. Play responsibly. If gambling is a problem, call Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858.

Buffalo King — Both are Pragmatic Play high-volatility pokies with a 10,000x+ max win. Buffalo King uses a 6x4 grid and offers free spins with wild multipliers, while Release the Kraken has a 5x4 layout and random modifiers. The RTPs are close, but the feature structures differ.

Book of Dead — Both are high-volatility pokies with a max win around 10,000x. Book of Dead uses a 5x3 layout with expanding symbols in free spins, while Release the Kraken has a 5x4 grid and random wild modifiers. The RTPs are similar, but the bonus mechanics are distinct.

Chilli Heat — Both are Pragmatic Play pokies with a 5x3 or 5x4 grid and a money respin feature. Chilli Heat has medium volatility and a lower max win, while Release the Kraken is high volatility with a higher max win and different free spins mechanics.