Pandemic Rising: Slot Overview
Editor’s note: This review is based on an early access version of the game. Details may be updated following the full release.
The global pandemic of 2019–2020 left a mark few will forget, yet Pragmatic Play has chosen to revisit that era with Pandemic Rising—an online slot built around the idea of biological crises and what might come next. It’s a bold choice of theme, and one that explores not just viral outbreaks but also the conspiracies that often follow in their wake.
Hints of satire are present, with character symbols bearing words like “Conspiracy!” as if pointing to unseen forces manipulating events. The tone, however, is more serious than the dark humor of Nolimit City’s xWays Hoarder series, even if stylistically there are some similarities. The setting plays out across a 5×4 grid with 40 paylines, where winning lines form from the leftmost reel onward.
Under the hood, Pandemic Rising is powered by a high volatility math model with a 96.51% RTP in its default version, though operators may offer lower configurations. Stakes range from $ / €0.20 up to $ / €240 per spin, making it suitable for casual and high rollers alike. Players also have two ante bet options:
-
Ante Bet 1 – Costs 4x the stake and makes free spins around 10x more likely.
-
Ante Bet 2 – Costs 10x the stake and guarantees at least one wild with a random multiplier per spin.
The paytable includes 11 regular symbols: 10–A card royals, which return 1x to 1.5x the bet for 5-of-a-kind, and five premium characters worth 2.5x to 20x the stake for a full line.
Pandemic Rising: Slot Overview
Editor’s note: This review is based on an early access version of the game. Details may be updated following the full release.
The global pandemic of 2019–2020 left a mark few will forget, yet Pragmatic Play has chosen to revisit that era with Pandemic Rising—an online slot built around the idea of biological crises and what might come next. It’s a bold choice of theme, and one that explores not just viral outbreaks but also the conspiracies that often follow in their wake.
Hints of satire are present, with character symbols bearing words like “Conspiracy!” as if pointing to unseen forces manipulating events. The tone, however, is more serious than the dark humor of Nolimit City’s xWays Hoarder series, even if stylistically there are some similarities. The setting plays out across a 5×4 grid with 40 paylines, where winning lines form from the leftmost reel onward.
Stats & Betting
-
Reels/Rows: 5×4
-
Paylines: 40
-
Volatility: High
-
RTP: 96.51% (default, lower models may apply)
-
Bet Range: $ / €0.20 – $ / €240
-
Ante Bet Options:
-
Ante Bet 1 – 4x stake, ~10x more likely to trigger free spins.
-
Ante Bet 2 – 10x stake, guarantees at least 1 wild with a random multiplier per spin.
-
Paytable
-
Lows: 10–A royals – worth 1x to 1.5x the bet for 5-of-a-kind.
-
Highs: Five character symbols – pay 2.5x to 20x the stake for a line of 5.
Features
Wild Multipliers
Wilds can land with attached multipliers, boosting the payout of any winning line they help complete. When multiple wild multipliers appear in a single win, their values combine for even bigger results.
Free Spins
Triggered by landing 3 or more scatters, the free spins round is where volatility spikes. Depending on the number of scatters, players receive an initial allocation of spins, with additional spins possible during the bonus. During the feature, wild multipliers appear more frequently, and higher multiplier values are possible, ramping up the potential for big hits.
Ante Bets
Pandemic Rising stands out by offering two distinct ante bet modes. The first is aimed at players hunting for quicker bonus entry, while the second caters to those chasing consistent high-volatility action with guaranteed wild multipliers. Both dramatically change the rhythm of the game.
Verdict
Pandemic Rising is not the kind of slot that will appeal to everyone—its subject matter alone is bound to split opinion. However, as a gambling product, Pragmatic Play has delivered a high-volatility game with flexible betting options and a mix of features designed to keep tension levels high. The ante bet system, in particular, gives players real control over how they want to experience the slot, whether that’s through faster bonuses or constant wild action. Add in solid production values and a thematic edge, and you’ve got a release that’s sure to provoke discussion as much as it does spins.