Cathedral 9 - (ELK Studios) Slot Review - Dama NV Casinos List 2025

Cathedral 9: Slot Overview

Scatter pay mechanics have swept through the slot industry, and while some studios have leaned heavily into the trend, ELK Studios has so far used them with a bit more restraint. Titles like Hula Balua, Ashoka, and Mine Defender have already shown the developer’s flair for this format, and now it returns with Cathedral 9, a slot that blends classic ELK features with fresh twists.

While cathedrals are often portrayed as grand, uplifting places filled with stained glass and soaring architecture, the one in Cathedral 9 leans in a darker direction. The base game is set in a shadowy, gothic chamber, where statues loom over piles of glowing rocks and treasure-stuffed coffins hint at mystery and menace. Free spins bring more light and energy, but overall, the mood is heavy and atmospheric, evoking comparisons to Phoenix Graveyard, Phoenix Graveyard 2, and Nightmaker. Gameplay unfolds on a 6×5 grid using scatter pays, with wins formed by landing 8+ matching symbols anywhere on the reels.

Bets range from $/€0.20 to $/€100, supported by ELK’s X-iter feature buys, all powered by a medium-high volatility math model and the studio’s trademark 94% RTP setup.

Symbols include four pip-style lows and five theme-related objects, with payouts starting at 0.1x to 2x for 8-of-a-kind and rising up to 50x the bet for 25+ matches. Oversized 2×2, 3×3, or 4×4 big symbols can also land, counting for the number of spaces they cover, and then splitting into matching 1×1 symbols as cascades continue. Wilds substitute for all regular symbols, and a full wild screen pays the same as the top symbol.

Cathedral 9: Features

⚰ Coffin Feature
At the heart of Cathedral 9 are treasure-filled coffins that can appear during spins. When triggered, they reveal a selection of prizes, such as instant cash values, wilds, or modifiers that enhance winning potential. Coffins may also expand or interact with big symbols to create larger cascades.

✨ Free Spins
Landing 3 or more scatters activates the free spins bonus. The gloomy cathedral brightens up as modifiers and big symbols become more frequent. Coffins are more valuable here, with boosted prize potential, and cascades can chain more extensively thanks to persistent symbol upgrades.

🎲 X-iter Feature Buys
For players who prefer shortcuts, Cathedral 9 includes ELK’s X-iter menu with several buy options. These allow direct entry to free spins or enhanced spins with guaranteed features, at varying stake multipliers. It adds flexibility for players who want to bypass the grind of base game spins.

Cathedral 9: Slot Verdict

Cathedral 9 continues ELK Studios’ exploration of scatter pay mechanics, and while the formula is familiar, the studio wraps it in a dark, gothic atmosphere that helps the game stand apart. The big symbols and coffin feature keep the base game ticking, while free spins crank up the pace with stronger modifiers and extended cascades. The X-iter buy options are also a welcome addition, giving players the choice to jump straight into the action.

On the downside, the 94% RTP will be a sticking point for many, especially when compared to more generous setups from rival developers. The gameplay loop is also one we’ve seen from ELK before, meaning players looking for groundbreaking innovation may find the experience a little predictable.

That said, with its polished visuals, heavy-hitting volatility, and potential for powerful cascades, Cathedral 9 has enough weight to appeal to scatter slot fans — particularly those who enjoy ELK’s darker, moodier designs.