Chests of Cai Shen 2: Slot Overview
Editor’s note: This review is based on an early access version of the game. Details may be updated after the full release.
Cai Shen, the cheerful Chinese god of wealth and prosperity, has been a familiar face in online slots for years. He last appeared for Pragmatic Play in Chests of Cai Shen toward the end of 2024 and now makes his return in Chests of Cai Shen 2, released as 2025 gets underway. As sequels go, this one keeps much of what made the original work but introduces a few tweaks, particularly in its chest modifiers, which may lead to more suspenseful respins rounds and potentially greater rewards.
Visually, little has changed. The action still unfolds against a serene waterside backdrop filled with pagodas, mountains, and moody skies. The reel setup remains familiar too—5 reels, 3 rows, and 25 paylines—though two differences stand out: the feature buy options are now more expensive, and the green chest has been swapped for a blue chest, altering the dynamics of the respins feature. Pragmatic Play pairs this with a highly volatile math model and a 96.5% RTP (best setting). Bets start at $ / €0.25 and go up to $ / €250 per spin, with two feature buys available for players who want direct access to the bonus round.
The paytable consists of 10-A royals plus five thematic symbols: a bird, monkey, panda, tiger, and Cai Shen himself. Five-of-a-kind wins pay 0.6x–1.2x the bet for royals or 1.2x–2x the bet for premiums. Wild symbols can appear on all reels except the first, substituting for all regular symbols but not Bonus Coins or money symbols.
Chests of Cai Shen 2 Slot (Mini Review)
Editor’s note: This review is based on an early access version of the game. Details may be updated after the full release.
Cai Shen, the smiling Chinese god of wealth, has been a recurring character in Pragmatic Play’s portfolio. After appearing in Chests of Cai Shen in late 2024, he returns in the sequel Chests of Cai Shen 2, which builds on the original with a few notable tweaks. The biggest change is the replacement of the green chest with a blue chest modifier, reshaping the respins round and adding more tension to the feature.
Gameplay & Setup
The slot plays out on a 5×3 grid with 25 paylines, set against a scenic lakeside backdrop with pagodas, mountains, and rolling clouds. Pragmatic Play has kept the traditional look intact, but players will notice two changes: the blue chest replaces the green chest in the bonus game, and feature buys are pricier this time around.
-
Bet Range: $ / €0.25 – $ / €250
-
RTP: Up to 96.5% (best config)
-
Volatility: High
-
Max Win: 10,000x the stake
-
Feature Buys: Two options, with increased pricing compared to the original
The paytable features 10–A royals paying 0.6x–1.2x for 5-of-a-kind, while premiums include a bird, monkey, panda, tiger, and Cai Shen paying 1.2x–2x for the same. Wilds appear on reels 2–5 and substitute for all symbols except Bonus Coins and money symbols.
Features
Chest Modifiers
Chests are central to the gameplay. In the sequel, the blue chest replaces the green chest from the first game, adding fresh dynamics to the respins bonus. When chests trigger, they can reveal various modifiers that expand reels, award multipliers, or enhance money symbol collection.
Respins Bonus
Landing enough Bonus Coins activates the respins round. Here, money symbols with fixed values or multipliers stick in place, while new ones can land on subsequent respins. The round ends when no new symbols land, or the grid is filled. Chests play an active role, triggering boosts that can dramatically change outcomes.
Bonus Buys
Players who want to skip the base game grind can purchase direct entry into the respins feature. Costs are higher in this sequel, reflecting the increased potential.
Verdict
Chests of Cai Shen 2 doesn’t reinvent the wheel but refines the original formula with subtle but meaningful changes. The addition of the blue chest keeps the respins round fresh, while the raised feature buy costs will split opinions between casual and high-stakes players. With a 96.5% RTP, high volatility, and 10,000x max win, this sequel retains plenty of appeal for fans of Pragmatic Play’s Asian-themed titles and those who enjoyed the first release.
