Crusader

Rules and Gameplay

The Crusader slot machine from ELK Studios immerses players in a historical adventure based on the final stand of Edward I’s Crusaders in Acre against the Mamluks in 1291. This game unfolds on a 5-reel, 3-row grid, featuring 26 paylines. Bets range from 20 cents to $100 per spin, accessible across all devices. The gameplay is marked by its high volatility and an RTP of 96.1%, aligning with the industry average. Players must match symbols from left to right across the paylines to win, with the game’s unique features such as stacked wilds and expanding reels enhancing the experience.

Bonus Features

The Crusader slot boasts several engaging bonus features designed to increase winning potential:

• Crusader Wild Bonus Feature: Triggered by landing stacked crusader wild symbols on reels 1 and 5, nudging them into place for respins until they fully cover the reels.
• Free Spins: Achieving two fully stacked Crusader Wilds initiates 8 free spins, with reels 1 and 5 featuring stacked sticky wilds. The addition of an expansion symbol can extend the reel set up to 12 rows, increasing the ways to win.
• Expansion Symbol: Lands on the middle three reels, expanding the reel set by one row each time and granting an extra free spin, up to a maximum of 12 rows for a total of 98 paylines.

Symbols

The Crusader slot features a mix of symbols inspired by the Crusader theme, each contributing to the game’s medieval atmosphere:

• Gold grail (highest paying symbol) – Pays 10x for 5 on a payline
• Small chest – Pays 5x for 5 on a payline
• A dagger – Pays 4x for 5 on a payline
• Red cross – Pays 3x for 5 on a payline
• Blue cross – Pays 2.5x for 5 on a payline
• Green cross – Pays 2.25x for 5 on a payline
• Royal symbols – Pay between 2x and 1x for 5 on a payline

Payouts

The Crusader slot offers a maximum win potential of 2,500 times your stake, applicable in both the base game and during the free spins. For players betting the maximum of $100, this translates to a potential payout of up to $250,000 on a single spin. Below is the paytable highlighting the payout for each symbol:

Paylines

The game starts with 26 paylines, but through the expansion symbol during the free spins feature, the number of paylines can increase up to 98. This provides players with more ways to win as the game progresses.

Pros & Cons

Minimum and Maximum Bet

The Crusader slot game by ELK Studios allows players to place bets ranging from 20 cents to $100 per spin. This betting range is designed to accommodate both low-stakes players and high rollers, providing flexibility in how much can be wagered on each spin of the reels.

Game Jackpot

The game does not feature a traditional jackpot but offers a max win of 2,500 times the stake. The Return to Player (RTP) is set at 96.1%, which is around the industry average, indicating a fair balance between the game’s volatility and the potential for payouts. The variance of the game is high, meaning that while wins may be less frequent, they can be significantly larger when they occur.

About Provider

ELK Studios is the developer behind Crusader, a game that has quickly become popular among players since its release on March 17, 2020. ELK Studios is known for its innovative game designs, immersive engines, and stunning artwork, which have established it as a leading figure in the online gaming industry. The provider prioritizes mobile optimization for its games, ensuring that players can enjoy a seamless gaming experience across all devices.

How To Play

• Start by setting your bet size, which can range from 20 cents to $100 per spin.
• Spin the reels by pressing the spin button or set up autoplay for a predetermined number of spins.
• Land matching symbols on one of the 26 paylines to form winning combinations.
• Trigger the Crusader Wild feature by landing stacked wilds on reels 1 and 5 for respins.
• Activate the Free Spins feature by nudging two fully stacked Crusader Wild symbols into place, earning 8 free spins with potential for expanding reels and additional paylines.
• Watch for the expansion symbol during free spins to increase the reel set and enhance win potential.

Summary

Crusader by ELK Studios is a slot game that marries historical themes with innovative gameplay features. While the game’s high volatility and the maximum win potential of 2,500x may not appeal to all players, its engaging mechanics, such as nudging wilds, free spins, and expanding reels, offer a compelling gaming experience. The game’s average RTP and the betting range make it accessible to a wide range of players. With ELK Studios’ reputation for high-quality, mobile-optimized games, Crusader is worth a spin for those interested in a mix of history and slot action.