Evoplay’s Imperial Relics: Three Pots is an Asian-themed 5×3 slot with 95.75% RTP. Its Hold & Respin bonus is defined by triggering pots that add game-changing boosters.
Imperial Relics: Three Pots
Unpacking the Bonus Features
| Feature Name | Description | Trigger / How it Works |
|---|---|---|
| Wild Symbol | Substitutes for all regular symbols to help form winning combinations. | Appears only on reels 2, 3, 4, and 5 during the main game. |
| Bonus Game | A Hold & Respin feature played on a special grid with Gold Bonus symbols. | Triggered by landing any Purple, Red, or Green Bonus symbol. |
| Collector (Purple Pot) | A special symbol that collects all values and jackpots from other symbols on the grid. | Activated if the Bonus Game is triggered by a Purple Bonus symbol. |
| Double Game (Red Pot) | A second, independent 5×3 grid is added to the Bonus Game, doubling the potential wins. | Activated if the Bonus Game is triggered by a Red Bonus symbol. |
| Extra Spin (Green Pot) | The Bonus Game starts with 4 respins instead of the default 3. | Activated if the Bonus Game is triggered by a Green Bonus symbol. |
| Jackpots | Four fixed jackpots can be won during the Bonus Game. | Mini (30x), Mega (90x), and Super (300x) symbols can land on the reels. The Epic (3000x) is won by filling all 15 positions on a grid. |
| Bonus Buy | Allows direct purchase of the Bonus Game with either random or all three boosters. | Click the “Bonus Buy” button and select the desired option. |
How Do the Core Mechanics of Imperial Relics: Three Pots Work?
The game operates on a straightforward structure that serves as the foundation for its complex bonus features. Understanding this base is key to appreciating what happens when the pots unleash their power.
The Base Game and Payline Structure
Imperial Relics: Three Pots uses a 5-reel, 3-row grid with 20 fixed paylines. Winning combinations are formed by landing three or more identical symbols on a payline from left to right, starting from the first reel. The base game is primarily a setup for the main event—the Bonus Game. While standard line wins provide steady, smaller returns, the entire focus is on landing the special colored Bonus symbols that unlock the slot's true potential.
Wild Symbols: Your Key to Connecting Wins
The Wild symbol appears on reels 2, 3, 4, and 5. Its function is traditional: it substitutes for all regular paying symbols to help complete or enhance winning combinations. In a game with 20 paylines, the placement of Wilds on the four rightmost reels makes them crucial for turning a two-symbol start into a three, four, or five-of-a-kind win. They are the glue that holds base game wins together while you hunt for the bonus triggers.
The Three Pots: Unlocking the Bonus Game and its Boosters
The defining characteristic of the Imperial Relics game is its Bonus Game, a Hold & Respin feature triggered by landing at least one Red, Purple, or Green Bonus symbol. When the feature starts, the triggering symbols transform into Gold Bonus symbols and lock in place. You begin with 3 respins (or 4 with the Green booster) on a grid containing only Gold Bonus symbols and empty spaces. Landing a new Gold symbol resets the respin counter. The magic, however, lies in the boosters that the triggering symbols activate.
What is the Purple Pot's Collector Booster?
The Collector booster is activated if a Purple Bonus symbol is part of the triggering combination. This adds a Collector symbol to a random empty position on the grid. At the end of any spin where it appears, this symbol absorbs the values of all other Bonus symbols present—including Mini, Mega, and Super jackpots—and adds their total to its own value.
This mechanic is a powerful tool for value consolidation. Its function is reminiscent of the legendary Collector feature in slots like Money Train 3, which transforms scattered small wins into a single, massive payout. In the Imperial Relics slot demo, the first Collector is guaranteed on the first bonus spin, giving you an immediate taste of its power.
How Does the Red Pot's Double Game Feature Amplify Wins?
Triggering the bonus with a Red Bonus symbol activates the Double Game feature, which adds an entire second 5×3 grid to the bonus round. Both grids spin independently but share the same respin counter. Landing a symbol on either grid resets the counter for both.
This booster is arguably the most powerful of the three. It literally doubles your chances of landing symbols and filling the screen. It creates the incredible possibility of filling both grids, which means you can win the 3000x Epic Jackpot twice in a single feature for a total of 6000x the bet. This dual-grid mechanic provides a level of excitement few other Asian-themed slots can match.
Vlad Hvalov's Expert Take:
“Honestly, the Double Game is the prize here. While the Collector is great for building a single massive symbol, the second grid fundamentally changes the math. You have twice the real estate. In demo play, I always find myself chasing the red symbol, because the potential for two simultaneous jackpots is just too compelling to ignore.”
The Green Pot: Does an Extra Spin Really Matter?
The Green Bonus symbol triggers the Extra Spin booster, increasing the starting respin count from 3 to 4. On the surface, this might seem less impactful than a Collector or a second grid. However, its value is strategic.
That one extra spin is a crucial safety net. In any Hold & Respin game, the most dangerous moment is going from 2 spins left to 1. That fourth spin provides a buffer against a premature end to the bonus round, increasing the likelihood that you can bridge the gap between landed symbols and keep the feature going. It's the most subtle of the boosters, but its impact on the longevity of a bonus round should not be underestimated.
What Are the Jackpots in Imperial Relics and How Are They Won?
The slot features four fixed jackpots, which are the primary targets within the Bonus Game. Their values are directly tied to your total bet, offering substantial payout potential.
Deconstructing the Four Jackpot Tiers
The jackpots are won by landing their corresponding symbols during the Bonus Game or, in the case of the Epic Jackpot, by filling the grid.
- Mini Jackpot: 30x the bet
- Mega Jackpot: 90x the bet
- Super Jackpot: 300x the bet
- Epic Jackpot: 3000x the bet
The Mini, Mega, and Super jackpots can appear as special Bonus symbols at any time during the feature. More than one of each can land in a single round, and with the Double Game active, their frequency is effectively doubled.
The Path to the 3000x Epic Jackpot
The Epic Jackpot is the ultimate prize. It is awarded when all 15 positions on a single grid are filled with Gold Bonus symbols. Unlike the other jackpots, it's not a symbol you land; it's a reward for completing the grid. As mentioned, the Double Game feature makes it possible to achieve this on both grids, awarding two Epic Jackpots.
Analyzing the Mathematical Model of Imperial Relics Game
The game's math is built around a patient base game and a highly potent bonus feature. The RTP and Bonus Buy options provide flexibility for players to engage with the game in different ways.
Understanding the 95.75% RTP and Volatility
The overall theoretical Return to Player (RTP) is 95.75%. This figure is slightly below the industry average of 96%, but it's important to understand where that return is concentrated. A significant portion of the RTP is locked within the Bonus Game and its jackpots.
While Evoplay does not specify the volatility, the structure of the game—with its heavy reliance on a Hold & Respin feature for major wins—strongly suggests a medium-high to high volatility model. This means wins in the base game might be less frequent, but the bonus round has the potential to deliver substantial payouts, aligning it with the thrilling experiences found in many Treasure-themed slots. For players exploring the extensive catalog of demo slots on Respinix, this kind of model requires patience.
Is the Bonus Buy Feature a Smart Move in Demo Play?
For those wanting to get straight to the action, the Bonus Buy feature is an excellent tool, especially in a demo context. It allows you to understand the mechanics without the long wait.
- 76x Bet: Triggers the Bonus Game with 1 to 3 random boosters.
- 135x Bet: Triggers the Bonus Game with all 3 boosters guaranteed.
Interestingly, the RTP shifts slightly when using the Bonus Buy: 95.68% for the random option and 95.86% for the 3-booster option. In demo play, the Bonus Buy is invaluable. It lets you experience the different booster combinations and see firsthand how the Double Game, Collector, and Extra Spin interact.
Visuals and Atmosphere: A Trip to Imperial China
The game is steeped in a classic Imperial China aesthetic. The background features a grand temple, while the reels are framed in ornate red and gold. Symbols like the golden Fu dog and ancient scrolls contribute to a theme of wealth and history, fitting squarely into the popular genres of Gold slots and Money-themed games. The audio complements this with a traditional, serene soundtrack that swells during big wins, creating an immersive atmosphere.
Secrets of the Imperial Court
- The Double Epic Jackpot: The rules explicitly confirm you can win the 3000x Epic Jackpot on both fields during the Double Game feature. This elevates the max potential from 3000x to a staggering 6000x, a critical detail not immediately obvious.
- Guaranteed First Collector: If you trigger the bonus with a Purple symbol, the first Collector is guaranteed to appear on the very first respin, immediately kickstarting the value-stacking process.
- The Trigger's Hidden Power: Unlike many games where bonus symbols are just keys, here they are blueprints. Triggering the bonus with a Red and a Green symbol, for instance, gives you a dual-grid game that starts with 4 respins—a powerful combination.
Imperial Relics: Three Pots Compared to Similar Slots
The Hold & Respin mechanic is popular, but Imperial Relics' approach to it is distinctive.
A Contrarian View: The Game's Heavy Reliance on Boosters
The biggest strength of Imperial Relics is also its potential weakness. The base game is, frankly, just a vessel for triggering the bonus. Without the boosters, the core Hold & Respin feature is fairly standard. If a player goes on a long streak without triggering the feature, the experience can feel flat. The excitement is heavily concentrated, and a player's entire session can be defined by the quality of a single bonus round. This makes it different from a game like Wild West Gold, where the base game has more inherent action with sticky wilds.
Vlad Hvalov's Expert Take:
“You have to approach this game with the right mindset. Don't expect the base game to make you rich. It's a low-simmer build-up to a boil-over. If you lack patience, the Bonus Buy in the demo is your best friend. Use it to confirm if the bonus round's intensity is for you before you ever think about playing for real.”
How It Stacks Up Against Other Asian-Themed Hold & Win Games
Compared to other titles in the Asian genre, Imperial Relics holds its own through innovation. Many games, like Lanterns & Lions: Hold & Win, use a more traditional Hold & Respin format. The “Three Pots” booster system in Imperial Relics provides a layer of pre-bonus excitement and strategic depth that is rare. It feels less about luck during the bonus and more about the luck of the trigger itself. It shares its jackpot-hunting spirit with titles like Fortune Tiger, but with a much more interactive and variable main feature.
Final Verdict: Is Imperial Relics Worth Your Spins?
I think it is.
The slot takes a saturated mechanic and adds a genuinely clever twist. The idea of linking specific bonus boosters to the triggering symbols is brilliant. It creates an engaging layer of anticipation that most other Hold & Respin slots lack. The Red Pot's Double Game feature is an absolute standout, offering a massive increase in potential that is thrilling to watch.
Yes, the base game can drag. The game's heart beats almost exclusively within its bonus round. But when that round hits, and especially when it hits with a powerful booster combination, the wait feels justified. For players who enjoy feature-heavy games and the strategic depth of modern mechanics, the Imperial Relics: Three Pots demo is a must-try. It's a well-crafted machine of patience and explosive reward. I recommend it.
FAQ
How do the three different pots affect the bonus game in Imperial Relics: Three Pots?
The Purple pot adds a Collector symbol, the Red pot adds a second game grid (Double Game), and the Green pot increases starting respins from 3 to 4.
What is the RTP for the Imperial Relics slot?
The base game RTP is 95.75%, which can slightly change to 95.68% or 95.86% when using the Bonus Buy feature.
Can you win more than one Epic Jackpot in a single bonus round?
Yes, if the Double Game (Red Pot) feature is active, you can fill both 15-position grids to win two separate 3000x Epic Jackpots.
What is the highest single jackpot in the game?
The highest single jackpot is the Epic Jackpot, which pays 3000 times your total bet.
Is Imperial Relics: Three Pots a high volatility slot?
While not officially stated, its mechanics, which focus on a powerful bonus round for big wins, suggest a medium-high to high volatility model.
What does the Collector symbol do in the bonus game?
The Collector symbol absorbs the values of all other bonus symbols and jackpots on the grid, adding their total to its own value.
What are some similar slots to Imperial Relics: Three Pots?
If you enjoy the booster-filled Hold & Respin mechanic, you might like Money Train 3 or Drill That Gold.
Where can I play the Imperial Relics: Three Pots demo for free?
A free demo version of the Imperial Relics: Three Pots game is available to play directly on Respinix.com.
