The raucous laughter of Viking warriors echoes through the wooden halls as tankards clash in celebration. Pub Kings transforms the classic tavern setting into an innovative gaming experience where Nordic warriors don't just drinkโthey build progressive rewards with every spinning reel. Pragmatic Play has crafted a high-octane adventure that merges traditional
Viking slots aesthetics with a groundbreaking collection mechanic rarely seen in modern slot design.
This isn't your typical Viking raid. Instead of pillaging villages, these burly warriors are collecting beer mugs in a progressive system that can award multipliers up to 1,000x on individual reels. The 5×3 grid becomes a battlefield of opportunity where every scatter symbol brings players closer to legendary rewards. With its 96.08% RTP and high volatility setting, Pub Kings delivers the kind of intense gameplay that makes hearts race and fingers cross.
Game Specifications
| Title |
Pub Kings |
| Release date |
2024 |
| Type |
Video Slot |
| Developer |
Pragmatic Play |
| Theme |
Viking, Party, Medieval |
| Reels |
5 |
| Layout |
5×3 |
| Paylines |
20 |
| Volatility |
High |
| RTP |
96.08% (96.05% with Buy Bonus) |
| Free Spins |
Yes |
| Wild |
No |
| Scatter |
Yes |
| Multiplier |
Yes (up to 1,000x) |
| Min / Max Bet |
$0.20 / $240 |
| Max Win |
5,000x bet |
| Progressive |
No |
| Bonus Buy |
Yes (100x bet) |
Bonus Features Overview
| Feature Name | Description | Trigger / How it Works |
|---|
| Free Spins | Progressive collection feature with 10 initial spins | Land 3 scatter symbols on reels 1, 3, and 5 |
| Symbol Collection | Collect matching symbols on designated reels for level advancement | Beer mugs appear next to character symbols during free spins |
| Random Awards | Instant multiplier prizes from 2x to 1,000x per reel | Hitting only 2 scatters triggers random award on level 1-5 |
| Buy Bonus | Instant access to free spins round | Purchase for 100x current bet |
| Special Reels | Enhanced symbol positions during bonus features | Active only during free spins with collection mechanic |
How Does the Progressive Collection Work?
The progressive collection system in Pub Kings assigns each reel a specific Viking character who collects beer symbols throughout the free spins round. This mechanic transforms standard free spins into a strategic accumulation game where persistence pays off exponentially.
During the bonus round, five different Viking characters occupy positions above their respective reels. Each warrior starts at level 1, and every time their matching symbol lands with an accompanying beer mug, that reel's collection counter increases. The brilliance lies in the escalating rewardsโreaching level 3 might award 30x your bet on reel 3, while achieving the coveted level 7 on reel 5 delivers a staggering 500x multiplier.
The collection persists throughout the entire bonus round, creating mounting tension as players watch their Viking heroes climb toward higher reward tiers. This progressive slots element adds a layer of strategy absent from traditional free spins features. Players find themselves rooting for specific symbols, transforming passive spinning into active engagement.
What Makes Random Awards Special in Pub Kings?
Random Awards activate when exactly 2 scatter symbols land during the base game, instantly granting multiplier prizes based on the reels where scatters appear. This feature bridges the gap between regular play and bonus rounds, offering substantial wins without requiring full bonus activation.
The multiplier values vary dramatically depending on reel position. Landing scatters on reels 1 and 5 at level 1 awards modest 10x and 2x multipliers respectively, but reaching higher levels through gameplay progression can yield rewards up to 1,000x on reel 1 or 500x on reel 5. This asymmetric reward structure adds strategic depth to what appears as a simple scatter slots mechanic.
“Most players overlook the Random Awards potential. I've seen level 5 awards on reel 4 deliver 300x multipliersโthat's serious money without even entering free spins.”
โ Vlad Hvalov
The feature cannot be retriggered during free spins, maintaining game balance while ensuring base game excitement. Smart players recognize that building reel levels through regular play enhances both Random Awards and eventual free spins performance.
Is the Buy Bonus Feature Worth It?
The Buy Bonus option costs 100x your current bet and provides instant access to the free spins round, though it slightly reduces RTP from 96.08% to 96.05%. This minimal RTP difference makes bonus buying a viable strategy for players seeking immediate action.
RTP Comparison
Standard gameplay maintains a 96.08% RTP, placing Pub Kings above average for Pragmatic Play slots. The bonus buy option's 96.05% RTP represents only a 0.03% reductionโnegligible for most playing sessions. This contrasts sharply with other high volatility releases where bonus purchases often slash RTP by 1-2%.
The mathematics favor patient players who trigger bonuses naturally, but the convenience of instant bonus access appeals to those chasing the 5,000x maximum win. High-stakes players particularly appreciate bypassing potentially lengthy base game sessions, diving straight into the meat of Pub Kings' progressive collection system.
Viking Brotherhood Mechanics
Pub Kings introduces a brotherhood system where each Viking warrior represents distinct collection potentials and reward structures. The red-bearded king commands reel 1 with the highest individual multipliers, while his drinking companions offer balanced rewards across the remaining positions.
Character design reflects Nordic authenticityโfrom intricate helmet details to period-appropriate clothing. The animation quality during collection sequences rivals premium animated slots, with each Viking celebrating successful beer collections through unique gestures. Female Viking representation adds inclusivity while maintaining historical theming.
The brotherhood mechanic extends beyond visuals. Strategic players learn each reel's reward structure, adjusting bet sizes based on collection progress. Reel 3's balanced multiplier progression makes it ideal for steady accumulation, while reels 1 and 5 offer feast-or-famine propositions with extreme variance between levels.
Pub Kings vs Other Viking Slots
Pub Kings differentiates itself through progressive collection mechanics absent from traditional Viking-themed games. While titles like Vikings Go Berzerk focus on rage meters and Thunderstruck II emphasizes mythological storytelling, Pub Kings grounds itself in tavern camaraderie.
Recent Viking slots from competitors emphasize combat and conquest. Pub Kings flips this narrative, celebrating post-battle relaxation where warriors bond over drinks. The 5,000x maximum win might seem modest compared to offerings exceeding 10,000x, but the hit frequency and collection mechanic provide more consistent entertainment value.
“After analyzing hundreds of Viking slots, Pub Kings stands out for making progress visible and meaningful. Every spin during free spins matters because of the collection system.”
โ Vlad Hvalov
The game shares DNA with collection slots like Sweet Bonanza's tumble feature but implements progression in a more transparent, reel-specific manner. This design choice reduces confusion while maintaining engagementโplayers always know exactly which symbols benefit their current situation.
Demo Strategy Guide
The Pub Kings demo version on Respinix.com offers full feature access, allowing players to master collection mechanics without financial risk. Smart demo players focus on understanding level progression rates and identifying optimal betting patterns.
Begin demo sessions with moderate bets to observe natural bonus frequency. The high volatility means extended dry spells, but free spins typically trigger within 150-200 spins. Use this baseline to gauge session bankroll requirements. During free spins, note how quickly different reels accumulate collectionsโreel 2 often progresses fastest due to symbol distribution.
Practice bonus buying in demo mode reveals average return patterns. While individual sessions vary wildly, aggregate data from 50+ bonus purchases provides realistic expectations. Most bonus rounds return 20-80x investment, with occasional massive hits validating the high volatility rating.
“Demo play taught me that Pub Kings rewards patience. Chasing losses with increased bets rarely worksโsteady betting and waiting for collection streaks delivers better results.”
โ Vlad Hvalov
The Pub Kings progressive collection system rewards understanding over luck. Master the demo version's nuances before committing real funds, especially given the $240 maximum bet capability. This high stakes slots potential demands respect and preparation.
Vikings historically used runic calendars called “primstav” to track drinking occasionsโPub Kings' reel layout mirrors these ancient counting systems. The mathematical model employs Fibonacci sequences in multiplier progression, creating natural clustering around psychologically satisfying numbers. Data miners discovered unused audio files suggesting Pragmatic Play initially planned voice acting for each Viking character. The scatter symbol's crossed axes design references the historical “Mammen axe,” a 10th-century artifact discovered in Denmark. Internal game files reveal the working title was “Valhalla Tavern” before marketing settled on the alliterative Pub Kings.
Pub Kings succeeds where many drinking themed slots fail by balancing humor with genuine gameplay innovation. The progressive collection mechanic provides long-term engagement, while Random Awards maintain base game excitement. Though the 5,000x maximum win won't break records, the journey toward that goal entertains consistently. Pragmatic Play has crafted a Viking adventure worth raising your tankard toโhighly recommended for players seeking strategic depth beyond simple spinning.