5 Lions

Published Jul 28, 2026 Updated Jul 28, 2026

Game Provider

Pragmatic Play

Release date

2018-05-16

Type

Slots

RTP

95.51%

Volatility

High volatility

Max Win

x3520.00

Min Bet

0.5

Max Bet

100.0

Reels

Paylines

243

Bonus features

RTP range, Wilds, Multiplier, Scatters, Free Spins, Symbol substitution

5 Lions is a high-volatility Pragmatic Play video slot using 243 ways, Wild substitution, symbol replacement and multiplier-led free spins on a fixed 5 x 3 layout.

The review examines whether symbol changes and bonus multipliers offset the limits of a fixed 243-ways structure.

RTP and game details

Provider	Pragmatic Play
Release date	May 16, 2018
RTP	95.51%
Volatility	High
Max win	x3,520
Reels	5 x 3
Paylines/Ways	243
Min/Max bet	$0.50-$100
Theme	Asian Culture, Animals & Nature, Mythology & Legends
Bonus buy	No

How transformed symbols connect

Five reels with three rows create 243 ways, and wins require matching symbols across consecutive reels beginning on the left. Wild symbols substitute for regular icons, while each paid spin ends after its final symbol arrangement is evaluated.

A symbol replacement feature can change selected reel icons before the result settles. When replacements create additional matching positions, the revised layout is evaluated through the same 243-ways system rather than through separate paylines.

Scatter symbols open the free-spin round, where multiplier mechanics can modify qualifying wins. Bonus progress ends with the awarded spin allocation, and any changed symbols or multiplier state do not transfer into the next paid base-game spin.

Effects of changing symbols

Ways: Adjacent reels define every 243-ways winning combination.
Wilds: Substitution can complete links without changing the pay system.
Replaces: Changed icons can convert incomplete patterns into payable matches.
Scatters: Bonus access depends on landing the required trigger symbols.
Multiplier: Qualifying bonus wins can receive an additional value modifier.
Reset: Feature states clear when the free-spin sequence finishes.

Where multiplier value concentrates

Across ordinary spins, value is spread over 243 symbol routes, allowing one matching group to involve several adjacent positions. Wild substitution and replacements matter only when the resulting arrangement forms a valid left-to-right connection across the reels.

The free-spin multiplier shifts more payout potential into the bonus sequence. A displayed modifier has no independent cash value; it changes a completed win only after the reel result already satisfies the 243-ways pay conditions.

The listed ceiling is x3,520 with 95.51% RTP and high volatility. Reaching larger outcomes depends on replacement timing, premium symbol coverage and multiplier application, while the fixed reel width limits how many matching positions can participate.

Player fit and limitations

Ways play: Suits players following adjacent-reel symbol connections.
Symbol shifts: Suits players tracking replacements before final evaluation.
Fixed grid: The layout cannot expand beyond fifteen symbol positions.
Bonus reset: Multiplier progress ends with each free-spin sequence.

Transformation chase

Symbol changes can encourage extending sessions after near matches.
Set a fixed budget with Responsible Gambling tools.

Comparable transformation slots

Both alternatives combine Wild support with feature-led symbol changes or multipliers.

Slot	RTP	Volatility	Main difference
Mustang Money	94.38%	High	Uses 100 paylines and a free-spin multiplier instead of 243 ways.
The Maiden and The Swordsman Deluxe	96.33%	Low	Adds full Wild reels without a symbol replacement step.

Browse the Slots directory to compare more games, providers and mechanics.

Written by

Search-Casino Editorial Team

Casino content researchers and editors preparing structured reviews, payment guides, provider pages, slot reviews and responsible gambling notes.

Editorial TeamFact CheckedResponsible Gambling

Editorial Policy Rating Methodology