In the world of online slots, the battle between Zeus and Hades is one that has captivated players for centuries, not just in mythology but in various slot games. Pragmatic Play’s Zeus vs Hades: Gods of War takes this ancient conflict to the next level, offering an immersive gaming experience where players can choose their side in the ultimate showdown between these two mighty Greek gods. Whether you’re a fan of the high heavens of Mount Olympus or the fiery depths of Hades’ underworld, this game offers something for every type of player.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Game Developer | Pragmatic Play |
| Reels | 5 |
| Rows | 5 |
| Paylines | 15 |
| RTP (Return to Player) | 96.07% (default), with variations of 95.05% and 94.05% |
| Volatility | High (5/5) |
| Min/Max Bet | €0.10 / €100 |
| Max Win | 15,000x your bet |
| Max Win Probability | 1 in 1,335,113 (Hades Mode), 1 in 1,766,784 (Olympus Mode) |
| Hit Frequency | 1 in 6.5-6.91 |
| Free Spins Frequency | 1 in 203 (Hades Mode), 1 in 409 (Olympus Mode) |
| Free Spins | 10 free spins, can’t be retriggered |
| Expanding Wilds | Expanding Wilds with Multipliers (x2 to x100) available in both modes |
| Expanding Wild Multiplier | Multiplier applies to all wins passing through the wild; can stack with multiple wilds |
| Scatter Symbols | Appears on reels 1, 3, and 5 |
| Bonus Buy Feature | Available for 75x, 150x, or 300x the bet, depending on mode (Olympus or Hades) |
| Bonus Buy RTP | 96.04% (Olympus), 96.14% (Hades), 96.01% or 96.08% (300x buy) |
| Game Modes | Olympus Mode (higher free spin chance, lower win) vs Hades Mode (lower free spin chance, higher win) |
| Wild Symbol | Wilds substitute for any regular pay symbol, worth up to 20x for 5 OAK in both modes |
| Theme | Greek mythology: Zeus vs Hades |
| Release Date | May 16, 2023 |
| Mode Differences | Olympus: Higher free spin trigger frequency, lower average free spin win. Hades: Lower trigger frequency, higher average win. |
A Mythological Battle for the Ages
For New Zealanders, the imagery of Greek mythology might evoke thoughts of strength and grandeur—concepts that come to life in Zeus vs Hades: Gods of War. The game pits Zeus, the thunderous king of the gods, against his brother Hades, the god of the underworld, in a visually striking contest of power. Players will feel as though they’re stepping right into the ancient world, where divine forces determine the fate of the reels.
Whether you hail from the vibrant streets of Auckland, the cultural heart of Wellington, or the charming surroundings of Christchurch, Zeus vs Hades provides a thrilling way to escape into a world of gods and ancient wonders.
Gameplay Overview
Before embarking on your epic adventure, you’ll need to make a few key decisions:
- Betting Range: Bets in Zeus vs Hades: Gods of War range from $0.10 to $100 per spin, accommodating both casual players and high rollers.
- Game Mode Selection: One of the standout features of this slot is the option to choose between two distinct game modes:
- Olympus Mode: This mode offers a higher chance of triggering free spins but with lower average free spins wins.
- Hades Mode: The opposite is true here, with a lower chance to trigger free spins, but higher average wins when you do.
This dual-mode feature allows you to tailor your gameplay to your preferred risk and reward strategy. Both modes come with high volatility, but Hades mode takes it a step further, making it the more volatile of the two. The RTP (Return to Player) is 96.07% in Hades mode, while Olympus mode has a slightly lower RTP of 95.05%. There are even lower RTP options available, so always check the paytable before you start spinning.
Symbols and Paytable
The game features a 5×5 grid with 15 fixed paylines. Players can land regular wild symbols, which substitute for any regular pay symbol, to create winning combinations. The game’s symbols consist of:
- Low Pays: Card rank symbols (10-A) that offer up to 1x the bet for five of a kind.
- High Pays: Themed picture symbols representing Greek mythology, such as Pegasus and Cerberus, with payouts ranging from 2x to 20x for five of a kind.
Expanding Wilds with Multipliers
A highlight of Zeus vs Hades: Gods of War is the Expanding Wilds feature. Available in both the base game and the bonus round, the wilds can expand to cover an entire reel. These wilds come with multipliers ranging from x2 to x100, making it possible to score huge wins. A battle between Zeus and Hades takes place when these wilds land on the reels. The winner of the battle determines the multiplier applied to the wilds, which will then affect all wins passing through it. If multiple Expanding Wilds are involved in a win, their multipliers are added together, increasing the win potential significantly.
Free Spins and Bonus Features
In both game modes, hitting three scatter symbols on reels 1, 3, and 5 triggers 10 free spins. During the free spins round, any Expanding Wild that lands will remain in place until the feature ends. This feature can lead to some exciting combinations as wilds remain sticky and continue to multiply any wins that pass through them.
In addition to triggering free spins through regular gameplay, players can also purchase them using the Buy Free Spins option. The cost varies depending on the mode:
- Olympus Mode Free Spins are priced at 75x the bet (with an RTP of 96.04%).
- Hades Mode Free Spins are priced at 150x the bet (with an RTP of 96.14%).
- Any Mode Free Spins with a guaranteed Expanding Wild landing on the first free spin are available for 300x the bet (with RTPs ranging from 96.01% to 96.08%).
Max Win Potential
The max win in Zeus vs Hades: Gods of War is a staggering 15,000x your stake, which provides ample potential for players to walk away with massive prizes. Whether you’re playing in Auckland’s bustling casino scene or relaxing at home in Wellington, the chance to win big is always just one spin away.
Bonuses and Promotions
If you’re looking for additional value, New Zealand players can take advantage of some enticing casino bonuses. For instance:
- Melbet Bonus Code (VIVABONO): Get up to $1,750 in bonuses + 290 free spins for online casino slots.
- 1xSlots Bonus Code (VIVABONO): Enjoy a first deposit bonus of up to $450 + 100 free spins, along with a welcome package worth up to $2,150 + 550 free spins over the first four deposits.
Slot Verdict: A Mythological Showdown Worth Playing
Zeus vs Hades: Gods of War delivers a visually stunning and action-packed gaming experience. While the concept of gods battling it out isn’t new, Pragmatic Play does a good job of adding some new twists with the Expanding Wilds feature and dual game modes. However, the overall aesthetic, though beautiful, feels somewhat familiar. Nevertheless, for those looking for high volatility and substantial win potential, this game doesn’t disappoint.
While the clash between Zeus and Hades may seem like a simple sibling rivalry, it offers an exhilarating ride for players, with the potential for massive wins and plenty of action. For New Zealand players, whether you’re spinning from the coastal city of Dunedin or the heart of Auckland, Zeus vs Hades: Gods of War offers an entertaining experience that will keep you coming back for more.
Final Thoughts
Zeus vs Hades: Gods of War offers players a chance to choose their side in an epic battle of gods, with exciting features such as Expanding Wilds, high multipliers, and free spins. While the visuals may not be groundbreaking, the potential for big wins and the engaging mechanics make it an attractive option for both casual and seasoned players in New Zealand and beyond. If you’re a fan of mythology and high-stakes gameplay, this game is one you won’t want to miss.
