Big Bad Wolf: Pigs of Steel (Quickspin) Slot Review

Big Bad Wolf: Pigs of Steel – Slot Overview 

Quickspin’s Big Bad Wolf: Pigs of Steel is the latest addition to the beloved Big Bad Wolf series, which began its journey in the mid-2010s. Drawing inspiration from the classic fable The Three Little Pigs, this game builds upon the legacy of earlier hits like Big Bad Wolf Megaways and Big Bad Wolf Christmas Special. Released on November 14, 2023, this highly volatile slot breathes fresh life into the series with updated mechanics, charming visuals, and an impressive max win of 18,000x the stake. 

While staying true to the series’ roots, Pigs of Steel adds new twists that make it stand out—particularly the integration of protected symbols, Piggy Wilds, and tiered bonus rounds. It’s a seamless mix of old and new, offering a robust gameplay experience that caters to long-time fans while attracting a fresh audience.

Design and Graphics 

Visually, Big Bad Wolf: Pigs of Steel continues Quickspin’s tradition of delivering polished, storybook-inspired aesthetics. The reels are housed in a straw-framed structure, surrounded by rolling hills, quaint cottages, and a gently turning windmill—instantly evoking a sense of pastoral peace. It’s not exactly the same viewpoint as seen in previous titles, but the bucolic charm remains untouched.The game features delightful animations and detailed character design. The three pigs—the red, green, and blue brothers—return in both standard and wild forms, each with playful expressions and smooth transitions. The Big Bad Wolf lurks ominously off to the side, hinting at chaos to come. 

Symbol design is cohesive and thematic: axes, trowels, and building tools accompany classic 10–A royals. The pig symbols are the highest-paying characters, and when turned into Piggy Wilds, they retain their appearance while glowing with enhanced energy.

Gameplay Mechanics 

Pigs of Steel plays on a 5×3 reel grid with 25 fixed paylines, paying left to right starting from reel one. The mechanics are deceptively simple at first glance but unfold into a complex, feature-rich system upon further play. 

A core aspect is the Tumbling Reels system: after every win, the winning symbols disappear and are replaced by new ones falling from above. This allows for multiple wins on a single spin. The tumble cycle continues until no new win is formed. 

As part of this cascading system, Pigs of Steel introduces a new mechanic—Protected Pig Symbols. After 3 piggy symbols are removed via tumbles, protection level 1 is activated. After 6 removals, protection level 2 is triggered. Protected pigs won’t be removed in future tumbles unless their protection is exhausted, adding a strategic layer to symbol persistence.

Sound and Music 

The audio in Pigs of Steel is equally charming and immersive. Ambient sounds of the countryside—chirping birds, wind, and distant farm noises—set a serene backdrop for the game. The soundtrack picks up pace during tumbles and bonus features, with lively banjo riffs and whimsical tunes giving the action an upbeat flair. 

Sound effects are crisp and thematic. Wins are accompanied by clangs and pops, while special features—like transforming Piggy Wilds or collecting Moon symbols—trigger satisfying musical cues and animations. The voice snippets from the pigs and the wolf bring personality to the characters without overwhelming the experience.

Bonus Features 

This title is packed with interactive and layered features, ensuring every session feels dynamic and engaging.Tumbling Reels 

As described, symbols fall away and get replaced after each win. This tumble chain is the foundation for most of the game’s features, including Piggy Wild activations and symbol protections. 

Piggy Wilds 

After 2, 4, and 6 consecutive tumbles, the red, green, and blue pigs transform into Piggy Wilds, respectively. These wilds substitute for all regular symbols and can lead to high-value combinations. Regular wilds on their own pay 40x the stake for five of a kind, while pig wilds mimic their base counterpart’s value. 

Pigs of Steel Mechanic 

Pig symbols gain protective shields during gameplay. When 3 are removed via tumbles, the first level of protection is applied. After 6, the second level activates. These shields prevent the pigs from being removed again until their protection wears off, giving them a strategic durability during sequences. 

Bonus Games 

Landing 3, 4, or 5 scatter symbols activates one of three bonus rounds: 

Bonus Game – 10 free spins, with Pigs of Steel and Piggy Wild meters that reset between spins. 

Super Bonus Game – 10 free spins, but the Pigs of Steel meter persists between spins while the Piggy Wild meter resets. 

Ultra Bonus Game – 10 free spins where both meters persist throughout the feature. 

Each bonus tier starts with a random x1, x2, or x3 multiplier. Additionally, Moon Symbols can be collected: 

3 Moons = +2 free spins + double win multiplier 

6 Moons = +2 more free spins + double multiplier again 

This progressive feature means the potential escalates with every Moon symbol collected. 

Buy Feature 

Players can shortcut into the bonus rounds using the Buy Feature:60x the bet for 3+ scatter symbols (Bonus Game, RTP 96.41%) 

240x the bet for 4+ scatter symbols (Improved Bonus Game, RTP 96.78%) 

While expensive, these buys offer immediate access to the slot’s most exciting features and increase the likelihood of hitting substantial rewards.

Betting Options and Payouts 

Big Bad Wolf: Pigs of Steel allows bets from €0.20 to €100, making it accessible to both casual players and high rollers. The game offers a 96.14% RTP at its default level, with four RTP models available depending on the market or feature buy choice. 

The volatility is rated high (5/5), so payouts may be infrequent but substantial. The highest paying base game combination is five wilds, offering 40x the stake, while a full screen of premium pigs can return up to 25x per line. The true star, however, is the maximum win potential of 18,000x, achievable through high multipliers in the Ultra Bonus Game.

Conclusion 

Big Bad Wolf: Pigs of Steel is a masterclass in how to evolve a beloved franchise without sacrificing its charm. Quickspin has retained everything players love about the series—its cozy visuals, pig-to-wild transformations, and fairy tale whimsy—while layering in exciting new mechanics that elevate the gameplay. 

From the Tumbling Reels and Piggy Wilds to the strategic Pigs of Steel protections and three-tiered Bonus Games, every element feels thoughtful and impactful. The Moon Symbol system adds another level of anticipation, and the game’s 18,000x win cap ensures that the thrills aren’t just thematic—they’re financially rewarding too. 

While the bonus game buy-ins can feel steep, the layered features and dynamic mechanics make every spin feel worthwhile. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Big Bad Wolf saga or new to the franchise, Pigs of Steel is a must-try. It’s a polished, well-balanced slot that captures the magic of the original while building something even stronger—like a house of steel.