Merlin's Grimoire (Play'n Go) Slot Review

Merlin’s Grimoire: Slot Overview 

Merlin’s Grimoire, released on July 7, 2022, continues Play’n GO’s enduring love affair with Arthurian legends and “book-style” mechanics—but with a powerful twist. In this visually lush and mechanically rich title, players join a young Merlin as he uncovers ancient secrets from his spellbook, or grimoire. While the slot retains the core features of the popular “book” genre—expanding symbols and free spins—it innovates with splitting symbols and an ever-expanding number of ways to win, reaching up to a jaw-dropping 7,776 paylines. 

With high volatility, a formidable 30,000x max win potential, and a design that echoes prequels like Rise of Merlin and Merlin and the Ice Queen Morgana, this game elevates the franchise with a more layered, dynamic experience. The addition of splitting symbols—previously a hallmark of titles like Prism of Gems or Nolimit City’s collection—makes this a must-try for anyone who loves slot mechanics with serious win potential and strategic depth.

Design and Graphics 

Set in a mystical, overgrown temple in the heart of an enchanted forest, Merlin’s Grimoire leans into natural magic rather than flamboyant wizardry. Don’t expect fireballs or explosions; this is a subtler take, using glowing glyphs, ancient stonework, and atmospheric lighting to create a sense of mystery and arcane knowledge. The visual style is serene but immersive—less Harry Potter, more Druidic legend. The symbols are detailed and well-crafted. Low-paying icons take the form of colored arcane tokens with elemental runes. High-paying symbols include scrolls, potions, gemstones, and Merlin himself, who appears more youthful and contemplative than in previous Play’n GO appearances. The game’s centerpiece is the Grimoire symbol, doubling as both wild and scatter, and it animates with a magical pulse when active. 

Overall, the design is elegant and cohesive, proving once again that Play’n GO rarely delivers anything that isn’t polished.

Gameplay Mechanics 

Merlin’s Grimoire plays out on a 5-reel, 3-row grid that supports 243 ways to win by default. Wins are achieved by landing matching symbols on adjacent reels from left to right—no paylines are necessary. But here’s where things get interesting: the number of ways to win can multiply significantly through the game’s splitting symbols mechanic. 

At any time during the base game, reels 2, 3, or 4 can become active splitting reels. When this happens, any symbol landing on those reels can split into two, doubling the number of symbols on that reel and massively boosting the number of potential win combinations. In total, it’s possible to reach a staggering 7,776 ways to win if all five reels split simultaneously during the free spins feature. 

This adds a powerful layer of unpredictability and tension, as each spin holds the potential to blow the game wide open—especially if combined with expanding symbols.

Sound and Music 

The audio design in Merlin’s Grimoire is subtle, mystical, and effective. The soundtrack features ambient chimes, forest whispers, and soft harp melodies that enhance the magical woodland vibe. During spins, sound effects are muted and airy, keeping the tone reflective and mysterious rather than frantic. 

When free spins or big wins hit, the music swells with orchestral drama, ramping up the excitement without ever breaking immersion. The Grimoire symbol has its own magical audio cue, letting you know that something significant is happening the moment it appears. 

It’s a well-balanced soundscape that complements the game’s slower, more methodical pace.

Bonus Features 

Splitting Symbols 

This mechanic is what sets Merlin’s Grimoire apart. On any base game spin, 1–3 of the middle reels may become active and split symbols in two. In free spins, all five reels are capable of splitting, unlocking the maximum 7,776 win ways. Split symbols count as multiple symbols on a single reel, significantly boosting win potential—especially when paired with the special expanding symbols during free spins. Free Spins 

Triggered by landing 3, 4, or 5 Grimoire symbols, the free spins feature awards 10 free spins and a payout of 0.8x, 1.6x, or 4x your stake, respectively. 

Before the bonus round begins, one pay symbol is randomly selected to be the special expanding symbol. When enough of this symbol lands to form a win, it expands to cover its entire reel, pays from any position, and doesn’t need to be adjacent to other matching symbols. All reels can split during free spins, and the splitting + expanding combo is where the game’s full power lies. 

The ideal scenario? Land five special expanding symbols, across five splitting reels—that’s when the 30,000x max win comes into play.

Betting Options and Payouts 

Merlin’s Grimoire caters to a wide range of players with betting options from €0.10 to €100 per spin. Despite its accessible lower limit, the game is clearly built for high-risk, high-reward fans. The RTP is listed as 96.00% at its highest setting, though operators may offer lower versions, so always double-check before playing. 

Low-paying symbols return 0.8x to 1x the stake for five-of-a-kind. High-paying symbols—scrolls, bottles, gems, and Merlin—reward up to 4x the stake. While these values seem modest, they make sense when you factor in the game’s ways-to-win model and the explosive power of splitting and expanding symbols. 

The maximum win is 30,000x, which places Merlin’s Grimoire among Play’n GO’s highest-paying slots. However, due to the complexity of aligning all the features perfectly, wins of that magnitude are rare.

Conclusion 

Merlin’s Grimoire is a cleverly constructed slot that delivers something rare: a fresh take on the “Book” genre. While it borrows elements from classics like Book of Dead—expanding symbols, free spins, wild/scatter hybrids—it separates itself with the splitting symbol mechanic. The ability to exponentially increase win ways from 243 up to 7,776 injects an exciting, unpredictable dynamic into a well-worn formula. 

Visually, it’s a feast of subdued enchantment. Mechanically, it’s rewarding but demanding—requiring patience and luck to see its full potential. Casual players may find the game’s complexity or slow base game pace a bit challenging, but those who appreciate feature synergy and the thrill of chasing massive wins will be right at home. 

This is not a slot for instant gratification, but for those willing to put in the spins, Merlin’s Grimoire has the magical chops to produce something extraordinary.