Pirates Pub (Pragmatic Play) Slot Review

Pirates Pub: Slot Overview 

Ahoy, matey! Pragmatic Play invites players to set sail into the whimsical world of Pirates Pub, a slot game that steers clear of stormy seas and instead offers a light-hearted, laid-back pirating adventure. Released on June 1, 2023, this game captures the charm of a pirate hideout while offering solid gameplay features. Played across a grid of 5 reels, 3 rows, and 9 paylines, Pirates Pub combines classic slot mechanics with a modern twist to deliver an experience that appeals to casual players and pirate enthusiasts alike. 

With a 96.03% RTP, high volatility, and the potential to win up to 5,000x the stake, this game brings a fair dose of treasure-hunting excitement. However, don’t expect the intensity of a high-stakes heist—Pirates Pub keeps things relatively relaxed. From its modest betting range of 0.18€ to 99€ to the charming visuals and straightforward features, this slot offers smooth sailing for most types of players.

Design and Graphics 

Pragmatic Play has opted for a whimsical take on pirate culture with Pirates Pub, leaning more towards a cheerful, cartoonish aesthetic than gritty realism. The game is set within a cozy wooden tavern filled with barrels of ale, golden coins, and pirate memorabilia, all of which create a welcoming atmosphere. The reels are framed with rustic wood, and the symbols include an array of pirate-themed icons: frothy beer mugs, crossed swords, coins, pirate hats, and bottles of grog. Special symbols include the Pirates Pub logo as the wild, which stands out with bright and bold colors, and the free spins trigger symbols adorned with the game’s logo. 

The overall visual style is charming and playful. The symbols are crisp, colorful, and easy to distinguish, making the game visually appealing without overwhelming the player. This design choice makes it ideal for those who enjoy vibrant slots with a lighthearted theme.

Gameplay Mechanics 

Pirates Pub uses a traditional 5-reel, 3-row layout with 9 fixed paylines—a familiar format that ensures simplicity and accessibility for all players. Winning combinations are formed by landing 3 to 5 matching symbols on a payline from left to right. 

The low-paying symbols consist of classic card suits (spades, hearts, diamonds, and clubs) styled to match the pirate theme. Meanwhile, the high-paying symbols—such as mugs of beer, bottles of rum, swords, pirate hats, and gold coins—offer better payouts. 

The wild symbol (Pirates Pub logo) substitutes for all regular pay symbols to help form winning combinations. Landing 5 wild symbols on a payline yields a reward of up to 55.56x the stake, making it one of the most valuable symbols in the game. 

While the base game feels fairly straightforward, it sets the stage for the game’s standout feature—the free spins bonus—where the real excitement begins.

Sound and Music 

The audio design in Pirates Pub complements its cheerful, laid-back theme perfectly. The background music features a jaunty, sea-shanty tune filled with light-hearted melodies that transport players to a lively pirate pub. The cheerful vibe keeps the mood relaxed, making the game feel less intense compared to high-stakes slots. 

During gameplay, the sounds of coins clinking, barrels rolling, and light wind effects add an immersive layer to the overall experience. Wins are celebrated with upbeat jingles, while the trigger for free spins is accompanied by a more dramatic tone, building anticipation for the bonus round.

Bonus Features 

Pirates Pub keeps things relatively simple in terms of bonus features, but the free spins round introduces a unique mechanic that spices up the gameplay. Free Spins 

The free spins round is activated when 3 or more wild symbols land on the reels during a base game spin. The number of free spins awarded depends on the number of triggering wilds: 

3 wilds: Awards 5-11 free spins 

4 wilds: Awards 8-11 free spins 

5 wilds: Awards 11-15 free spins 

The free spins feature unfolds in two stages: 

First Stage: 

Each triggering wild symbol highlights its grid position. If new wilds land during the free spins, they mark additional positions. 

Landing a wild in an already marked position upgrades it, adding multipliers of up to x5. 

Second Stage: 

Once all free spins are used, sticky wilds appear in all marked positions, and players receive an additional 2 to 5 free spins. 

During this stage, the sticky wilds carry over the previously upgraded multipliers, significantly increasing the win potential. 

This feature provides a thrilling progression as wild positions get upgraded, and the second stage of free spins delivers the possibility of substantial wins.

Betting Options and Payouts 

Pirates Pub caters to a broad range of players with a minimum bet of 0.18€ and a maximum of 99€ per spin. This flexibility ensures both budget-conscious players and high rollers can enjoy the game at their preferred stakes. 

The slot’s high volatility (5/5) means that wins may not occur frequently, but they can be substantial when they do hit. The game’s maximum win is capped at 5,000x the stake, which translates to a solid payout for lucky players. 

Here’s a breakdown of key payout details: 

• RTP: 96.03% (default), which is slightly above average for modern slots. 

• Hit Frequency: Approximately 1 in 3.64 spins, providing decent chances for regular wins. 

• Max Win: 5,000x the stake. 

• Free Spins Frequency: Triggered approximately 1 in 141 spins, keeping the bonus round relatively attainable. 

The game’s wild symbol offers the highest base game payout, with 55.56x the stake awarded for landing 5 wilds on a payline. High-paying symbols like swords and beer mugs provide decent returns, while low-paying card suit symbols keep the smaller wins flowing. 

Conclusion 

Pirates Pub by Pragmatic Play is a charming and easy-going slot that offers a refreshing break from more intense, feature-packed games. While it may not blow players away with innovation, its simple mechanics, cheerful theme, and rewarding free spins feature provide enough excitement to keep things interesting. 

The game’s two-stage free spins round is the real highlight, introducing sticky wilds and multipliers that can lead to substantial payouts. With a high volatility rating and a max win potential of 5,000x the stake, Pirates Pub holds enough treasure to satisfy players willing to take a risk. 

However, the game’s lack of base game features and overall simplicity might not appeal to those seeking more complex gameplay. For players who enjoy relaxed slots with a charming theme, Pirates Pub is a solid choice for an entertaining session. 

Final Verdict: Pirates Pub offers smooth sailing for casual players looking for lighthearted fun and the potential for rewarding free spins. While it may not rank among Pragmatic Play’s most innovative slots, it delivers a cheerful and straightforward experience that’s worth a spin for any pirate enthusiast.