Pub Kings

Pub Kings Casinos

Becoming the king of a pub might not seem like the loftiest of titles, but in Pub Kings by Pragmatic Play, it’s a crown worth chasing—at least in the context of this Viking-themed slot. This game takes a light-hearted spin on what Vikings might have done when they weren’t pillaging and plundering across the seas: knocking back a few ales at the local tavern after a long day of being some of the most formidable warriors of the Middle Ages.

But don’t expect a gritty, historically accurate depiction of Viking life here. Pub Kings is all about fun and good vibes, set in a charmingly cheerful corner of Viking territory on what looks to be a perfect day. The sun is shining, the sky is clear, and a sturdy stone-built Viking pub sits proudly atop a windswept hill, beckoning players to come and join the festivities. The game’s load screen even features a progress bar that fills with bubbly amber liquid, setting the tone for the jovial experience that lies ahead.

Once the game kicks off, it’s like stepping into a lively weekend gathering with friends, where the atmosphere is warm and inviting. In Pub Kings, Pragmatic Play has crafted one of their most upbeat and spirited slots in recent memory, offering players a delightful escape to a Viking world that’s more about celebrating than conquering.

Cracking open Pub Kings like a stubborn bottle cap reveals the inner mechanics that drive the game. At its core is a highly volatile math model, offering a return to player (RTP) of 96.08% in the base game, slightly reduced to 96.05% if you opt to buy the free spins feature. As with many Pragmatic Play slots, lower RTP versions might be available, so it’s worth checking depending on where you play. Betting options range from a modest 20 p/c to a more adventurous $/€240 per spin, making it accessible for both casual players and high rollers. If you’re eager to jump straight into the bonus action, you can do so at a cost of 100 times your stake.

The action unfolds on a 5×4 grid with 20 paylines, where wins are generated from left to right, starting on the leftmost reel. The game features ten symbols—five lower-value card ranks (10-A) and five higher-value Viking characters. Landing a 5-symbol winning combination rewards you with payouts ranging from 5 to 15 times your bet for the card symbols, and 25 to 150 times your bet for the Viking characters. Interestingly, Pub Kings does away with a wild symbol, but it includes a scatter that can land on reels 1, 3, and 5, setting the stage for triggering the game’s special features.

Pub Kings: Slot Features

In Pub Kings, the scatter symbol does double duty, not only triggering the free spins feature but also potentially activating the Random Awards feature. When exactly two scatters land on the reels, there’s a chance you’ll trigger this feature, though it’s not guaranteed—it seems to be a bit of a surprise element. When it does kick in, the two scatters will select a reel, and each reel has its own set of possible rewards, ranging across seven levels, which all add different multipliers to your original bet:

	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Level 4	Level 5	Level 6	Level 7
Reel 1	10x	25x	125x	250x	600x	1,000x	5,000x
Reel 2	6x	15x	45x	200x	400x	800x	2,500x
Reel 3	4x	10x	30x	150x	300x	600x	1,500x
Reel 4	3x	8x	25x	60x	150x	300x	750x
Reel 5	2x	6x	20x	50x	125x	250x	500x

Free Spins

Landing 3 scatters on the reels will trigger 10 free spins. During this feature, each of the five high-paying Viking symbols is linked to a specific reel. After every spin, all instances of the high-pay symbols are collected on their corresponding reel. Once you collect 6 of the same symbol on a reel, it activates Level 1 for that reel. Gathering 3 more symbols of the same type boosts the Level up to a maximum of 7.

At the end of the free spins round, the symbol with the most collected beers determines the award payout based on the highest level it achieved during the feature. If there’s a tie between symbols, the highest value award is given. It’s worth noting that free spins cannot be retriggered, so you’ll want to make the most of each spin.

Pub Kings: Slot Verdict

Pragmatic Play is known for cranking out slots at an impressive pace, and it’s easy to wonder if this rapid production might come at the expense of quality. However, Pub Kings proves that speed doesn’t always mean sacrificing substance. While the game isn’t a complex puzzle filled with intricate twists and turns, it manages to deliver a satisfying experience with a blend of clever features that keep the gameplay engaging and, at times, pretty intense.

The tension builds more in the free spins round, but even in the base game, the Random Awards feature can deliver some solid prizes. When those 2 scatters land and trigger the feature, the anticipation of selecting a reel and uncovering a reward adds a nice burst of excitement. However, the real action kicks in during the free spins, where Pub Kings truly shines as a collector’s dream.

There’s a dual-layered race happening—on one hand, you’re trying to collect as many high-pay symbols as possible to level up, and on the other, you’re gathering beers to determine which reel will emerge victorious. The outcome is uncertain until the final spin, making for a thrilling back-and-forth as the characters level up and their rewards grow, all leading up to a potential win cap of 5,000x your bet.

While Pub Kings might not pack the punch or sophistication of some of Pragmatic Play’s more ambitious titles, it’s still a fun ride. There’s definite entertainment value here for players who enjoy collection mechanics, Viking themes, and the overall lively vibe the game brings. It’s a lighthearted, enjoyable slot that celebrates the thrill of the chase—whether it’s for riches, glory, or just another round of drinks.