Sword of Ares by Pragmatic Play

Step into the realm of ancient Greek mythology with Pragmatic Play’s Sword of Ares, a thrilling slot game that brings the power of the God of War to your screen. Released in October 2022, this 6-reel, 5-row slot with a pays-anywhere mechanic offers players an epic adventure filled with cascading wins, explosive multipliers, and the potential for godly rewards. With its stunning visuals, immersive soundtrack, and a maximum win potential of 10,000x your stake, Sword of Ares promises an exhilarating gaming experience that will captivate both mythology enthusiasts and slot aficionados alike.

Game Info

Feature	Data
Provider	Pragmatic Play
Release Date	October 27, 2022
Game Type	Video Slot
Theme	Ancient Greek, Mythology
Reel Layout	6×5
Paylines	Pays Anywhere (Scatter Pays)
RTP	96.40% (Base Game), 96.39% (Buy Feature)
Volatility	High (5/5)
Max Win	10,000x stake
Min Bet	$0.20 / £0.20 / €0.20
Max Bet	$100 / £100 / €100
Features	Tumble Feature, Multiplier Collection, Free Spins, Bonus Buy (non-UK)
Free Spins	15 Free Spins
Multipliers	Up to 500x during Free Spins
Special Symbols	Ares Scatter, Bomb Symbols (Red, Blue, Green, Pink)
Bonus Buy Cost	100x bet
Mobile Compatible	Yes
Languages	Multiple

Theme

Sword of Ares transports players to the realm of ancient Greek mythology, focusing on Ares, the formidable God of War. Released by Pragmatic Play in October 2022, this slot game immerses players in a celestial battleground where divine power and mortal fate intertwine. The game’s narrative draws inspiration from legendary tales, featuring iconic symbols like winged helmets, chariots, and the titular sword of Ares. This mythological theme resonates throughout the gameplay, offering an epic adventure that rivals cinematic portrayals of Greek legends.

Graphics, Sound, and Animation

Visually, Sword of Ares is a feast for the eyes, with a stunning backdrop of celestial temples atop Mount Olympus and reels set within a majestic ancient structure. The color palette, dominated by ethereal blues and regal golds, creates an atmosphere of divine grandeur. Ares himself stands imposingly to the right of the reels, brandishing his sword and shield, coming to life with dynamic animations during significant wins. The game’s audio complements the visual spectacle, featuring a rousing soundtrack reminiscent of epic war films set in ancient Greece. The sound effects, from the clash of symbols to Ares’ occasional voice samples, add depth to the immersive experience. While some players might find the visuals slightly less cutting-edge compared to the latest 3D slots, the overall presentation successfully captures the essence of Greek mythology and maintains engagement throughout the gameplay.

Pros and Cons of Sword of Ares

Sword of Ares Slot Features

Sword of Ares by Pragmatic Play offers a thrilling array of features that enhance gameplay and boost winning potential. These innovative mechanics work together to create an engaging and potentially lucrative slot experience. Let’s delve into the key features that make this game stand out:

Tumble Feature

The Tumble Feature in Sword of Ares adds an exciting dynamic to each spin. When a winning combination occurs, all winning symbols vanish from the reels, allowing new symbols to cascade down and fill the empty spaces. This process continues indefinitely until no new winning combinations form, potentially leading to multiple consecutive wins from a single spin. The Tumble Feature not only extends gameplay but also increases the potential for substantial payouts, as each tumble provides another opportunity to form winning combinations without additional cost to the player.

Multiplier Collection

The Multiplier Collection is a central mechanic that significantly enhances winning potential. Above the reels, a meter displays locked multiplier values. As winning symbols accumulate during tumbles, they contribute to unlocking these multipliers. In the base game, three multiplier levels can be unlocked:

• First multiplier (2x, 3x, or 4x) unlocks at 20 collected symbols
• Second multiplier (5x to 8x) unlocks at 50 collected symbols
• Third multiplier (9x to 15x) unlocks at 100 collected symbols

During free spins, this feature expands to six levels with even higher values, culminating in a potential 500x multiplier. The highest unlocked multiplier is applied to the total win at the end of a tumble sequence, dramatically boosting payouts.

Bomb Symbols

Four types of special Bomb symbols can appear on the reels: Horizontal, Vertical, Cross, and X-shaped. When these symbols land, they explode, removing symbols in their respective patterns. This not only clears the board for potential new wins but also adds the removed symbols to the Multiplier Collection meter, accelerating the unlocking of higher multipliers. In the base game, Bomb symbols only explode if at least one cascade has occurred on the same spin, adding an extra layer of strategy to the gameplay.

Free Spins

The Free Spins feature is triggered by landing four or more Ares Scatter symbols, awarding 15 free spins. During this bonus round, the Multiplier Collection feature is enhanced with six progressively higher multiplier values:

• First multiplier (2x to 4x) unlocks at 15 collected symbols
• Second multiplier (5x to 8x) unlocks at 30 collected symbols
• Third multiplier (9x to 15x) unlocks at 45 collected symbols
• Fourth multiplier (16x to 32x) unlocks at 60 collected symbols
• Fifth multiplier (35x to 100x) unlocks at 100 collected symbols
• Sixth multiplier (150x to 500x) unlocks at 225 collected symbols

This feature can be retriggered, offering extended opportunities for substantial wins.

Pays Anywhere Mechanic

Sword of Ares utilizes a pays anywhere system instead of traditional paylines. Winning combinations are formed when eight or more matching symbols appear anywhere on the reels, regardless of their position. This mechanic increases the chances of hitting winning combinations on each spin, with payouts increasing for 10-11 and 12-30 matching symbols in view.

Ante Bet

For players seeking heightened excitement, the Ante Bet feature allows them to increase their stake for enhanced gameplay. This option boosts the potential multipliers in the collection meter, offering a risk-reward dynamic for those willing to wager more. At 2x ante bet, multipliers in the collection meter rise up to 50x, while 4x ante bet pushes multipliers to 150x.

Bonus Buy

In jurisdictions where allowed, players can opt to purchase direct entry into the free spins round by paying a 100x bet fee. This feature caters to impatient players willing to pay a premium to skip the base game and dive straight into the potentially most lucrative part of the slot.

Game Rules

Sword of Ares, released by Pragmatic Play in October 2022, offers a unique gameplay experience with its 6×5 grid and pays-anywhere mechanic. The slot combines tumbling reels, multiplier collections, and special bomb symbols to create an engaging and potentially lucrative adventure in ancient Greek mythology.

Basics

Sword of Ares, released by Pragmatic Play in October 2022, is a high-volatility video slot that brings the might of the Greek god of war to your screen. Set on a 6×5 grid, this game utilizes a scatter pays mechanic, where winning combinations are formed by landing 8 or more matching symbols anywhere on the reels. With an RTP of 96.40% and a maximum win potential of 10,000x the stake, Sword of Ares offers an exciting gaming experience for both casual players and high rollers. The game features a minimum bet of 0.20 and a maximum bet of 100, catering to a wide range of budgets.

Symbols

The symbol set in Sword of Ares is divided into low-paying and high-paying categories, all themed around ancient Greek warfare and precious gems. The lower-value symbols are represented by five gemstones in different colors: purple, blue, green, pink, and turquoise. The high-paying symbols include iconic items associated with Ares: a sword, a shield, a chariot, and a helmet. The most valuable regular symbol is the helmet, which can pay up to 20x the bet for 12 or more in view. The game also features a scatter symbol depicting Ares himself, which not only triggers the free spins feature but also offers payouts of up to 100x the bet for landing 6 on the reels. Additionally, players should look out for special bomb symbols that can appear during any spin, exploding to remove symbols and potentially triggering cascades and multipliers.

Paytable

The Sword of Ares slot features a diverse paytable with symbols inspired by ancient Greek warfare and precious gems. Wins are formed by landing 8 or more matching symbols anywhere on the 6×5 grid, with payouts increasing for larger clusters.

Symbol	Description	Price Range 12-30	Price Range 10-11	Price Range 8-9
	Helmet (Red/Gold)	$40.00	$12.00	$8.00
	Ring (Green/Gold)	$20.00	$8.00	$5.00
	Circle (Purple/Gold)	$15.00	$6.00	$4.00
	Sword (Blue/Gold)	$10.00	$4.00	$3.00
	Octagon (Blue)	$6.00	$2.40	$2.00
	Hexagon (Red)	$5.00	$2.00	$1.60
	Triangle (Green)	$4.00	$1.60	$1.00
	Pentagon (Blue)	$3.00	$1.20	$0.80
	Diamond (Purple)	$2.00	$0.80	$0.50

Demo Version

For those eager to experience the thrills of ancient Greek warfare without risking real money, the Sword of Ares demo is available at the top of this page. This free-play version offers all the excitement of the full game, allowing players to explore the tumbling reels, multiplier collections, and bomb symbols risk-free. The Sword of Ares demo is an excellent opportunity to familiarize yourself with the game’s mechanics, test different betting strategies, and enjoy the stunning visuals and sound effects without any financial commitment. Whether you’re a seasoned slot enthusiast or new to the world of online gaming, trying the demo is a smart way to determine if Sword of Ares aligns with your playing style before wagering real money.

How to Play Sword of Ares

Playing Sword of Ares is an exciting adventure into the realm of ancient Greek mythology. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this thrilling slot game:

Step 1: Set Your Bet

Before spinning the reels, it’s crucial to set your bet size. Click on the plus and minus buttons next to the bet display to adjust your wager. Sword of Ares offers a wide betting range, starting from a minimum of 0.20 and going up to a maximum of 100 per spin. This flexibility allows both casual players and high rollers to find a comfortable betting level. Remember, while higher bets can lead to bigger wins, they also deplete your bankroll faster, so always gamble responsibly and within your means.

Step 2: Understand the Paytable

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the paytable by clicking the ‘i’ button. Sword of Ares uses a pays-anywhere system, which means wins are formed by landing 8 or more matching symbols anywhere on the 6×5 grid. The paytable displays the values for each symbol, with the helmet being the highest-paying regular symbol. Understanding symbol values and win conditions will help you make informed decisions during gameplay and appreciate the significance of each spin’s outcome.

Step 3: Spin the Reels

Once you’ve set your bet and understood the paytable, it’s time to spin the reels. Click the large circular spin button to set the game in motion. As the reels spin, watch for clusters of matching symbols to form. Remember, you need at least 8 matching symbols anywhere on the grid to form a winning combination. The anticipation builds with each spin as you hope for Ares to favor your fortunes.

Step 4: Utilize the Tumble Feature

After each win, the Tumble Feature comes into play. Winning symbols will explode and be removed from the grid, allowing new symbols to fall from above to fill the gaps. This cascade effect can potentially create new winning combinations, leading to a chain reaction of wins from a single spin. The Tumble Feature continues until no new winning combinations are formed, maximizing your winning potential from each paid spin.

Step 5: Watch for Bomb Symbols

Keep a keen eye out for the special bomb symbols that can appear on the reels. These powerful symbols come in four types: Horizontal, Vertical, Cross, and X-shaped. When they land, they explode, removing symbols in their respective patterns. This not only clears the board for potential new wins but also adds the removed symbols to the Multiplier Collection meter. Bomb symbols only detonate if at least one cascade has occurred on the same spin, adding an extra layer of strategy to the gameplay.

Step 6: Collect Multipliers

As you accumulate winning symbols during tumbles, you’ll unlock multipliers displayed above the reels. In the base game, there are three multiplier levels to unlock:

• First multiplier (2x, 3x, or 4x) unlocks at 20 collected symbols
• Second multiplier (5x to 8x) unlocks at 50 collected symbols
• Third multiplier (9x to 15x) unlocks at 100 collected symbols
  The highest unlocked multiplier is applied to your total win at the end of a tumble sequence, significantly boosting your payout potential.

Step 7: Trigger Free Spins

The key to unlocking Sword of Ares’ most lucrative feature is landing 4 or more Ares scatter symbols anywhere on the reels. This triggers 15 free spins, transporting you to a bonus round where the winning potential is amplified. During free spins, the Multiplier Collection feature is enhanced with six progressively higher multiplier values, offering the chance for truly epic wins.

Step 8: Maximize Free Spins

Once in the free spins round, your goal is to collect as many winning symbols as possible to unlock the highest multipliers. The free spins feature offers six multiplier levels:

• First multiplier (2x to 4x) unlocks at 15 collected symbols
• Second multiplier (5x to 8x) unlocks at 30 collected symbols
• Third multiplier (9x to 15x) unlocks at 45 collected symbols
• Fourth multiplier (16x to 32x) unlocks at 60 collected symbols
• Fifth multiplier (35x to 100x) unlocks at 100 collected symbols
• Sixth multiplier (150x to 500x) unlocks at 225 collected symbols
  Aim to unlock the highest multipliers possible to maximize your winnings during this bonus round.

Step 9: Consider the Ante Bet

For players seeking even more excitement, the Ante Bet feature allows you to increase your stake for enhanced gameplay. This option boosts the potential multipliers in the collection meter, offering a risk-reward dynamic. At 2x ante bet, multipliers in the collection meter rise up to 50x, while 4x ante bet pushes multipliers to 150x. While this increases your bet size, it also amplifies your winning potential, adding an extra layer of thrill to each spin.

Step 10: Use the Bonus Buy (Where Available)

In jurisdictions where it’s allowed, Sword of Ares offers a Bonus Buy feature. This allows you to purchase direct entry into the free spins round for 100x your base bet. While this comes at a premium, it caters to players who prefer to skip the base game and dive straight into the potentially most lucrative part of the slot. However, always consider your budget and gambling limits before using this feature, as it represents a significant increase in your stake.

Top Casinos for Playing Sword of Ares

If you’re ready to wield the Sword of Ares and test your luck with real money, we’ve got you covered with some excellent casino recommendations. These top-rated online casinos not only feature the thrilling Sword of Ares slot but also offer enticing welcome bonuses to boost your initial bankroll. From generous deposit matches to free spins packages, these casinos provide a great starting point for your mythological adventure. Remember to always gamble responsibly and within your means as you chase those godly wins.

Similar Slots

If you enjoy Sword of Ares, you might want to try these similar games that offer comparable gameplay mechanics and mythological themes:

• Gates of Olympus (Pragmatic Play): A popular slot with cascading reels and multipliers set in the realm of Greek gods.
• Starlight Princess (Pragmatic Play): An anime-inspired game featuring similar pay-anywhere mechanics and multiplier collections.
• Sweet Bonanza (Pragmatic Play): A candy-themed slot with tumbling reels and free spins that shares the scatter pays system.

Verdict: Is Sword of Ares worth playing?

Sword of Ares, released by Pragmatic Play in October 2022, offers an exciting and visually appealing slot experience that’s worth trying for both mythology enthusiasts and slot aficionados. With its high volatility and impressive 10,000x max win potential, it caters to players who enjoy high-risk, high-reward gameplay. The game’s unique features, including the Multiplier Collection and Tumble mechanics, provide engaging gameplay that sets it apart from its predecessors like Gates of Olympus.

However, the game may not appeal to everyone. Some players might find the base game less exciting compared to similar titles, as building up multipliers can take time. The free spins feature is where the game truly shines, offering the potential for massive wins with multipliers up to 500x.

Overall, Sword of Ares is a solid addition to Pragmatic Play’s portfolio, offering a fresh take on the scatter pays mechanic. While it may not dethrone fan favorites, it’s certainly worth playing for those seeking a new mythological adventure with the potential for godly rewards. Just remember to check the RTP setting at your chosen casino, as it can vary from 94.44% to 96.40%.

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