The new jungle is calling, and its golden temples shine brighter than ever: 3 Oaks Gaming has released a sequel to its successful hit — Aztec Fire 2: Hold and Win. From the first seconds you hear the rumble of the volcano and the whisper of spirits, while blazing torches illuminate stone carvings. This slot does more than copy the original — it expands the mechanics and, most importantly, delivers new gameplay depth. In this review we climb every level of the stone pyramid: we will study the base mechanics, break down the bonus features, calculate the odds in the paytable, discuss bankroll-management strategies and show you how to launch demo mode with one click. Ascend the steps of the Aztec pyramid — it guards treasures that would make even the Spanish conquistadors jealous.
Into the Heart of the Volcano: General Slot Overview
Aztec Fire 2 is a modern video slot that combines a classic 5 × 4 grid with the dynamics of Hold & Win. The developer targeted the “high-volt” segment — high-volatility games where most of the value is packed into bonus rounds. The RTP range varies from 95.70 % to 96.02 % depending on the operator, and the stated bonus-game trigger frequency is about 1 in 148 spins. The figure looks impressive, but big-win hunters love those rare, hefty payouts.
The slot is built on the modern React-Gaming 2.0 engine: it loads textures in 4K resolution, and the frame rate adapts to any device — desktop PC, Android smartphone or iPhone. Visually, the game feels deeper: stone stelae flash with a mercury sheen on a win, and when Scatters pour out the sands of time, the camera gives a slight “shake”, conveying a seismic wave. The sound is another story: tribal drums were finally recorded live, with no synth, and the background chirp of cicadas creates a unique nocturnal atmosphere.
Slot Type
We have a bright representative of "Hold and Win" slots. If the first part had a three-level bonus, the sequel adds two more locked rows that open as the session progresses — hugely affecting the average bonus value. The developer has integrated row multipliers into the internal math, so the “holds” aim not just to fill the field but to do so with a specific, potentially more expensive goal. The average combined payout for a bonus (including jackpots but excluding Royal) is 75× the total bet, and the hit-rate coefficient over 1,000 simulated sessions stays around 34 %. The plus is that the mechanic is easy to grasp for any player level: three respins — counter reset — keep going.
How the Drums Dance: Basic Rules of Play
The 5 × 4 field forms 20 fixed lines. This number wasn’t chosen at random: it balances the frequency of “minnows” (J–A chains) with the chance to land a line of Wilds or high-paying animals.
The dynamic paytable is a powerful UX tool: by changing the coin value you immediately see future winnings. This “transparent” approach helps control your bankroll and spares you mental calculations.
- Payouts left to right. A combination starts from the far-left reel; otherwise the symbols don’t count.
- Win sum. If different lines intersect, the total prize is the sum of all lines.
- Only the top line. When two combos appear on one line, the higher-paying set is paid.
- Scatter — a free artist. It pays anywhere and is added to line wins, creating a “double cascade”.
Practical example. With a €1 bet and three Wilds + two shamans on an active line you get €3.00 (Wild combo) — shamans are ignored because Wilds pay more. Meanwhile three Scatters on other reels add €6.00 and trigger free spins.
What the Symbols Pay: The Treasure-Laden Paytable
| Symbol | 3 symbols | 4 symbols | 5 symbols |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pyramid (Scatter) | 6.00 | — | — |
| Aztec Girl (Wild) | 3.00 | 15.00 | 60.00 |
| Aztec Shaman | 1.20 | 6.00 | 18.00 |
| Puma | 1.05 | 5.25 | 15.00 |
| Toucan | 0.90 | 4.50 | 12.00 |
| Frog | 0.75 | 3.75 | 9.00 |
| A, K, Q, J | 0.30 | 0.75 | 1.50 |
The values are given for the minimum total bet of 1 unit; the table scales proportionally.
What can we “read” from the table? First, the step between premium and “letter” symbols is fairly smooth. This means that even frequent small wins partially offset a series of dead spins. Second, the Wild is not only a “joker” but also the most expensive single sign, so a line of five Wilds is a dream for any player, bonuses aside. Finally, the Scatter may not give a multiplier above 6×, but it opens free spins where the average payout already starts at about 20× the bet.
The Magic of Bonus Totems
Aztec Fire 2 comes with three special symbols, each endowed with unique “powers”:
- Wild (Aztec Girl). Substitutes for any images except Scatter and bonus coins. It drops often, most frequently on reels 2–4, which simplifies medium-line formation.
- Scatter (Pyramid). Three of them launch 8 free spins. In-game infographics show the probability of this event as 1 in 78 spins.
- Bonus Coin. Six or more coins start the main Hold & Win show. Coins are valued at 0.5–5×, but after the fifth row opens their value “jumps” thanks to row multipliers.
Free Spins
The free-spin mode removes low-value card symbols A–J, leaving only animals, shamans and Wilds. This automatically increases volatility, so wins come less often but are larger.
Free spins remain at the same stake that triggered them; you can’t change the denomination inside the mode, so experienced players sometimes raise the stake briefly hoping to “catch” more expensive Scatters. Fun fact: when Hold & Win is launched during free spins, all stake counters carry over into the bonus unchanged — a rare scenario where one large investment can pay off in two modes at once.
Chief’s Tactics: Paths to a Big Haul
- Mind the volatility. High risk — high reward. Set a session limit and keep your distance: a streak of dead spins is normal here.
- Step-up play. The slot likes a “warm-up”: Wild combos often start alternating after 30–40 rounds. It’s reasonable to start with 50–100 autospins and gauge the dynamics.
- Double only on profit. Raising the stake after a series of wins is much safer than a Martingale after losses. The goal is to catch the bonus in a higher-stake phase without burning the bankroll.
- Focus on the bonus game. With six coins the chance of hitting Grand or Royal is higher than doing so in free spins. That’s why many pros play “until the first Hold & Win”, then end the session and lock in results.
- Don’t chase the Royal. Yes, 10,000× is tempting, but the chance to fill all 40 cells is about 0.016 % according to internal 3 Oaks data. Bet as if Royal doesn’t exist: when it drops, it will be a pleasant shock, not a must-hit target.
The Fiery Re-Spin Ritual
What the Bonus Game Is in General
Hold & Win is a mini-game where collected bonus symbols stick, and the player gets 3 respins. Every new coin resets the counter, extending the round. This accumulation gives a sharp sense of progress: you can literally see the pyramid filling with gold.
Mode Features in Aztec Fire 2
- Start condition: 6+ bonus coins, with their values fixed immediately.
- Locked rows: The 5th–8th horizontals are sealed with stone slabs until you collect 10/15/20/25 coins. Opening is accompanied by a cinematic animation, and the row multiplier activates automatically.
- Row multipliers: x2 (5th), x3 (6th), x5 (7th), x10 (8th). Even if the coins are small, fully filling the 8th line “fires” for at least 50× the stake.
- Fixed jackpots: Mini, Midi, Minor, Major, Grand and Royal. Their triggers don’t depend on the row multiplier — amounts are simply added.
- Coin values: 0.5; 1; 1.5; 2; 3; 4; 5×. Calculation is based on the total stake, which is profitable at high denominations.
Insight. In Q3 2024 tests the average bonus-game payout at a €1 stake was €68.40. However, 17 % of bonuses exceeded 100× — twice the genre’s average benchmark.
The Trial Campfire: Demo Mode Without Risk
The demo is a mirror of the real game but with play credits. The random number generator (RNG) is exactly the same as in the money version, so all odds, frequencies and volatility match.
- Open the slot in your browser.
- The showcase banner “Try for Fun” or the “Demo/Real” switch is located under the Spin button.
- If the switch isn’t visible, click the controller icon (🎮) in the lower right corner, as in the help screenshot — the interface will switch instantly.
The virtual balance is usually 5,000–10,000 coins. Tip: set yourself a “double rule” — if the virtual balance doubles, finish the session. You’ll train discipline that will come in handy in real play.
The Jungle’s Final Chord
Aztec Fire 2: Hold and Win is not just a continuation but an evolution where every mechanic has been “upgraded”. Additional rows, line multipliers and the 10,000× Royal jackpot will make your heart race, while high-quality graphics and a live soundtrack immerse you in the atmosphere of a genuine ritual.
The slot is generous with strategy choices: if you love free spins, chase Scatters; if you adore “sticky” bonuses, hunt coins; and if you just want to relax, demo mode delivers the same adrenaline with no financial risk.
The ancient gods have already lit the torches — all that’s left is to press Spin and walk this fiery path to the royal treasury. Developer: 3 Oaks Gaming. May fortune favor you, and may your pyramid blaze with the golden glow of Royal!