Introduction to Dark Forge
Dark Forge is a casino slot fromSlotmill where a demonic blacksmith hammers out big win potential. This is hardly the first time we’ve visited the underworld with Slotmill, as we are reminded ofDemon’s Gate and the popularRagnarok series, both of which appeal with their gritty, dark tones. Here, we get the familiar Progressive Win Multiplier, which doubles with each winning Avalanche. We also get a Lightning and Gold Symbol, helping us boost the Win Multiplier or add Wild Symbols to the reels. Dark Forge packs a good payout power, but we’ve seen it all before from Slotmill, which will probably attract fans of the studio, but for us, it becomes just one of many. Try the Dark Forge demo at the top of the page.
Theme, Gameplay, & Payouts
Dark Forge is a video slot by Dark Forge that features 5 reels, 4-5-5-5-4 rows, and 2,000 ways to win. You can select bet sizes ranging from 0.2 to 100, with a default RTP of 96.02%, which is considered just below industry average. However, operators can also use a 94.03%. This game has high volatility and offers potential wins of up to 20,000X your bet.
The game’s design is based on a dark mythology theme, featuring a demonic blacksmith forging winning combinations within a raging volcano. The design provides a captivating atmosphere of fire and lava, creating a gritty experience. If you want to boost the gaming experience for a cost, tap the Feature Buy or Xtra Bet buttons in the top-left corner. All other buttons, including the Spin and Bet Size, can be found below the reels. You can play Dark Forge on all mobile devices, desktops, and tablets. You create a winning combination by landing 3 or more of the same symbol types on adjacent reels starting at the leftmost reel, triggering the Avalanche.
The lower-paying symbols are J, Q, K, and A. Landing 5 of the same symbol type pays 0.25X. The higher-paying symbols are a hammer, a spike hammer, an axe, a sword, and a demon. Landing 5 of the same symbol type pays between 0.4X and 2X.
The game’s Wild Symbol has the design of a “W,” and the Scatter Symbols are either a silver or gold skull. Landing 3 or more Silver Scatter symbols will trigger the Free Spins, and if one of the Scatter Symbols is a Golden Scatter, it will activate the Super Free Spins. The Lightning and Gold Symbol is an overlay symbol with the letter “A.” Whenever it appears with a paying symbol type, it can boost the win potential by its corresponding modifier. Let’s find out what kind of features this game has to offer.
Special Features & Slot Mechanics
What is the max win in the slot of Dark Forge?
The max win is 20,000X the bet.
What features are available in the slot of Dark Forge?
The features of this slot game are Avalanche, Wild Symbol, Progressive Win Multiplier, Special Symbols, Free Spins, Super Free Spins, Burst Feature, Xtra Bet, and Feature Buy.
Avalanche
The Avalanche is activated when a win is created, and the winning symbols are removed from the reels. New symbols fall from above and allow new winning combinations; this will continue as long as new winning combinations are created.
Wild Symbol
The Wild Symbol substitutes all symbols except the Scatter Symbol and helps you create winning combinations.
Progressive Win Multiplier
The Progressive Win Multiplier is displayed above the reels with a starting value of 1X. For each winning combination and Avalanche, the Progressive Win Multiplier doubles in value. The value resets at the beginning of the next spin during the Base Game.
Special Symbols
The Lightning and Gold Symbol are overlay symbols, and can appear attached to normal paying symbols on reels 2, 3, and/or 4.
Lightning Symbol = Any Lightning Symbol that’s part of a winning combination will remove one of the 4 upcoming multipliers from the Progressive Win Multiplier Meter. All removed values are restored for the following spin.
Gold Symbol = Any Gold Symbol that’s part of a winning combination converts into a Wild Symbol.
Free Spins
This feature can be triggered by landing 3 or more Scatter Symbols anywhere on the reels during the Base Game. Depending on whether you land 3, 4, or 5 Scatter Symbols award 8, 10, or 12 Free Spins, respectively. You cannot retrigger the Free Spins in this game.
During the feature, the Progressive Win Multiplier resets to 1X at the beginning of each Free Spin. However, all multiplier values removed by the Lightning Symbol are taken out until the feature ends.
Super Free Spins
The Super Free Spins can be triggered if at least one of the triggering 3 Scatter Symbols is a Super Scatter Symbol. This feature can not be retriggered.
All paying symbol types that appear on reel 3 will be Lightning Symbols or Gold Symbols. Just as the regular Free Spins, the Progressive Win Multiplier resets to 1X at the beginning of each Free Spin. However, all multiplier values removed by the Lightning Symbol are taken out until the feature ends.
Burst Feature
Trigger this feature to experience a scaled-down experience at a rapid pace.
Xtra-Bet
You trigger the Xtra-Bet at an extra cost of 50% of the current bet. When this feature is activated, the chances of triggering Bonus Games increase by 2.6 times, with an RTP of 96%.
Feature Buy (Fast Track)
If you want to take advantage of the Bonus Games immediately, you can use the Feature Buy options:
7X (Super Xtra Bet) = When activated, all Bonus Game triggers will be Super Free Spins. On average, you activate the Super Free Spins 1 in 60 spins, with an RTP of 96.17%.
40X (Multiplier Meter Boost) = Start the spin with a random starting value of the Progressive Win Multiplier. When triggered, you play the game with an RTP of 96.14%.
150X (Gamble) = Provides a 50% chance to trigger the Super Free Spins, 50% risk to trigger nothing. It also has a 50% chance of landing a non-winning spin. When triggered, you play the game with an RTP of 96.31%.
100X (Free Spins) = Activates the Free Spins with an RTP of 96.16% and very high volatility.
300X (Super Free Spins) = Activates the Super Free Spins with an RTP of 96.38% and very high volatility.
Final Thoughts on Dark Forge
This game offers a gritty slot experience, with a demonic blacksmith banging on his anvil while listening to hard rock. This soundtrack is probably the “hardest” soundtrack we’ve ever experienced, fitting well with the dark, demonic vibe. However, if you’re not into this type of aggressive sound, you can either hit the mute button or continue in search of a softer slot. For us, it’s definitely on the more intense scale, making it hard to concentrate. Luckily for us, the gameplay is familiar, with no head-scratching surprises.
Just as we’ve seen in Slotmill’sRagnarok series andTiki Thunder, the gameplay revolves around the Progressive Win Multiplier, doubling in value for each winning Avalanche. However, instead of Giant Symbols, we get Lightning and Gold Symbols, boosting the Win Multiplier and adding Wild Symbols. It’s hardly ground-breaking differences, as the game’s mechanics are the same, offering a familiar gaming experience but with a darker tone.
Don’t get us wrong, there is some good payout power in Dark Forge, especially by triggering the Super Free Spins, where the special symbols are triggered every spin. There’s nothing wrong with having a signature feature, but we only wish Slotmill had evolved the Win Multiplier to create a more unique experience.
Dark Forge is a slot that appeals to fans of a gritty atmosphere, offering lucrative but familiar gameplay with no surprises.
