Mythology has always been a compelling source of inspiration for online slot games, and Ways of the Qilin by PG Soft takes players on an extraordinary adventure into a world of ancient Chinese myths, wealth, and mystical creatures. Inspired by the mythical Qilin, a legendary beast often described as a good omen, this slot offers a rich, visually stunning, and immersive experience that blends beautiful art, exciting mechanics, and the potential for big wins.
With 6 reels and up to 46,656 ways to win, Ways of the Qilin offers a dynamic and high-stakes gameplay experience. The game is loaded with features, including Wilds, Multipliers, Free Spins, and a Bonus Game that can lead to significant payouts. But it’s not just the potential for rewards that makes this game stand out; it’s the world-building, the fascinating use of symbolism, and the thrilling mechanics that keep players coming back for more.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the theme, features, mechanics, and strategies that make Ways of the Qilin such a captivating and rewarding slot experience.
Ways of the Qilin
Ways of the Qilin is a 6-reel, up to 6-row pg slot game created by PG Soft, featuring up to 46,656 ways to win thanks to its Megaways-style setup. Unlike traditional payline slots, this format offers numerous opportunities for players to form winning combinations on every spin, as the number of ways to win can change depending on the number of symbols on the reels.
The game is set in a stunning, mystical world inspired by Chinese mythology, with the Qilin – a creature resembling a chimera, often depicted with the body of a deer, the tail of an ox, and hooves like a horse – playing a central role in the game. The Qilin is regarded as a symbol of prosperity, good fortune, and peace, which makes it a fitting mascot for a slot designed to bring wealth and fortune to its players.
With a 96.71% RTP (Return to Player) and medium to high volatility, Ways of the Qilin offers a balanced gaming experience where players have the chance to win big, but the game also provides enough excitement through features like cascading reels, multipliers, and free spins.
Thematic Design and Visuals
Ways of the Qilin draws heavy inspiration from Chinese mythology and traditional artistic styles, which are vividly reflected in the game’s design. The backdrop of the game is a serene landscape with lush mountains, flowing rivers, and a beautifully illuminated Qilin in the center, serving as the emblem of the game’s prosperity theme.
The reels are adorned with various symbols inspired by Chinese culture, such as gold coins, jade stones, dragons, phoenixes, and traditional Chinese fans. The symbols are designed in exquisite detail, with each one representing an important element of Chinese fortune and mythology.
The Qilin itself is beautifully animated, with shimmering colors that give it an ethereal, otherworldly appearance. As the centerpiece of the game, the Qilin is often shown in its full glory, surrounded by golden lights and mystical effects that underscore its role as a bringer of good fortune.
The music and sound design complement the visuals perfectly, with traditional Chinese instruments such as the guqin (a seven-string zither) and pipa (a Chinese lute), adding a tranquil yet suspenseful atmosphere to the gameplay.
Gameplay Mechanics and Features
Ways of the Qilin is built around a Megaways-style system, which allows for up to 46,656 ways to win. The game’s reel set changes with each spin, as the number of symbols that appear on each reel can vary between 2 and 6. This dynamic system makes each spin unique, providing a fresh and exciting challenge with every turn.
Reels and Ways to Win
The game features 6 reels, and the number of rows can vary between 2 to 6 symbols per reel, creating different ways to win with each spin. This means that the number of potential ways to win is constantly changing, with the total possible ways to win reaching 46,656 when the maximum number of symbols appears on every reel. The more symbols that appear on the reels, the greater the chance of forming large winning combinations.
Cascading Reels
Ways of the Qilin uses the cascading reels mechanic, meaning that after every winning combination, the symbols that contributed to the win are removed, and new symbols fall into their place. This can trigger multiple wins in a single spin, allowing players to chain together a series of payouts without needing to spin again.
The cascading reels feature adds excitement to the gameplay, as players can earn additional wins from the same spin, increasing the overall payout potential. If multiple wins are achieved in a single cascade, the game rewards players with even greater payouts, making it one of the most exciting aspects of the gameplay.
Wild Symbol
The Wild symbol in Ways of the Qilin is represented by the Qilin itself. As with many Wild symbols, the Qilin Wild can substitute for any other symbol (except the Scatter) to help form winning combinations. The Wild can appear on any reel, and when it does, it can significantly increase the chances of hitting big payouts by completing missing parts of a combination.
In addition to acting as a regular Wild, the Qilin Wild also plays a role in the game’s multiplying mechanic, which we’ll discuss further below. Wild symbols can also appear in stacked formations, covering entire reels and enhancing the potential for massive wins.
Scatter Symbol and Free Spins Feature
The Scatter symbol in Ways of the Qilin is represented by the golden coin symbol. Landing 3 or more Scatter symbols anywhere on the reels triggers the Free Spins feature. The number of Free Spins awarded depends on the number of Scatters that land on the reels:
- 3 Scatters = 8 Free Spins
- 4 Scatters = 12 Free Spins
- 5 Scatters = 15 Free Spins
- 6 Scatters = 20 Free Spins
During the Free Spins feature, the Qilin Wild symbol comes with a multiplier attached, which increases the payout of any combination it helps form. These multipliers can range from 2x to 10x, significantly increasing the potential for large wins during the bonus round.
Furthermore, the Free Spins feature can be retriggered by landing additional Scatters during the Free Spins, allowing players to extend the bonus round and continue reaping rewards.
Qilin Wild Multipliers
The Qilin Wild is not only a substitute symbol, but it also carries a multiplier that increases as the player triggers more wins. When the Qilin Wild appears, it can multiply the payout of any winning combination it is a part of. This multiplier can range from 2x to 10x.
This mechanic adds an extra layer of excitement to the game, as players hope to land multiple Qilin Wilds on the reels to boost their winnings significantly. When combined with the cascading reels feature, the multiplier effect can lead to some massive payouts.
Symbols and Payouts
Ways of the Qilin is rich in symbols that reflect its Chinese mythology theme. Here’s a breakdown of the key symbols and their payouts:
Low-Paying Symbols
The lower-paying symbols in Ways of the Qilin are the classic playing card values 9, 10, Jack (J), Queen (Q), King (K), and Ace (A). These symbols appear more frequently on the reels, offering smaller payouts compared to the high-paying symbols.
High-Paying Symbols
The high-paying symbols in the game are:
- Dragon: A symbol of power, luck, and strength in Chinese culture.
- Phoenix: A symbol of renewal, immortality, and good fortune.
- Gold Coins: Representing wealth and prosperity.
- Jade Stones: A symbol of purity, wealth, and power.
Wild Symbol (Qilin)
The Qilin Wild symbol is the most valuable in the game. It substitutes for other symbols to complete winning combinations and also carries multipliers that can significantly boost payouts.
Scatter Symbol (Golden Coin)
The Golden Coin Scatter symbol triggers the Free Spins round when 3 or more Scatters land on the reels.
RTP, Volatility, and Betting Options
Ways of the Qilin offers a 96.71% RTP (Return to Player), which is considered quite favorable for online slot games. This, combined with the game’s medium to high volatility, means players can expect the potential for large wins, but they may need to exercise patience as these wins tend to occur less frequently.
The betting range in Ways of the Qilin is designed to accommodate a variety of players. The minimum bet starts at around $0.20 per spin, while the maximum bet can go up to $100 per spin. This range makes it suitable for both casual players and high-rollers.
Tips for Playing Ways of the Qilin
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your experience in Ways of the Qilin:
- Take Advantage of the Cascading Reels: The cascading reels mechanic gives you multiple chances to win on a single spin. Look out for these sequences, as they can lead to bigger payouts.
- Focus on the Free Spins: The Free Spins feature is where the game’s potential for large wins lies. The Qilin Wild multipliers in this round can increase payouts exponentially, so aim to trigger this bonus as often as possible.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Because Ways of the Qilin is a high-volatility game, it’s essential to manage your budget wisely. Set limits for yourself to avoid excessive losses, and play responsibly.