Beat the Beast: Kraken’s Lair

Beat the Beast: Kraken’s Lair slot poster
Rating
- /10
RTP
96.52%
Volatility
HIGH
Max win
7,777×
Hit freq
-
Grid
-
Bet
-
Released
2020-01-01

A playable demo is not available in your region.

Our take

High-volatility Thunderkick Norse mythology slot with 96.52% RTP, expanding symbols, and up to 7777x win potential.

Beat the Beast: Kraken's Lair launches Thunderkick's 5-game Beat the Beast series, each centring on a different mythological creature. This entry features the Kraken, the legendary Norse sea monster, cast as both symbol and narrative focal point. The design captures the creature's menace through atmospheric visuals and dynamic animations.

The slot plays across 5 reels, 3 rows, and just 9 ways to win—a tight payline count that concentrates winning combinations and reinforces the premium feel. This structural choice differs from modern cluster-pays or mega-ways designs, appealing to traditionalists seeking focused gameplay. Bet range spans 10p to £100 per spin, accommodating diverse bankrolls across desktop and mobile.

The high volatility creates substantial swings: you'll experience extended periods without significant payouts, punctuated by explosive feature triggers. The expanding symbols mechanic during free spins amplifies this dynamic—symbols grow to cover entire reels when triggered, cascading additional wins. Guaranteed wild placement within free spins ensures the bonus round delivers meaningful payouts rather than misses. The 96.52% RTP edges above industry standard, offsetting high volatility's inherent unpredictability. The 7777x maximum win, whilst respectable, requires extended play or exceptional symbol alignment.

Pros

  • Excellent 96.52% RTP, above industry standard, mitigates high-volatility swings
  • Expanding symbols during free spins create explosive win chains and multipliers
  • Guaranteed wild placement in bonus rounds increases feature consistency

Cons

  • Only 9 ways to win limits symbol combinations across 5x3 layout
  • High volatility unsuitable for conservative players or small bankrolls
  • Norse mythology increasingly common; Kraken theme lacks novelty

Math & maxes

Math breakdown

Volatility score
3 / 5
Max win
7,777x the stake
FAQ
What does high volatility mean?

Larger swings between dry periods and payouts. You'll experience fewer wins, but they'll be substantially bigger when they land.

How do expanding symbols work?

During free spins, when bonus symbols land, they expand to fill entire reels. This cascades additional winning combinations.

What's the maximum win?

7777x your stake, achieved through cascading expands and wild placements during the free spins bonus.

How many ways to win?

Only 9 ways to win, a tight count that concentrates payouts and reinforces premium positioning.

What does guaranteed wild placement mean in free spins?

Wilds are placed strategically within the grid during bonus rounds, ensuring payable combinations rather than misses.