If you're trying to work out whether Defenders of the Monastery is worth your time, this hands-on review breaks it down. Built by Merkur, it lands as a slot with high variance and a published RTP of 95.98%. Visually it's themed around asian, with the action running on 5 reels and 40 paylines. Expect a hit frequency around 30%, which sets the rhythm of play. Top wins are capped at 40,000x your stake, a genuinely massive ceiling for the patient. Let's break down what works and what doesn't.
Written by Rachel Kim · Last updated: January 2026
This game, Defenders of the Monastery, is the work of Merkur, wrapped in an asian theme. It runs on a 5-reel grid running 40 paylines with a high-variance maths model, and 95.98% RTP.
Dig into the bonuses and Defenders of the Monastery starts to stand out. Look out for scatter symbols that unlock free spins and extra bonus rounds. With high variance, this one is aimed at players who can ride out the swings for the top wins. Overall it's a well-rounded game that knows what it is.
At 95.98%, the RTP is slightly below the industry average of ~96%. While this is typical for many popular slots, players should be aware of the slightly lower theoretical return.
High volatility means longer gaps between wins, but when wins do land, they can be significantly larger. A bigger bankroll and patience are recommended for this type of slot.
About 1 in 3 spins results in a win. This is a moderate hit frequency that balances win frequency with payout size.
Defenders of the Monastery features scatter symbols that can trigger free spins rounds. Landing the required number of scatter symbols anywhere on the reels activates the free spins feature, giving you extra chances to win without additional bets. During free spins, special modifiers may apply to boost your winning potential.
3.0 / 5 — Good
Defenders of the Monastery by Merkur is a solid offering that delivers good entertainment value. The 95.98% RTP combined with high volatility creates a well-balanced gaming experience.