Our review of Rise of Merlin cuts through the marketing and looks at what matters: how it plays and how it pays. This is a Play'n GO release, sitting firmly in the medium low variance bracket and paying back 95.08% RTP. Top wins are capped at 500,000x your stake, a genuinely massive ceiling for the patient. Expect a hit frequency around 30%, which sets the rhythm of play. It's built with crisp artwork and atmosphere and plays out on 10 paylines across 5 reels. But is it actually worth playing? Read on.
Written by Sarah Mitchell · Last updated: March 2026
At its core, Rise of Merlin is a slot produced by Play'n GO, given an engaging visual treatment and powered by 10 paylines across 5 reels. The result is a medium low-variance maths model paired with a return-to-player rate of 95.08%.
Dig into the bonuses and Rise of Merlin starts to stand out. Look out for scatter symbols that unlock free spins and extra bonus rounds. The medium low volatility makes it forgiving on the bankroll, ideal for relaxed, longer sessions. Overall it's a well-rounded slot that knows what it is.
At 95.08%, 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.
Medium-low volatility offers a good balance of regular wins with occasional larger payouts. Expect frequent hits with modest amounts, suitable for casual players who want low-risk entertainment.
About 1 in 3 spins results in a win. This is a moderate hit frequency that balances win frequency with payout size.
Rise of Merlin 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
Rise of Merlin by Play'n GO is a solid offering that delivers good entertainment value. The 95.08% RTP combined with medium low volatility creates a well-balanced gaming experience.