Before you load Rise of the Ancients for real, spend a couple of minutes on how it genuinely performs. Developed by Merkur, Rise of the Ancients arrives with a medium volatility profile and a published RTP of 95.98%. Top wins are capped at 5,000x your stake, a healthy ceiling worth chasing. Visually it's wrapped in a halloween theme, with the action running on 20 paylines across 5 reels. The full verdict is below.
Written by Sophie Williams · Last updated: February 2026
At its core, Rise of the Ancients is a game produced by Merkur, dressed up with a halloween theme and powered by 20 paylines across 5 reels. The result is a medium volatility profile paired with a published RTP of 95.98%.
The mechanics are what make Rise of the Ancients interesting. Look out for scatter symbols that unlock free spins and extra bonus rounds. The medium volatility strikes a middle ground that should suit most playing styles. On balance, Rise of the Ancients is a dependable option worth a few spins in the demo first.
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.
A balanced volatility profile with a mix of smaller frequent wins and occasional larger bonus payouts. Suitable for players who want steady action without extreme swings.
About 1 in 3 spins results in a win. This is a moderate hit frequency that balances win frequency with payout size.
Rise of the Ancients 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 the Ancients by Merkur is a solid offering that delivers good entertainment value. The 95.98% RTP combined with medium volatility creates a well-balanced gaming experience.