Our review of Shenyijing cuts through the marketing and looks at what matters: how it plays and how it pays. Built by Merkur, it lands as a release with a medium low-variance maths model and a published RTP of 95.98%. Top wins are capped at 5,000x your stake, a healthy ceiling worth chasing. It first went live in 2020 and still earns its place today. Visually it's leaning into an asian aesthetic, with the action running on a 5-reel grid running 40 paylines. Here's how it stacks up.
Written by James Holloway · Last updated: January 2026
At its core, Shenyijing is a slot produced by Merkur, wrapped in an asian theme and powered by a 5-reel grid running 40 paylines. The result is medium low variance paired with a return-to-player rate of 95.98%.
Dig into the bonuses and Shenyijing 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. On balance, Shenyijing 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.
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.
Shenyijing 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
Shenyijing by Merkur is a solid offering that delivers good entertainment value. The 95.98% RTP combined with medium low volatility creates a well-balanced gaming experience.