Ancient Egypt meets high-volatility chaos in Hand of Anubis, but this isn’t your typical gold-drenched pyramid expedition. Hacksaw Gaming ditches the bright hieroglyphics for something darker—think underworld judging chambers where Anubis weighs souls against feathers, not tourist-friendly temple tours.
Released in April 2022, this 5×6 cluster pays slot trades conventional paylines for cascading symbol mechanics and progressive multipliers that can reach x9,999. You’re looking at 10,000x max win potential, 96.24% RTP, and volatility cranked to 5 out of 5 on Hacksaw’s scale—meaning your bankroll will feel like it’s navigating the Egyptian afterlife itself.
By pressing play, you agree that you are above legal age in your jurisdiction and accept our terms of use.
Key Highlights
- Provider: Hacksaw Gaming
- Release Date: April 2022
- Grid Layout: 5 reels, 6 rows with Cluster Pays mechanic (requires 5+ matching symbols connecting horizontally or vertically)
- RTP: 96.24% (alternative configurations: 94.32%, 92.28%, 88.41%)
- Volatility: High (5/5 on Hacksaw’s scale)
- Max Win: 10,000x your stake
- Bet Range: 0.10 to 100 per spin
- Hit Frequency: 36.92% (you’ll win on roughly 37 out of every 100 spins)
- Key Mechanics: Cascading wins, Soul Orb wild multipliers (red and blue), two distinct free spins modes (Underworld and Judgement), bonus buy options
Theme and Visuals
Most Egyptian slots drench you in golden sunshine and optimistic tomb raiding. Hand of Anubis goes the opposite direction—shadows, ominous tones, and the mythology of weighing souls in the underworld. The color palette leans toward deep purples, blacks, and blood reds rather than the predictable gold-everything approach.
Anubis himself appears throughout as both a judging presence and multiplier modifier, rendered in a stylized design that fits Hacksaw’s signature aesthetic. Symbols include glowing gems for low pays (stylized 10-A card values) and Egyptian artifacts for premiums—scarabs, Eyes of Horus, birds, triangles, snakes, and the red gem ankh. The animations emphasize cascades and multiplier increases rather than elaborate cutscenes. If you’re hunting for more Egyptian-themed action, check out our complete collection of slot demos or explore other Hacksaw Gaming slots that range from circus chaos to mining mayhem.
How to Play Hand of Anubis
- Set Your Bet: Click the bet adjustment button (usually a coin icon) and select from 0.10 to 100 per spin. The bet applies to the entire grid, not per payline—cluster pays slots don’t use traditional lines.
- Understand Cluster Wins: You need 5 or more matching symbols touching horizontally or vertically (diagonals don’t count). The more symbols in your cluster, the higher the payout multiplier.
- Spin the Reels: Hit the circular arrow or space bar to start. Winning clusters disappear in a cascade, allowing new symbols to drop from above—potentially creating chain reactions within a single spin.
- Watch for Soul Orbs: Red and blue orbs can randomly appear as wild symbols. The red orb increases its multiplier by +1 for every symbol in the winning cluster it’s part of. The blue orb increases by +1 for each separate win it participates in. Both multiply together if they appear in the same cluster.
- Trigger Bonus Features: Land 3 scatter symbols for Underworld Free Spins (10 spins with progressive multipliers up to x9,999). Land 4 scatters for Judgement Free Spins (hold-and-win style with 3 resetting spins).
- Check the Paytable: Click the information icon (usually three horizontal lines or an “i”) to see exact payouts for your current bet size. Payouts scale proportionally.
- Optional Bonus Buy: Outside the UK, you can purchase direct access to Underworld Free Spins for 129x your bet (96.29% RTP) or Judgement Free Spins for 200x your bet (96.18% RTP). Only consider this if you understand you’re paying upfront for volatile outcomes.
Pro Tip: The hit frequency sits at 36.92%, meaning you’ll see wins on roughly 37% of spins—but most base game wins will be small. The high volatility means extended dry spells between meaningful payouts. Size your bets so you can survive 50-100+ dead spins without depleting your bankroll.
Symbols and Paytable
Hand of Anubis uses a two-tier symbol structure: low-value gems (stylized card ranks) and high-value Egyptian artifacts. Remember, you need clusters of 5 or more touching symbols—not traditional paylines.
| Symbol Type | Symbol | 5 Symbols | 6-10 Symbols | 11+ Symbols |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low Pay | 10, J, Q, K, A (gems) | 0.10x | 0.20x – 1.50x | 15x |
| High Pay | Bird | 0.30x | 0.50x – 5x | 20x |
| High Pay | Eye of Horus | 0.30x | 0.50x – 5x | 20x |
| High Pay | Triangle | 0.50x | 1x – 10x | 40x |
| High Pay | Snake | 0.50x | 1x – 10x | 40x |
| High Pay | Red Gem Ankh | 1x | 2x – 15x | 60x |
Special Symbols:
- Soul Orbs (Wild): Red and blue orbs substitute for all symbols except scatters. They come with progressive multipliers that increase during the same spin:
- Red Orb: Multiplier increases by +1 for every symbol in the winning cluster(s) it’s part of
- Blue Orb: Multiplier increases by +1 for each separate winning cluster it participates in
- When both appear in the same cluster, their multipliers combine multiplicatively (2x and 3x become 6x)
- Green Orb (Free Spins Only): Appears exclusively in Underworld Free Spins to activate accumulated reel multipliers
- Scatter Symbol: Landing 3 scatters triggers Underworld Free Spins; landing 4 scatters triggers Judgement Free Spins
The paytable values shown are multipliers of your total bet. A 60x payout on a 1.00 bet pays 60.00, not 60 coins.
Slot Features
Hand of Anubis builds its base game around three core mechanics that interact during every spin:
Cluster Pays System: Forget paylines. You need 5 or more matching symbols touching horizontally or vertically anywhere on the 5×6 grid. A cluster of 5 low-value symbols pays 0.10x, but if you connect 15 symbols together, that same symbol type pays proportionally more. The mechanic rewards larger connected groups exponentially.
Cascading Wins: When a cluster forms and pays out, those symbols disappear. New symbols drop from above to fill the gaps, potentially creating new clusters without spending another bet. Cascades continue until no new winning clusters form. This means a single 1.00 spin can generate multiple consecutive wins.
Soul Orb Wild Multipliers: Red and blue orbs randomly appear during base game spins as wild symbols. Here’s where Hand of Anubis differentiates itself:
- The red orb starts at 1x and increases its multiplier by +1 for every symbol included in the winning cluster(s) it’s part of. If the red orb helps form a 12-symbol cluster, it becomes a 12x multiplier for that win.
- The blue orb starts at 1x and increases by +1 for each separate winning cluster it participates in during the cascade sequence. If cascades create three consecutive wins all including the blue orb, it reaches 3x.
- When both orbs appear and contribute to the same cluster, their multipliers multiply together. A 5x red orb and 3x blue orb create a 15x multiplier.
These orbs only persist during a single spin’s cascade sequence. The next spin resets them. No multiplier values carry between spins in the base game—that mechanic is reserved for the free spins features.
Slot Bonus Features
RTP and Volatility
Hand of Anubis ships with a default RTP of 96.24%, which sits slightly above the industry average of 96%. However, Hacksaw Gaming offers operators four different RTP configurations: 96.24%, 94.32%, 92.28%, and 88.41%. That 7.83% spread between the highest and lowest settings creates drastically different long-term expectations.
At 96.24%, you’re theoretically losing 3.76 for every 100 wagered over millions of spins. At 88.41%, you’re losing 11.59 per 100 wagered—a difference of 7.83 per 100, or 783 per 10,000 spins. Always check which RTP version your casino operates before playing. Most reputable platforms display this in the game info panel.
The hit frequency of 36.92% means roughly 37 out of 100 spins will produce some win, but don’t confuse frequency with value. Most base game wins will return fractions of your bet. The 63% of dead spins combined with high volatility creates extended losing streaks.
What High Volatility Means Here: Hacksaw rates this 5 out of 5 on their volatility scale—maximum variance. In practical terms, you should expect:
- Long sessions (100+ spins) without triggering free spins features
- Base game wins that frequently return less than your bet amount
- Soul orb appearances that create 2x-5x wins rather than game-changing multipliers
- The majority of your return concentrated in rare bonus round hits
This volatility profile suits players willing to risk significant drawdowns for occasional explosive payouts approaching 1,000x-10,000x. If you prefer consistent smaller wins and steady bankroll management, look elsewhere. Hand of Anubis punishes short sessions and small bankrolls ruthlessly.
For more detailed information on how RTP affects your expected losses over time, read our guide on RTP and house edge.
Bonus Buy RTP Variants: If you’re outside the UK and considering the bonus buy options, note the RTP adjustments:
- Underworld Free Spins bonus buy: 96.29% RTP (slightly higher than base game)
- Judgement Free Spins bonus buy: 96.18% RTP (slightly lower than base game)
Neither bonus buy option significantly improves your mathematical edge. You’re paying upfront (129x or 200x your bet) for immediate access to features that might still produce minimal returns.
How to Max Win on Hand of Anubis
Base Game Max Win
Max win is achievable in the base game through Soul Orb mechanics. Red Soul Orbs increase their multiplier by +1 for every symbol in a winning cluster—large clusters mean big multiplier jumps. Blue Soul Orbs increase by +1 per winning cluster regardless of size, rewarding consecutive cascades. When both are part of the same win, their multipliers multiply together. Stack high multipliers on both orb types during a cascade sequence, and the 10,000x cap becomes reachable.
Underworld Bonus (3 Scatters / 129x Buy)
This bonus introduces the reel multiplier system. Each winning cluster adds the number of winning symbols to the corresponding multiplier below its reel. Anubis Skull symbols multiply the multiplier below them by x2 to x10. When a green Soul Orb lands above a reel, that reel’s multiplier activates and awards +3 extra spins. The total sum of all active multipliers applies to each win. Maximum possible multiplier per reel: x9,999. High ceiling, but Judgement is where true max wins live.
Judgement Bonus (Where Max Wins Actually Happen)
Triggered by 4 scatters or 200x buy. This is the max-win factory—a completely different game mode:
- Clean Grid: All regular symbols removed. Only special blocks and blank spaces.
- Multipliers Above Reels: Each reel has a multiplier that builds throughout the bonus.
- Skulls: Increase the multiplier above by +1 to +100.
- Epic Skulls: Increase ALL multipliers by +1 to +100.
- Anubis Skulls: Multiply the value above by x2 to x10.
- Epic Anubis Skulls: Multiply ALL values by x2 to x10.
- Ice Blocks: Transform into Multiplier Blocks taking the value above them.
- Crusher Blocks: Smash Multiplier Blocks beneath, combining values into one block and resetting spins to 3.
Typical Max Win Script
- Trigger Judgement Bonus (4 scatters or 200x buy)
- Build reel multipliers with Skulls (+1 to +100 each)
- Epic Skulls land, boosting ALL multipliers simultaneously
- Anubis Skulls multiply values by x5, x10
- Ice Blocks capture multiplier values into Multiplier Blocks
- Crusher Blocks combine multiple Multiplier Blocks, resetting spin count
- Reel multipliers approach the x9,999 cap per reel
- Combined multiplier values push past 10,000x total win cap
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
- 10,000x max win potential with two distinct paths to reach it (Underworld progressive multipliers or Judgement hold-and-win)
- Soul orb mechanics create engaging base game moments with progressive multipliers during cascade sequences
- Cluster pays with cascading wins generate chain reaction potential on every spin
- Dark Egyptian aesthetic differentiates itself from generic gold-temple slots
- Underworld multipliers can reach x9,999, creating extreme volatility enthusiasts will appreciate
- Two completely different bonus features provide variety (progressive multipliers vs. hold-and-win)
- 96.24% RTP sits above industry average (when operators select the top configuration)
- Hit frequency of 36.92% means you’re not waiting 20+ spins between any win
❌ Cons
- 5/5 volatility rating creates brutal bankroll swings—expect 100+ dead spin streaks regularly
- RTP range drops as low as 88.41% depending on operator configuration (7.83% spread)
- Most base game wins return fractions of your bet despite 36.92% hit frequency
- Bonus features are difficult to trigger (requires 3-4 scatters on a cluster pays grid with no dedicated scatter positions)
- Underworld Free Spins can easily complete all 10 spins without green orb activations, producing minimal returns
- Judgement Free Spins often end quickly when low-value skulls fail to reset the 3-spin counter
- Bonus buy costs are steep (129x-200x) with no mathematical advantage and volatile outcomes
- 10,000x max win caps the ceiling lower than some competing high-volatility slots offering 20,000x-50,000x
- Egyptian theme remains saturated in the slot market despite darker aesthetic twist
Conclusion
Hand of Anubis delivers what Hacksaw Gaming promised: high-volatility Egyptian gameplay with dual bonus features and 10,000x potential. The cluster pays mechanics combined with cascading wins create engaging base game sequences, and the Soul Orb wild multipliers inject unpredictability into every spin.
But make no mistake—this slot punishes bankrolls ruthlessly. The 5/5 volatility rating isn’t marketing language. You’ll experience 100+ spin droughts between bonus triggers, and when you finally land Underworld or Judgement, the outcome might still disappoint. The RTP spread from 96.24% down to 88.41% means your mathematical edge varies dramatically depending on which casino you choose. The dark Egyptian aesthetic differentiates Hand of Anubis visually, but mechanically it faces stiff competition from other high-variance cluster pays slots offering higher max wins. If you’re chasing x9,999 multipliers and accept the realistic probability of losing your session bankroll before seeing them, Hand of Anubis provides the volatility you’re seeking. If you prefer balanced gameplay or smaller bankrolls, Anubis will judge you harshly.
FAQs
Hand of Anubis has a default RTP of 96.24%, but Hacksaw Gaming offers operators four configurations: 96.24%, 94.32%, 92.28%, and 88.41%. Always check which version your casino operates by viewing the game information panel before playing. The 7.83% spread between highest and lowest settings significantly impacts your expected long-term returns.
Hand of Anubis is rated 5 out of 5 on Hacksaw Gaming’s volatility scale—maximum variance. In practical terms, expect extended losing streaks of 100+ spins between bonus triggers, most base game wins returning less than your bet, and the majority of your return concentrated in rare explosive bonus rounds. This volatility profile suits experienced players with substantial bankrolls, not casual players seeking consistent small wins.
Red Soul Orbs increase their multiplier by +1 for every symbol in the winning cluster(s) they’re part of—so a 12-symbol cluster makes the red orb a 12x multiplier. Blue Soul Orbs increase by +1 for each separate winning cluster they participate in during a cascade sequence. If cascades create three consecutive wins all including the blue orb, it reaches 3x. When both orbs appear in the same cluster, their multipliers multiply together (5x red and 3x blue create 15x).
Land 3 scatter symbols anywhere on the grid to trigger Underworld Free Spins (10 spins with progressive multipliers up to x9,999). Land 4 scatter symbols to trigger Judgement Free Spins (hold-and-win with 3 resetting spins). Scatters can appear on any position. Outside the UK, you can also purchase direct access: Underworld costs 129x your bet (96.29% RTP), and Judgement costs 200x your bet (96.18% RTP).
Yes, the five multiplier positions in Underworld Free Spins can each theoretically reach x9,999. This happens through accumulating winning cluster contributions and Anubis skull multipliers (x2 to x10). However, reaching values anywhere near x9,999 is extremely rare. Most Underworld sessions end with multipliers in the x5-x50 range unless you trigger multiple green orb activations with high Anubis skull modifiers. The x9,999 ceiling exists primarily for the mathematical possibility of approaching the 10,000x max win.
The maximum win is 10,000x your bet. On a 1.00 spin, that’s 10,000. On a 10.00 spin, that’s 100,000. You can reach this through either Underworld Free Spins (progressive multipliers) or Judgement Free Spins (hold-and-win accumulation), though both paths require extremely rare combinations of features aligning. The hit rate for wins approaching max is well under 0.01%.
Mathematically, no—the bonus buy RTP variants (96.29% for Underworld at 129x bet, 96.18% for Judgement at 200x bet) don’t provide an edge over the 96.24% base game. You’re paying a significant upfront cost (129-200 times your bet) for immediate access to features that might still produce minimal returns due to high volatility. Bonus buys accelerate the variance but don’t improve your mathematical expectation. Only consider them if you’re specifically chasing the experience of the bonus features and accept you’re likely paying a premium to do so.
Given the 5/5 volatility and extended dry spells between meaningful wins, size your bets so you can survive 150-200 spins without depleting your bankroll. A common approach: divide your session budget by 200 to determine your per-spin bet. For example, with a 200 budget, bet 1.00 per spin. This won’t guarantee you reach a bonus feature, but it gives you sufficient runway to weather the variance. Never bet more than 1-2% of your total bankroll per spin on slots this volatile.