Primate King is a jungle-themed video slot developed by Red Tiger Gaming, featuring a unique progressive wild upgrade system and an unlockable sixth reel. Released in March 2021, this medium volatility game offers 30 paylines across a 6x4 grid with a maximum payout of 3800x your bet.
Primate King represents Red Tiger Gaming's evolution of the progressive upgrade system first introduced in Pirates Plenty: The Sunken Treasure. Released in March 2021, this jungle-themed slot combines atmospheric design with a mathematically sound medium volatility profile. The game's core appeal lies in its three-stage wild upgrade system and the unlockable sixth reel, creating a sense of progression rarely found in standard video slots. With a 95.66% RTP and maximum win potential of 3800x, Primate King targets players seeking balanced gameplay with incremental feature enhancements rather than volatile bonus rounds.
The visual presentation showcases Red Tiger's technical capabilities, featuring a lush animated jungle environment complete with atmospheric audio design. The setting evokes classic King Kong imagery with strategically placed skulls and dense foliage that shifts dynamically during gameplay. This attention to environmental detail creates immersion that elevates the experience beyond simple reel spinning, making each session feel like an expedition into uncharted territory.
Primate King operates on a 6x4 grid configuration, though the sixth reel remains locked until specific progression requirements are met. The base game utilizes a 5x4 layout with 30 fixed paylines, accepting bets from 0.10 to 50.00 per spin. This betting range accommodates both conservative players and those seeking higher stake action, though the maximum bet remains modest compared to some high-roller focused titles.
The mathematical model employs medium volatility, positioning the game between low-variance fruit machines and extreme volatility slots. The 95.66% RTP sits slightly below the industry standard of 96%, though Red Tiger has shown willingness to adjust this value across different casino implementations. Players should verify the specific RTP configuration at their chosen casino, as some operators may offer versions with RTP as low as 93.67%.
The paytable divides into low-paying card suit symbols and premium thematic icons. Low-value symbols consist of stylized bone and chain renditions of hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades. Premium symbols include a coiled snake, weathered map, brass compass, and treasure chest filled with gold coins. The treasure chest serves as the highest-paying standard symbol, awarding 15x bet for five-of-a-kind combinations on the base 5-reel grid.
When the sixth reel activates, all premium symbol payouts double, with the treasure chest delivering 30x bet for six matching symbols. This doubling effect applies across all premium icons, significantly increasing win potential once progression is complete. The sixth reel exclusively displays high-paying symbols, eliminating low-value card suits from appearing in that position and improving the overall hit frequency for valuable combinations.
The progression mechanism centers on Gold Coins that randomly appear in the bottom right corner of any symbol position. These coins only contribute to the progress bar when they land on the same spin as a Primate Wild symbol. This dual-requirement system means that coin appearances without accompanying wilds provide no advancement, creating variance in progression speed across different sessions.
The progress bar displays to the right of the reels, visually tracking advancement toward each of the three upgrade thresholds. The exact number of coins required for each upgrade tier is not explicitly stated in the game rules, though testing suggests approximately 15-20 coins for the first upgrade, 30-40 for the second, and 50-60 for the third. These numbers represent estimates based on observed gameplay patterns rather than confirmed values from the developer.
Progress made during a gaming session persists across spins within that session but resets when you close the game or switch to a different slot. This session-based persistence means players cannot save progress and return later to continue from the same upgrade level. Each new session begins with the progress bar empty and all upgrades locked, requiring fresh coin collection to reactivate enhanced wild features.
The Primate Wild symbol serves as the catalyst for the entire progression system. In its base form, the wild substitutes for all paying symbols to complete winning combinations, functioning as a standard wild without additional properties. The transformation occurs through three distinct upgrade stages, each adding new capabilities to the wild symbol.
The first upgrade converts the Primate Wild from a single-position symbol into a full 1x4 stacked wild. When this enhanced wild lands, it occupies all four positions on its reel, dramatically increasing the probability of forming multiple simultaneous winning combinations. The stacked configuration proves particularly valuable on reels 2, 3, and 4, where it can bridge gaps between matching symbols on the outer reels.
This upgrade alone significantly impacts hit frequency and average win size. A full reel of wilds can participate in multiple paylines simultaneously, especially when premium symbols align on adjacent reels. The visual presentation shows the gorilla in full intimidating stance when the stacked wild appears, reinforcing the power upgrade thematically.
The second upgrade adds a random multiplier to the stacked Primate Wild. Each time the wild lands after this upgrade is unlocked, it displays a multiplier value that applies to all wins it helps complete. The multiplier range and distribution are not specified in the game documentation, though observed gameplay suggests values between 2x and 10x, with lower multipliers appearing more frequently than higher ones.
Primate King employs a progression-based system where players collect Gold Coins to unlock increasingly powerful wild features. The game starts with a standard 5-reel, 4-row configuration offering 30 paylines, but evolves as you progress through the upgrade stages.
The collection mechanism requires Gold Coins to appear on symbols simultaneously with Primate Wild symbols. Once all three upgrades are unlocked, the progress bar transforms into a functional sixth reel, expanding winning possibilities and increasing the value of all premium symbol combinations.
The multiplier applies to the total win from all paylines that include the wild symbol, not to individual line wins separately. This means a single wild with a 5x multiplier contributing to three different winning paylines will multiply the combined value of those three wins by five. The multiplicative effect becomes particularly powerful when multiple premium symbol combinations align with the enhanced wild.
The third and final upgrade introduces stickiness to the Primate Wild, causing it to remain on the reels across multiple spins under specific conditions. The sticky wild persists until it participates in at least one winning combination followed by a non-winning spin. This conditional stickiness differs from traditional sticky wilds that remain for a fixed number of spins regardless of outcomes.
The multiplier value on a sticky wild increases with each consecutive win it contributes to, creating escalating win potential during lucky sequences. If the wild helps form wins on three consecutive spins, the multiplier grows with each success. The progression resets only after a non-winning spin occurs following at least one win, at which point the wild disappears and normal gameplay resumes.
This upgrade creates the highest variance scenarios in Primate King. A sticky wild with an escalating multiplier landing on a central reel can generate substantial returns if premium symbols continue to align favorably across multiple spins. However, the conditional persistence means the feature can end abruptly if symbol positions fail to create winning combinations.
Once all three wild upgrades are unlocked, the progress bar transforms into a functional sixth reel. This reel operates on every spin thereafter for the remainder of the session, expanding the grid from 5x4 to 6x4 and extending all 30 paylines to accommodate six-symbol combinations. The sixth reel exclusively displays premium symbols, never showing low-value card suits.
The activation of this reel fundamentally changes the game's mathematical profile. Six-of-a-kind combinations pay double the value of five-of-a-kind wins, and the absence of low-paying symbols on reel six means every six-symbol combination delivers premium payouts. This configuration increases both hit frequency for valuable wins and the maximum potential of individual spins.
The sixth reel remains active for the entire session once unlocked, representing a permanent upgrade rather than a temporary feature. This persistence rewards players who invest time in the coin collection process, though the session-based reset means each new gaming period requires repeating the progression sequence.
Primate King includes one random feature that can trigger on losing spins. The Primate Smash activates when a wild symbol lands but fails to create any winning combination. When this occurs, all low-paying card suit symbols are removed from the reels, leaving only premium symbols and the wild. The reels then re-evaluate for wins with the reduced symbol set.
This feature serves as a consolation mechanism for disappointing wild placements. By eliminating low-value symbols, it increases the probability that the wild will connect with premium icons to form valuable combinations. The feature triggers randomly and cannot be influenced by player actions, functioning as a variance-reduction tool that occasionally converts complete losses into modest wins.
The medium volatility classification reflects a balanced distribution between frequent small wins and occasional larger payouts. Base game wins typically range from 0.5x to 10x bet, with premium combinations delivering 15x to 30x when six-of-a-kind alignments occur on the unlocked grid. The wild upgrades introduce higher variance potential, particularly when sticky multiplier wilds persist across multiple winning spins.
The 28.76% hit frequency means approximately one in every 3.5 spins produces a winning combination. This relatively high hit rate for a 30-payline game helps maintain bankroll stability during the progression phase, allowing players to collect coins without experiencing extended losing streaks. The frequent small wins create a gameplay rhythm that supports the gradual upgrade system.
Maximum win potential of 3800x bet requires optimal conditions: fully upgraded sticky multiplier wilds with high multiplier values, premium symbol alignments across all six reels, and multiple simultaneous payline wins. This ceiling is modest compared to some modern high-volatility slots offering 10,000x or greater, positioning Primate King as a medium-reward game rather than a life-changing jackpot opportunity.
Primate King's progression system creates strategic decisions around session length and bankroll management. The upgrade benefits only manifest after sufficient coin collection, meaning short sessions may never reach the enhanced wild stages or sixth reel activation. Players seeking the full experience should budget for extended play periods of 200-300 spins minimum to reliably progress through all upgrade tiers.
Bet sizing impacts both risk exposure and progression speed. Higher bets deplete bankrolls faster but don't accelerate coin collection rates, as the appearance frequency of Gold Coins and Primate Wilds remains constant regardless of stake size. Conservative betting strategies allow longer sessions and more opportunities to reach advanced upgrade stages, while aggressive betting increases win values when premium combinations align but risks premature session termination.
The session-based progression reset means players cannot game the system by making minimal bets to unlock upgrades then switching to maximum stakes. Each session requires completing the progression sequence at the chosen bet level, eliminating strategies that attempt to separate the collection phase from the exploitation phase.
Primate King shares mechanical DNA with Red Tiger's Pirates Plenty: The Sunken Treasure, which pioneered the unlockable reel concept. Pirates Plenty employs a map collection system rather than coin gathering, but the fundamental progression structure remains similar. Both games reward persistent play with permanent session upgrades that enhance win potential.
The wild upgrade system resembles progression mechanics in slots like NetEnt's Dead or Alive 2, where features enhance through gameplay rather than triggering randomly. However, Primate King's session-based reset differs from Dead or Alive 2's bonus-round progression, creating a different risk-reward profile. Primate King favors consistent base game enhancement over explosive but infrequent bonus features.
Compared to modern high-volatility slots with 10,000x+ potential, Primate King offers more conservative mathematics. The 3800x maximum win and medium volatility appeal to players seeking entertainment value and gradual progression rather than extreme variance and jackpot hunting. This positioning makes the game suitable for recreational players with moderate bankrolls rather than high-stakes gamblers chasing maximum exposure.
Primate King delivers a well-executed progression-based slot experience that rewards patient play with incrementally enhanced features. The three-stage wild upgrade system and unlockable sixth reel create a sense of advancement rarely found in standard video slots, while the medium volatility profile maintains accessibility for players with varied bankroll sizes. Red Tiger's technical execution shines through in the atmospheric jungle setting and smooth mechanical implementation.
The 95.66% RTP and 3800x maximum win position the game as a balanced entertainment option rather than a high-risk proposition. Players seeking extreme volatility or massive jackpot potential should look elsewhere, but those who appreciate gradual feature enhancement and thematic immersion will find Primate King offers solid value. The session-based progression reset represents the primary limitation, requiring fresh commitment each time you launch the game.
For players who enjoy slots with tangible progression systems and appreciate Red Tiger's visual polish, Primate King merits consideration. The game succeeds in creating a cohesive experience where mechanics, mathematics, and theme align to deliver consistent entertainment across extended sessions.
Primate King has an RTP of 95.66%, though some casino implementations may offer lower configurations down to 93.67%. Always verify the specific RTP at your chosen casino before playing.
The sixth reel unlocks after collecting enough Gold Coins to complete all three wild upgrades. Coins only count when they appear on the same spin as a Primate Wild symbol, and the progress bar tracks your advancement toward each upgrade tier.
No, all progress resets when you close the game or start a new session. Each time you play Primate King, you begin with the progress bar empty and must collect coins again to unlock upgrades and the sixth reel.
The maximum win in Primate King is 3800x your bet. This requires optimal conditions including fully upgraded sticky multiplier wilds, premium symbol alignments across all six reels, and multiple simultaneous winning paylines.
After unlocking the third upgrade, Primate Wilds become sticky and remain on the reels until they participate in at least one win followed by a non-winning spin. The multiplier increases with each consecutive win the wild contributes to.
Bets range from 0.10 to 50.00 per spin, accommodating both casual players and those seeking moderate stake levels. The game offers 30 fixed paylines across all bet levels.
Primate Smash activates randomly when a wild symbol lands but fails to create any winning combination. The feature removes all low-paying symbols and re-evaluates the reels for potential wins with only premium symbols remaining.
Yes, Primate King is fully optimized for mobile play on both iOS and Android devices, offering the same features and gameplay experience as the desktop version.
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