Pirots 3

Pirots 3 Slot Review

Slot Provider: ELK Studios

RTP: 94% | Variance: High | Maximum Win: 10,000x

Our Score: 8.0

Play at Grand Ivy Casino
QUICK LINKS: Game Information | Where To Play | Full Review | Testing Notes | Tips For Players | About The Developer

WHY YOU CAN TRUST THIS REVIEW: The information and opinions on this page are the result of an comprehensive process of information gathering and live game testing by the gambling experts who work at allslotsites.com. Find out more here.

About Pirots 3

Reviewed by:

Published Date: 26th July 2024

How We Review Slot Games

We test and rate all slot games across 5 criteria, assigning a score out of 10 for each and an overall score that is an average of the 5. To build an accurate assessment of each game we gather information from the supplier and play in real play or demo mode. Find out more.

The much anticipated sequel Pirots 3 by ELK Studios has managed to live up to the hype. It still has a pretty measly 94% RTP rate but boasts a max win of 10,000x your bet and more features than you can shake a stick at. The Train Heist feature is particularly exciting, helping your symbol collecting birds around the reels to net bigger wins and drop feature symbols in the process. The CollectR mechanic from Pirots 1 and 2 is still in play and volatility is high. Pirates 3 is played on an expanding grid that starts at 6 reels by 7 rows and can expand to 7 reels by 8 rows.

Pirots 3 Game Information

  • Release Date: 25.06.24
  • RTP: 94%
  • Variance: High
  • Maximum Win: 10,000x
  • Progressive Jackpot: No
  • Reels: 6 To 7
  • Rows: 7 To 8
  • Minimum Stake: £0.10
  • Theme: AnimalsPirateWild West
  • Features: Expanding ReelsFree SpinsInstant PrizesMultipliersRe-SpinsWilds
  • Format: Cluster PaysCollectR
  • Series: Pirots

Testing Notes: Here’s What Happened When We Played Pirots 3

IMPORTANT: To give you an accurate assessment of the games we review our writers play 200 spins. Whilst this is a useful tool to help us review games and to give an example of what might happen when you play, keep in mind that 200 spins is only a very small sample and cannot be used to accurately predict what might happen over another 200 spins. The outcome of all slots play is always random.

Boom Or Bust? Our Session By The Numbers

Test spins and results analysis by Mark Wadie.

 

Results from 100 spins for real money on Pirots 3 at Casumo.

  • Stake Size: £0.2
  • Start balance: £1,013.90
  • End balance: £1,006.67
  • Hit Rate: 26% (26 winning spins in 100)
  • Biggest Win: 23.65x
  • Bonus Round: 0

This game, like the other 2 in the series, takes the concept of slots in a totally different direction and there is a lot of entertainment value from the many different features and their respective animations that play out. I got a 26% win rate – 26 winning spins in 100 – which is pretty good. And you certainly get value for money– it took 15 minutes to play those 100 spins. However, for me the game phases can feel too long and clever for their own good. It’s a matter of opinion of course, and some will love it. The best moment came when a key symbol freed the vulture bandit character and he went on the rampage collecting gems everywhere and duelling all the birds. That brought up a 23.65x win. Moments like that can make Pirots 3 worth playing, but it’s a bit of an acquired taste.

Bandit feature in Pirots 3
The bandit escapes to help create a 23.65x win (20p stake)

What We Liked

  • CollectR pay format unlike any other slots
  • Feature meter releases bonus features when it fills up
  • Bandit collects ANY color symbol when released from the cage
  • Fun animations when Pirots duel each other
  • Chance of landing a Max Win coin

What We Didn't like

  • Low RTP at 94%
  • Drawn out gameplay won't be for everyone

Pirots 3 Review Scores

  • Theme and Design 9
  • RTP and Variance 5
  • Maximum Win 7
  • Symbols and Paytable 9
  • Features and Gameplay 10

What Our Reviewer Says ...

"Another crazy adventure with the Pirots with extended animations and clever features this time in the wild west"

Overall Score: 8.0

Theme & Design

Our Score 9

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from Pirots and Pirots 2, it’s that ELK Studios knows how to shake up a sequel. In the runaway hit that was the original Pirots, we were invited to an ocean sunset, while Pirots 2 took us to a Jurassic Park style jungle. So, it’s almost no surprise that Pirots 3 has a Wild West theme. After all, who hasn’t watched a Western and thought ‘this needs more pirates’?

Pirots 3 by ELK Studios
Pirots 3 – wild west setting

The Western theme is a fun twist and executed perfectly. The famous birds are sat on a see through grid in front of a dusty old road. There’s a stunning sunset in the background and ramshackle wooden buildings to each side, as well as a caged vulture, who performs an interesting trick!

RTP and Variance

Our Score 5

What is RTP?

RTP (Return to Player) refers to the amount a game will pay out in cash prizes expressed as a percentage of all the money wagered on that game. For example, a 96% RTP means a game will pay out £96 for every £100 wagered. This is an average number and will vary from one session to the next.  Read more here.

What is Variance?

Variance refers to how far a game will deviate from its RTP over time. High variance games deviate a lot and produce uneven win distributions and unexpected windfalls. Low variance games provide a more stable and even distribution of wins. Read more here.

If one thing hasn’t changed from the original two games then it’s the RTP. It’s still stuck at 94% which is absolutely standard for ELK Studios, but a little disappointing when compared to plenty of other games. The volatility is also high, making this game a little unpredictable. It can swing from big wins to losing streaks in a heartbeat so beware and set your stake accordingly.

Maximum Win

Our Score 7

What Is Maximum Win?

Maximum win refers to the maximum amount a player can win from one spin. It is expressed as a multiple of the stake. For example, where the maximum win is 100,000x, from a £1 stake, the maximum win would be £100,000.  

The top payout remains at 10,000x your bet which is certainly no mean prize, but when paired with high volatility and a pretty low RTP, the chances of a great win do seem to be a little small. If you’re looking for a piratey theme with a higher payout then you could try Dead Man’s Trail by Relax Gaming with a 50,000x max win.

Symbols and Paytable

Our Score 9

The CollectR mechanic is still in play in Pirots 3 on the 6 reel, 7 row layout (which can expand to 7 reels and 8 rows). There are four gem symbols (blue, green, purple, and red). In order to win, the gems need to be collected by a bird of the same colour as them, or the vulture which we’ll come on to later. The gems can be collected by a bird that’s directly next to them in any direction. The birds can move more than once per turn and will collect until they can’t collect any more gems/features.

Pirots 3 Paytable
The paytable with 30x for top paying red gems

The gems start off with a value of 0.05x the bet to 0.1x the bet each, but can be upgraded up to 7 levels. At level 7 their value is from 7.5x the bet to 30x the bet. 

Features and Gameplay

Our Score 10

Like its predecessors, Pirates 3 is bursting with features, but even more than before. Let’s take a look at how each of them works.

Collection Meter

Directly above the grid you’ll find the collection meter. Every time a gem, or a wild symbol is collected by the birds it adds to the meter. When the meter is full, one feature release is added to it, with a max of three being possible. 

The feature/s are released from the meter either: before dynamite explodes, as part of the first drop in the bonus game, or when the birds can’t collect more symbols. Up to three features can be released at once. The features when released, convert a random number of gems to a random selection of feature symbols, which are covered below.

Note: any symbols collected during the bandit round do not fill up the collection meter.

Feature Symbols

There are a whole lot of feature symbols in Pirots 3, let’s explore what they all do:

  • Upgrade Symbol: these must be collected to work. They upgrade the payout level of gems the same colour as the bird that collected them by 1 to 3  levels. 
  • Key: these must be collected to work. The bandit escape feature triggers as soon as the birds can’t collect any more symbols. The bandit then collects symbols of any colour. The bandit battles with adjacent birds and if it defeats all four then the bandit coin game begins. If the bandit is defeated by one of the birds then the bandit escape ends.
  • Transform: these must be collected to work. They turn a cluster of gems next to the bird that collected it into the same oclour as the bird. Some gems can also be converted to other feature symbols.
  • Peanut: these must be collected to work. They place a peanut in empty grid spaces which can be eaten by the birds. It allows them to cross spaces to reach more collectable symbols.
  • Dynamite: these explode when they’re collected. This explosion removes the birds and gems from the grid, triggering a redrop. It also expands the grid to 7 reels and 8 rows. Dynamite can either explode the area around it or the whole grid, depending on its size.
  • Wild: these can substitute for any gem at its current level. If you receive a black bandit wild then they substitute for the highest paying gem.
  • Coin: these must be collected to work. The coin pays the displayed value multiplied by the bet. The Max Win coin pays the 10,000x the bet minus any current win.
Pirots 3 Duel
Bandit vs Pirot Duel

Coin Game

If you manage to clear the entire grid then the coin game begins. Coin bags and scorpions drop onto the reels in random positions, then the train arrives. The train is carrying either birds, or the vulture bandit.

You’ll notice the collection meter is replaced by a win counter. The birds or bandit throw lassos to collect coin bags, if they catch a scorpion then they’re out of the game. The coin game ends when no bird/bandit remains. If it ends in normal mode then new symbolsl and the birds drop onto the reels again.

Showdown Feature

We love a good showdown! Two birds can swap places with one another when they can’t collect anymore symbols. However, catch them on a bad day and they might perform a showdown. This always happens if three birds are next to each other. The feature begins with the birds moving away from each other removing symbols as they go, then they randomly shoot in any direction. The shots remove gems, collect bonus scatters, keys, and coins, and ignite dynamite. Any other feature symbols aren’t affected. After the duel the birds are redropped and the symbols refill.

Train Heist

There are between 2 and 4 positions to the left and right of the grid that are marked with a train backdrop. If a bird collects a symbol from the train backdrop on one side and can also collect a symbol with a train backdrop on the other side then it’s time for a train heist. 

The bird finishes collecting and then hops on the departing train. The train chugs around the grid, awarding between 1 and 3 feature symbols. The train will then stop on the opposite side to let the bird off to finish collecting symbols.

Bonus Game

If you collect three scatter symbols then the bonus game starts with 5 free drops. If you collect a bonus in the free drops part then you get an additional free drop. If you collect super bonus scatters then the game starts on the fully expanded grid. Everything about the bonus spins is the same as normal, except the symbol collection meter and gem upgrade level is persistent.

The Final Verdict

ELK Studios has knocked it out of the park (and straight into the Wild West) with Pirots 3. This game’s fun take on the theme makes it feel fresh and gives it an identity all of its own. It also paves the way for a clever new addition to the CollectR mechanic, the bandit, whilst creating the option for several new features. The Train Heist feature is just as much fun visually as it is good at creating wins, while the Showdown feature is a clever touch too.

If you like classic slots that are simple to understand then this one probably won’t be for you. However, if you like slots that give you plenty of playtime and involve lots of fascinating features then you’ll feel right at home here. As ever the disappointing RTP of 94% can’t be ignored, but for players with a bulky enough budget, this game is a brilliant choice.

Useful Tips When Playing Pirots 3

Remember, online slots are games of chance, there is NO strategy that can improve your odds of winning. However, reading our review and following these tips will help you get the most out of your time playing this slot game.

1. Play In Demo Mode First

This can be a tricky one to follow so it may be worth playing in demo mode a few times to get the hang of it. Casumo Casino lets you do that.

2. Look For Key Symbols

Releasing the vulture bandit can bring up some good moments as he can move all over the grid collecting ANY gem color.

3. Watch The Collection Meter

To get extra bonus features you need to fill the meter by collecting symbols. It fills further each time one is collected.

4. Play At Our Recommended Slot Sites

We have chosen the sites on this page because they all scored high in our reviews and they are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. That makes them fair and safe places to play slots.

Who Made Pirots 3?

  • Name: ELK Studios
  • Established: 2013
  • UK License: 40844
  • Total Games: 60 +
  • Known For: Amazing artwork, wide choice of themes and styles
  • Popular Slots: Avalon Gold, Dropz, Nitropolis, Wild Toro
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