Series
Rise of Samurai series
Rise of Samurai series: from expanding symbols to colossal reels
The Rise of Samurai series is Pragmatic Play's high-volatility warrior franchise, built on free spins, changing symbols and a steadily rising payout ceiling. The Asian battle theme remains recognizable, but each sequel replaces the previous game's main route to large wins rather than merely adding another bonus.
Ranked by Slot Score
| Game | Year | RTP | Volatility | Slot Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Rise of SamuraiPragmatic Play | 2021 | 96.47% | High volatility | 69 |
 Rise of Samurai MegawaysPragmatic Play | 2021 | 95.7% | High volatility | 79 |
 Rise of Samurai IIIPragmatic Play | 2022 | 96.57% | High volatility | 77 |
 Rise of Samurai IVLatestPragmatic Play | 2023 | 96.05% | High volatility | 85 |
Rise of Samurai established the 5x3 base in 2021 with 25 paylines, expanding symbols and a 1,000x maximum win. Rise of Samurai Megaways rebuilt that frame later the same year as a 6x7 cascading game with up to 117,649 ways, free-spin multipliers, bonus access and a 5,000x ceiling. It is the series' format break, trading fixed-line clarity for variable reel height and repeated cascades.
How the reward ceiling rises
- Rise of Samurai: expanding symbols carry a 25-line game capped at 1,000x.
- Rise of Samurai Megaways: cascades and up to 117,649 ways raise the maximum to 5,000x.
- Rise of Samurai III: the third release returns to 5x3, expands to 40 paylines and combines sticky wilds, symbol collection and wild multipliers for a 10,000x ceiling.
- Rise of Samurai IV: the fourth release reduces the fixed structure to 15 paylines but adds colossal reels, guaranteed wilds in free spins, mode selection and a 15,000x maximum.
The franchise's progression is not a straight march toward more paylines. It moves from expanding symbols to Megaways, then back to fixed lines with persistent wild multipliers, and finally to a lower line count supported by colossal reels and selectable free-spin behavior. What grows consistently is the concentration of bonus value and the maximum win, from 1,000x in the original to 15,000x in Rise of Samurai IV.