In the unforgiving sands of ancient Egypt, archaeologists often discovered vibrant images of scarabs — sacred beetles symbolizing rebirth and eternal life. The developer 3 Oaks Gaming turned this mystical image into an exciting video slot Crystal Scarabs, combining Egyptian aesthetics with modern game mechanics. The game transports players to a temple bathed in the warm glow of torches, where precious stones come to life with each spin, covering the symbols. The screen follows a 5 reels × 4 rows layout, with a carefully selected orchestral score and the muted sounds of the desert, creating a full immersion into the golden era of the Pharaohs.
Despite its clear focus on an adventurous atmosphere, the slot falls under the category of medium-high volatility video slots. This means that wins don’t come on every spin, but with a lucky combination of symbols, players can expect impressive multipliers and progressive jackpots. This balance makes the slot appealing to both "long game" enthusiasts, who enjoy the process, and big win hunters, ready to risk their bankroll for a solid reward.
Decoding the Reels Alphabet
The game field of Crystal Scarabs consists of five reels and four rows, forming 15 fixed pay lines. Combinations are counted only from left to right and must begin strictly from the first reel. If multiple combinations are formed on different lines in one spin, their payouts are summed, but only the highest win per line is considered.
- Dynamic payout table. The multiplier values instantly adjust to the current bet size — just change the coin denomination to see the numbers in the payout table update.
- Betting grid. The minimum total bet starts from small amounts but can increase up to sums designed for high rollers; this makes the slot suitable for both cautious beginners and professionals.
- Autospin and turbo mode. For those who prefer dynamic gameplay, the option to set 10 to 1000 automatic spins is available, and the reel animation can also be sped up.
- Transparent randomness. The random number generator algorithm is certified by independent laboratories, so every spin is truly unpredictable.
Thanks to its well-thought-out rules, the slot provides a clear understanding of the chances of success and simplifies session planning, allowing players to control their budget and adjust their strategy "on the fly".
What Are the Treasures Worth
| Symbol | 3 Symbols | 4 Symbols | 5 Symbols |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wild | 6.00 | 15.00 | 150.00 |
| Pharaoh | 3.00 | 9.00 | 75.00 |
| Cleo | 3.00 | 9.00 | 75.00 |
| Ankh | 1.50 | 6.00 | 45.00 |
| Eye of Horus | 1.50 | 6.00 | 45.00 |
| Crown | 1.50 | 6.00 | 45.00 |
| A | 1.50 | 3.00 | 15.00 |
| K | 1.50 | 3.00 | 15.00 |
| Q | 1.50 | 3.00 | 15.00 |
| J | 1.50 | 3.00 | 15.00 |
As seen in the table, Wild symbols play a key role, bringing the highest multiplier — up to × 150 per line. Premium-level images such as the portraits of Pharaoh and Cleopatra are the most profitable, while Egyptian artifacts form the middle ground of payouts. Card values A, K, Q, and J act as the base fillers for the reels, supporting frequent combinations and preventing the budget from quickly depleting. This symbol distribution creates a pleasant balance between regular small wins and rare but large payouts.
The Magic of Ancient Times and Hidden Features
Alongside the core mechanics, the developer introduced several impressive features that make the gameplay multilayered and dynamic:
Wild — the Universal Precious Beetle
- Appears on all five reels.
- Substitutes any symbol except for Scatter and bonus symbols.
- When matching on its own, it grants the highest linear payouts.
Scatter — Guardians of the Temple Entrance
- Appears only on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th reels.
- Three Scatter symbols in the main game trigger 8 free spins.
- During the free spins mode, three new Scatters add another 8 spins — the chance for a reset is very high.
- All Free Spins are played at the stake that was active when they were triggered.
Bonus Beetle and Boost Symbol
- The Bonus symbol (blue scarab) appears on all reels, but only pays during the corresponding bonus game.
- The Boost symbol (blue circle) can appear on any reel, and when it appears alongside at least one bonus beetle, it instantly sums all bonus values and adds the total to the current spin’s win.
This combination of mechanics keeps the player in constant suspense: each spin could be a springboard to a series of free games or an unfolding bonus phase.
Winning Strategy for True Archaeologists
Although the random number generator cannot be manually controlled, proper bankroll management and a well-chosen bet increase the chances of exiting the temple with more than just sand in hand. Experienced players recommend:
- Start with 15-20% of the total budget. This amount will help you survive prolonged streaks without big wins, preventing a loss after several spins.
- Track the frequency of Scatter symbols. If two consecutive Scatters do not appear within 50 spins, lower your bet or take a break — the algorithm might be in an unfavorable phase.
- Increase the bet after Free Spins. The bonus round often brings a series of small combinations; after it, you may have a chance to catch an additional Boost.
- Use autospin with win and loss limits. This helps stop the session automatically when the desired profit is achieved or if half of the bankroll is gone.
It is important to remember that no strategy guarantees 100% success; the goal is to minimize risks and increase playtime, which statistically increases the chance of encountering rare high-paying features.
Scarabs Festival: All About the Bonus Round
What is the bonus game?
Bonus rounds in video slots are built-in mini-games triggered by specific conditions (most commonly, landing a certain number of special symbols). They allow players to temporarily step away from the standard reel spins and immerse themselves in a new mechanic with unique rules and higher payout multipliers. These modes add depth to the gameplay and provide a chance to hit progressive or fixed jackpots with just a few clicks.
How It Works in Crystal Scarabs
To unlock the bonus game, you need to collect at least six blue or golden bonus symbols and/or a Boost symbol. After activation, the player is granted three respins; each time a new bonus or Boost symbol appears on the screen, the reset counter returns to three. Only bonus beetles and Boost symbols participate in this mode, so each reel stop could bring a monetary reward.
- Bonus symbol values. They range from 0.5 × to 10 × the total bet per spin — the longer the round lasts, the higher the final multiplier.
- Top row upgrades. Above the reels, there’s an additional row with three types of signs: add (+), multiply (×), and gold (Gold). Each one triggers a unique upgrade for the scarab symbols below.
- Jackpots. Collect golden insects to unlock fixed prizes:
2 Gold — Mini Jackpot (× 20),
3 Gold — Minor Jackpot (× 50),
4 Gold — Major Jackpot (× 100),
5 Gold — Grand Jackpot (× 5000!). - Full field fill. If every cell is covered with a blue or golden beetle, all values are doubled, turning the round into a true golden shower.
It’s especially pleasant that the bonus mode can even trigger during free spins and will be calculated at the same bet. Thus, the combination of Free Spins → Bonus Game often leads to unexpectedly high payouts.
Training Mode: Free Exploration of Features
Demo mode is a free version of the slot where bets are made with virtual credits. Everything, from mechanics to the frequency of bonus occurrences, fully corresponds to real-money play, making the demo perfect for exploring the features without any risk. To activate:
- Open the slot in your chosen online casino.
- Click the Demo button or switch located below the main game image. If the interface is in Russian, the button may be called “Демо” or “Играть бесплатно”.
- If the mode does not start, look for a small switch next to the bet button (often marked with a controller icon) and switch it to Free. This area is usually highlighted in the casino’s interface screenshot.
While practicing for free, it’s worth testing different bet sizes and closely tracking when Scatter and Boost symbols most often appear — these observations will help determine the optimal strategy for real play.
Should You Grab the Shovel — Our Final Verdict
Crystal Scarabs skillfully combines the classic Egyptian atmosphere with advanced bonuses and a dynamic payout trail. The slot offers 15 fixed lines, a progressive bonus game with four jackpots, and field doubling, as well as generous free spins with the chance to restart. Thanks to the flexible bet range, the game is suitable for beginners just exploring the online casino world, as well as experienced players hunting for big multipliers. If you’re looking for an exciting adventure with refined mathematics, high engagement levels, and a charming theme of ancient treasures, Crystal Scarabs definitely deserves a spot on your personal list of favorite games.
Developer: 3 Oaks Gaming