ELK Studios expands its celestial-themed series with Cygnus 4, the latest addition to the popular Cygnus slots. This time, the game combines its gravity-driven avalanche mechanic with a fresh twist. In Cygnus 4, players aim to land specific symbols on the leftmost or bottom part of the grid for potential big wins. The standout feature is the new multiplier pillar that progresses as you play. Once you hit the top of the third pillar, you’ll trigger the game’s exciting max payout.
The Cygnus series started in 2019 with a journey through ancient Egypt. Cygnus 2 (2022) took players to an observatory, while Cygnus 3 (2023) brought them to a grand Colosseum. Now, Cygnus 4 moves the action to a vintage version of London, with the White Tower—an unmistakable nod to the Tower of London—gracing the backdrop. Above the game grid, the iconic Cygnus constellation twinkles in the night sky, providing a cosmic link between all the games in the series.
One consistent feature across the Cygnus slot series is the unique gameplay mechanic that starts each spin with 4 rows of symbols on a 6-reel grid. The reels are staggered, allowing symbols to slide sideways during avalanche wins. Initially, players have 4,096 ways to win, but as the grid expands to a full 8 rows, the winning ways increase dramatically to 262,144. Just like its predecessors, Cygnus 4 has high volatility, providing an exhilarating gaming experience. However, unlike the original Cygnus's RTP of 96.1%, Cygnus 4 offers a slightly lower RTP of 94%, whether you're betting between $0.20 and $100 per spin or using any of the X-iter features.
To score a win, players need to land matching symbols on adjacent reels starting from the leftmost one. The avalanche feature kicks in by removing the winning symbols, allowing the remaining ones to cascade down or roll sideways, while a new row is added—up to a maximum of 8 rows. This process repeats until no more winning combinations appear, after which the grid resets for the next spin.
The symbols in Cygnus 4 feature circular tokens with blue, green, and red gems, alongside mystical creatures such as serpents, unicorns, gryphons, and an all-seeing pyramid—giving off strong Illuminati vibes. For 6-of-a-kind wins, payouts range from 0.2 to 0.5x the bet for the gems and creatures, while landing 6 pyramid symbols can reward players with 10x their stake. Wild symbols also appear, acting as substitutes for any regular pay symbol to help create winning combinations.
Cygnus 4: Slot Features
The features in Cygnus 4 are quite similar to those in the previous two Cygnus slots, including a win multiplier, leveling up mechanics, free spins, and the X-iter feature buy option.
Multiplier
Multiplier symbols can land randomly on the grid, with a special multiplier pillar located on the far left of the game board. When a multiplier symbol reaches either the leftmost column or the bottom of the reels, it boosts the current multiplier value and then transforms into a wild symbol- This increase in the multiplier and the symbol’s transformation occur before the payout is calculated.
Level Up
If a level-up symbol reaches the leftmost column or the bottom of the reels, it upgrades the entire multiplier pillar and transforms into a wild symbol. As the pillar rotates, the current multiplier shifts to the same relative position on the newly activated pillar. There are 3 levels in the multiplier pillar, and reaching the top of the third level triggers the payout needed to hit the win cap. If a level-up and multiplier symbol are activated simultaneously, the pillar will level up first, followed by the multiplier increase. At the start of each new base game round, all level-up and multiplier progress resets.
Free Spins
When a scatter symbol lands in the leftmost column, players are awarded 7 free spins. There’s a bit of extra help here: if a scatter symbol reaches the bottom of reels 2-6, it moves to the top of the reel to its left, potentially triggering once per cycle. The current multiplier and pillar level carry over into the bonus round. Each free drop begins with 4 rows of symbols, and the active multiplier and pillar levels persist throughout the round. Bonus symbols landing in the leftmost column can also award extra free twirls.
X-iter Feature
The X-iter feature allows players to purchase certain bonuses, some of which aren’t available during standard gameplay:
Bonus Hunt
For 3x your bet, you get one drop with over double the chances of triggering free spins.
Multiplier Pillar at Level 3
For 10x the bet, one drop begins with the multiplier pillar already at level 3.
Multiplier Wilds
For 25x the bet, you get one drop where multiplier symbols also act as wilds. These multiplier wilds remain active until they turn into regular wilds by reaching the leftmost column or the bottom of the reels.
Bonus
Activate free spins for 100x your bet.
Super Bonus
For 500x the bet, trigger free spins where multiplier symbols are also wilds. These multiplier wilds stay active until they transform into regular wilds by reaching the leftmost column or the bottom of the grid.
Cygnus 4 Summary
Simply put, Cygnus 4 innovates on the old and captures the vibrancy of a celestial-themed series for players, notching it up with thrilling gameplay action filled with potential big wins. The addition of the gravity-driven avalanche mechanic and the new multiplier pillar does add more depth to the underlying gameplay, along with the stunning backdrop of vintage London and mystical symbols in all of its glory. With features such as free spins, level-up mechanics, and new X-iter options, players are going to get more than enough chances for some really exciting gameplay. While the RTP is a tad off compared to its siblings, high volatility coupled with immersive design makes Cygnus 4 a must-play both for series veterans and beginners alike.
Cygnus Conclusion
Cygnus captivates with its stellar theme and innovative mechanics, blending cascading reels with powerful multipliers for an engaging experience. Try the Cygnus demo for free at the top of our website to explore the cosmic adventure.
Fun Fact
The Cygnus slot series takes its name from the Cygnus constellation, visible above the game grid in every installment, connecting each chapter in the series to a cosmic theme. From ancient Egypt to a London-inspired setting, each game is a unique journey through time and space.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Innovative gravity-driven avalanche mechanic for exciting gameplay
- Multiplier pillar feature adds depth and boosts winning potential
- Stunning vintage London backdrop with a celestial theme
- X-iter feature allows players to buy unique game bonuses
- Up to 262,144 ways to win as the grid expands
Cons:
- 94% RTP is below the series' average
- High volatility may not suit casual players
- Complex mechanics may take time to fully understand
FAQ
1. How does the multiplier pillar work in Cygnus 4?
The multiplier pillar on the left of the grid increases your multiplier when symbols reach the leftmost or bottom of the reels. If a multiplier symbol hits this pillar, it boosts the multiplier and then transforms into a wild symbol.
2. Can I play Cygnus 4 for free?
Yes, you can play the Cygnus 4 demo for free at Spinaspin to get a feel for the gameplay and features.
3. How do I trigger free spins in Cygnus 4?
Free spins are triggered when a scatter symbol lands in the leftmost column, awarding you 7 free spins. Bonus symbols that land in the leftmost column during the bonus round can also award extra free spins.
4. What are the betting options in Cygnus 4?
In Cygnus 4, you can bet from $0.20 up to $100 per spin, with multiple X-iter options allowing you to purchase different game features.
5. What are the maximum winning ways in Cygnus 4?
The game starts with 4,096 ways to win and expands up to 262,144 ways to win as the grid grows to 8 rows. This expansion happens as winning symbols cascade, opening up more rows.