Cygnus 5 by ELK Studios

Step into the cosmic realm of ancient Egypt with Cygnus 5, the latest installment in ELK Studios’ popular Cygnus series. This celestial slot takes players on a thrilling journey through time and space, blending the mystique of Egyptian architecture with the wonders of the night sky. Released in late 2024, Cygnus 5 builds upon its predecessors’ success, offering an expanded 6-reel, 4-8 row grid that can unlock up to a staggering 262,144 ways to win. With its innovative features like the Prism Symbol, Multiplier Pillar, and the potential for a massive 50,000x max win, this medium to high volatility game promises an out-of-this-world gaming experience for both seasoned players and newcomers alike.

Game Info

Attribute	Value
Game Name	Cygnus 5
Provider	ELK Studios
Release Date	January 7, 2025
Theme	Ancient Egypt, Cosmic, Space, Astronomy, Stars
Reels	6
Rows	4-8 (Expanding)
Paylines	4,096 to 262,144 (Ways to Win)
RTP	94% (Variable, may be lower in some markets)
Volatility	Medium to High
Max Win	50,000x stake
Min Bet	€0.20
Max Bet	€100
Features	Avalanche Mechanic, Wild Symbol, Prism Symbol, Multiplier Symbol, Meteor Strike, Free Spins
Bonus Buy	Yes (X-iter)
Mobile Compatible	Yes
Special Symbols	Wild, Scatter, Prism, Multiplier
Free Spins	Yes
Multipliers	Yes (Persistent during features)
Grid Expansion	Yes (Up to 8 rows)
Max Ways to Win	262,144
Game Engine	Proprietary ELK Studios
Graphics	High-quality 3D
Audio	Immersive, theme-related
Autoplay	Available
Quickspin	Available
Devices	Desktop, Mobile, Tablet
Languages	Multiple
Currencies	Multiple
Certifications	Licensed and regulated

Theme

Cygnus 5 takes players on a mesmerizing journey that blends the mystique of ancient Egypt with the wonders of the cosmos. The game is set in a majestic temple corridor, where towering stone walls adorned with hieroglyphics stretch toward a star-filled night sky. This unique fusion creates an atmosphere of otherworldly wonder, with the Cygnus constellation prominently featured alongside Egyptian iconography. The slot’s theme draws inspiration from the alignment of the brightest star in Cygnus, Deneb, with the Giza pyramids, offering players a captivating narrative that bridges earthly antiquity with celestial majesty.

Graphics, Sound, and Animation

The visual presentation of Cygnus 5 is nothing short of stunning, featuring high-quality 3D graphics that bring the cosmic Egyptian setting to life. The game’s symbols appear as precious medallions set against dark circular frames, creating a sophisticated jewelry-like appearance that seamlessly blends Egyptian motifs with celestial elements. The atmospheric effects, such as gentle mist swirling at the base of temple columns and twinkling starlight in the background, add depth and movement to the scene. Aurally, the game immerses players with a captivating soundtrack that features instruments from the Middle East, enhancing the overall experience. The animations are smooth and exciting, particularly during feature activations and wins, contributing to the slot’s polished and engaging gameplay.

Pros and Cons of Cygnus 5

Cygnus 5 Slot Features

Cygnus 5 from ELK Studios offers a cosmic journey through ancient Egypt, packed with innovative features that elevate the gameplay to stellar heights. Let’s explore the unique features that make Cygnus 5 stand out in the vast universe of online slots.

Avalanche Mechanic

The Avalanche mechanic in Cygnus 5 creates a dynamic playing field where winning combinations trigger a cascade of new symbols. As winning symbols disappear, new ones fall into place, potentially creating additional wins. This feature not only adds excitement to each spin but also expands the grid, increasing the ways to win from an initial 4,096 up to a staggering 262,144. The expansion occurs as follows:

• 4 rows: 4,096 ways to win
• 5 rows: 15,625 ways to win
• 6 rows: 46,656 ways to win
• 7 rows: 117,649 ways to win
• 8 rows: 262,144 ways to win

Each Avalanche adds a new row until the maximum of 8 rows is reached, providing players with increasingly lucrative opportunities.

Prism Symbol

The Prism Symbol is one of the most captivating features of Cygnus 5. When this symbol reaches the bottom of the grid, it unleashes beams of light that transform symbols along random paths into matching payout symbols or wilds. The true magic happens when two prisms interact, creating a chain reaction that can lead to massive wins. This feature adds a layer of unpredictability and excitement to every spin, as players watch the prisms potentially transform entire sections of the grid.

Multiplier Symbol

The Multiplier Symbol in Cygnus 5 acts as a cosmic amplifier for your wins. When these symbols reach the bottom or leftmost column of the grid, they increase the active win multiplier before transforming into wilds. This multiplier persists throughout the current game round, potentially building up to create astronomical payouts. The Multiplier Pillar, visible to the left of the reels, tracks your progress through six stages, with each stage bringing you closer to the maximum win potential.

Meteor Strike

Adding an element of celestial surprise, the Meteor Strike feature randomly replaces pay symbols with feature symbols during Avalanche wins. This unexpected event can dramatically alter the outcome of a spin, introducing Prisms, Multipliers, or other high-value symbols that can lead to substantial wins. The Meteor Strike adds an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the base game.

Free Spins Bonus

The Free Spins bonus in Cygnus 5 is triggered when a bonus or super bonus symbol reaches the leftmost column. Players are awarded 7 free drops, during which the multipliers do not reset between spins. This feature maintains the excitement of the base game while offering enhanced winning potential. The super free spins version guarantees a Meteor Strike on every drop, further amplifying the bonus round’s thrill.

X-iter Bonus Buy

For players seeking instant cosmic action, Cygnus 5 offers the X-iter Bonus Buy feature. This innovative system allows players to choose from five different bonus modes, each offering a unique gameplay experience:

• Bonus Hunt (2x bet): 3x more likely to trigger the bonus or super bonus free spins
• Meteors (10x bet): Guaranteed Meteor Strike in the first drop
• Prisms (25x bet): Guaranteed at least two prisms in the first drop
• Bonus Game (100x bet): Entry into the free spin bonus
• Super Bonus (500x bet): Entry into the super free spin bonus

This feature provides players with control over their celestial journey, allowing them to tailor their experience and potentially access the game’s most lucrative features more quickly.

These features work in harmony to create a truly immersive and potentially rewarding slot experience, making Cygnus 5 a standout title in ELK Studios’ portfolio.

Game Rules

Cygnus 5 offers an innovative gameplay experience with its expanding grid and unique features. The game starts with 6 reels and 4 rows, potentially expanding up to 8 rows. Players aim to form winning combinations across adjacent reels, triggering the Avalanche mechanic for consecutive wins.

Basics

Cygnus 5, the latest installment in ELK Studios’ popular Cygnus series, takes players on a cosmic journey through ancient Egypt. Released on January 7, 2025, this slot features a 6-reel grid with an initial 4 rows that can expand up to 8 rows, offering an impressive 4,096 to 262,144 ways to win. The game boasts a medium to high volatility and an RTP of 94%, which is slightly below the industry average but in line with ELK Studios’ standards. With a betting range from €0.20 to €100, Cygnus 5 caters to both casual players and high rollers, offering a maximum win potential of 50,000x the stake. The slot’s unique mechanics, including the Avalanche feature and expanding grid, create a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience.

Symbols

The symbols in Cygnus 5 are designed to reflect the game’s fusion of ancient Egyptian iconography and cosmic elements. The lower-paying symbols are represented by geometric shapes: blue triangles, green squares, and red hexagons, each paying 0.2x the bet for a 6-of-a-kind win. The higher-paying symbols include a falcon (likely representing Horus), a snake (possibly Wadjet), a cat (reminiscent of Bastet), and a sun-moon symbol, which pay between 0.3x to 5x the bet for six matching symbols. The game also features special symbols that enhance gameplay, including the Wild symbol, which substitutes for all regular paying symbols, and the Prism symbol, which can transform adjacent symbols into matching payout symbols or wilds. Additionally, Cygnus 5 incorporates Multiplier symbols and Scatter symbols, which play crucial roles in activating the slot’s bonus features and increasing win potential.

Paytable

The paytable of Cygnus 5 features a mix of low and high-paying symbols, reflecting the game’s ancient Egyptian and cosmic theme. With six reels and up to eight rows, the slot offers potential payouts for combinations of three to six matching symbols across adjacent reels.

Symbol	Description	6 Matches	5 Matches	4 Matches	3 Matches
	Sun Compass (Gold)	5.00	3.00	2.00	1.00
	Red Eagle	0.50	0.30	0.25	0.20
	Green Eagle	0.40	0.25	0.20	0.15
	Blue Eagle	0.30	0.20	0.15	0.10
	Red Gem	0.20	0.15	0.10	0.05
	Green Gem	0.20	0.15	0.10	0.05
	Blue Gem	0.20	0.15	0.10	0.05

Demo Version

For those eager to explore the cosmic realms of ancient Egypt without risking real money, the Cygnus 5 demo is available at the top of this page. This free-play version offers all the excitement and features of the full game, allowing players to experience the expanding grid, Prism symbols, and Meteor Strikes risk-free. The Cygnus 5 demo is an excellent opportunity to familiarize yourself with the game’s mechanics, test different strategies, and fully appreciate the slot’s stunning visuals and immersive soundtrack before committing to real-money play. Whether you’re a seasoned slot enthusiast or new to ELK Studios’ games, trying the Cygnus 5 demo is a smart way to determine if this celestial adventure aligns with your gaming preferences.

How to Play Cygnus 5

Embarking on your cosmic journey through Cygnus 5 is an exciting adventure that combines ancient Egyptian mystique with celestial wonders. Here’s a comprehensive step-by-step guide to help you navigate this stellar slot game:

Step 1: Set Your Bet

Begin by selecting your wager using the betting options located at the bottom of the screen. The betting range spans from €0.20 to €100 per spin, catering to both casual players and high rollers. Take a moment to consider your budget and choose a bet size that allows for extended gameplay. Remember, in Cygnus 5, your potential winnings are multiplied by your bet amount, so finding the right balance between risk and reward is crucial.

Step 2: Understand the Grid

Familiarize yourself with the 6-reel, 4-row grid that can expand up to 8 rows. The game starts with 4,096 ways to win and can increase to a maximum of 262,144 ways as the grid expands. This dynamic grid is key to the game’s excitement, as each Avalanche can increase your winning potential. Pay attention to how the grid expands:

• 4 rows: 4,096 ways to win
• 5 rows: 15,625 ways to win
• 6 rows: 46,656 ways to win
• 7 rows: 117,649 ways to win
• 8 rows: 262,144 ways to win

Step 3: Spin the Reels

Click the spin button to set the reels in motion. Watch as the symbols cascade down, creating potential winning combinations across adjacent reels from left to right. Each spin is a new opportunity for cosmic wins, so keep an eye out for high-value symbols and special features. If you prefer a more automated experience, you can use the autoplay function to set a predetermined number of spins.

Step 4: Observe the Avalanche Feature

When you land a winning combination, the Avalanche feature activates. Winning symbols disappear, allowing new symbols to fall into place and potentially creating more wins. This feature not only provides the chance for multiple wins on a single spin but also expands the grid, increasing your ways to win. Each Avalanche adds a new row until the maximum of 8 rows is reached, providing increasingly lucrative opportunities.

Step 5: Look Out for Special Symbols

Keep an eye out for the Prism Symbol, which can transform adjacent symbols into matching payout symbols or wilds when it reaches the bottom of the grid. This powerful symbol can create chain reactions of wins, especially when two Prisms interact. Additionally, watch for Wild symbols that substitute for all regular paying symbols, and Scatter symbols that can trigger bonus features.

Step 6: Monitor the Multiplier Pillar

Pay attention to the Multiplier Pillar on the left side of the reels. As Multiplier Symbols reach the bottom or leftmost column, they increase the active multiplier and turn into wilds. This multiplier persists throughout the current game round, potentially building up to create astronomical payouts. The Multiplier Pillar has six stages, each bringing you closer to the maximum win potential of 50,000x your stake.

Step 7: Trigger Free Spins

Land a Bonus or Super Bonus symbol in the leftmost column to activate the Free Spins feature, granting you 7 free drops with persistent multipliers. During Free Spins, the multipliers do not reset between spins, offering enhanced winning potential. The Super Free Spins version guarantees a Meteor Strike on every drop, further amplifying the bonus round’s thrill and win potential.

Step 8: Utilize the X-iter Feature

Consider using the X-iter feature to access different bonus modes for an additional cost. This innovative system allows you to choose from five options:

• Bonus Hunt (2x bet): 3x more likely to trigger the bonus or super bonus free spins
• Meteors (10x bet): Guaranteed Meteor Strike in the first drop
• Prisms (25x bet): Guaranteed at least two prisms in the first drop
• Bonus Game (100x bet): Entry into the free spin bonus
• Super Bonus (500x bet): Entry into the super free spin bonus
  This feature provides control over your gaming experience, allowing you to potentially access the game’s most lucrative features more quickly.

Step 9: Aim for the Max Win

As you play, remember that the ultimate goal is to reach the top of the Multiplier Pillar, which can award the maximum win of 50,000x your stake. This astronomical payout is achieved through a combination of expanding reels, multipliers, and special features. While the volatility is medium to high, meaning big wins may be less frequent but potentially more substantial, every spin has the potential to launch you into the cosmic heights of massive wins.

By following these steps and understanding the unique features of Cygnus 5, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate this celestial slot adventure and potentially uncover the treasures hidden within its cosmic reels.

Top Casinos for Playing Cygnus 5

If you’re ready to take your cosmic adventure to the next level and try your luck with real money, we’ve got you covered with some stellar casino recommendations. These top-notch gaming destinations not only feature Cygnus 5 in their impressive game libraries but also offer enticing welcome bonuses to boost your initial bankroll. From generous match deposit offers to free spins packages, these casinos provide the perfect launchpad for your Cygnus 5 journey. Remember to always gamble responsibly and familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of any bonus offers before diving in.

Similar Slots

If you enjoy Cygnus 5, here are three similar games that offer comparable gameplay experiences:

• Cygnus 4 (ELK Studios): The predecessor to Cygnus 5, featuring a similar expanding grid and multiplier system set in a stylized representation of London.
• Nitropolis 5 (ELK Studios): A post-apocalyptic slot with the innovative Nitro Reels mechanic, offering thousands of ways to win and exciting bonus features.
• Katmandu Gold (ELK Studios): Part of ELK’s “Gold” series, this slot offers an avalanche mechanic and Himalayan adventure theme with constant mini-wins.

Verdict: Is Cygnus 5 worth playing?

Cygnus 5 is definitely worth playing for slot enthusiasts looking for an innovative and visually stunning gaming experience. This latest installment in ELK Studios’ popular series offers a unique blend of ancient Egyptian themes and cosmic elements, creating an immersive atmosphere that sets it apart from typical slot games. With its expanding grid system that can offer up to 262,144 ways to win, players have the potential for truly astronomical payouts, including a max win of 50,000x the stake.

The game’s medium to high volatility provides an exciting balance of risk and reward, while features like the Prism Symbol, Multiplier Pillar, and Meteor Strike add layers of strategy and unpredictability to each spin. The Avalanche mechanic and Free Spins bonus round further enhance the gameplay, keeping players engaged throughout their session.

However, it’s worth noting that the 94% RTP is slightly below the industry average, which may deter some players. Additionally, the complex mechanics might be overwhelming for newcomers to the slot scene. Despite these minor drawbacks, Cygnus 5’s innovative features, stunning visuals, and massive win potential make it a worthwhile addition to any slot player’s rotation, especially for those who enjoy high-volatility games with unique themes and mechanics.

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