Aztec Gems vs Deluxe and Megaways: Which Version Should You Play?
Aztec Gems Slot Review: Original vs Deluxe and Megaways
Aztec Gems is one of Pragmatic Play's simpler slot series, built around colorful gemstones, ancient temples, and multipliers. What started as a compact three-reel game has since expanded into two distinct versions: Aztec Gems Deluxe and Aztec Gems Megaways.
If you're browsing the slot collection at Aslot, understanding these differences can help you choose the gameplay you prefer. The original focuses on straightforward line wins, Deluxe introduces a money-collection bonus, and Megaways brings changing reel heights and stronger multipliers.
Here's how the three games compare.
Aztec Gems: Original Game Overview
Released in 2018, the original Aztec Gems uses three reels, three rows, and five fixed paylines. The screen features brightly colored gemstones, a golden wild symbol, and a separate fourth reel dedicated entirely to multipliers.
The game doesn't include traditional free spins or elaborate bonus rounds. Instead, every spin offers an opportunity to multiply regular line wins.
Key Features
Provider: Pragmatic Play
Release Year: 2018
Reels and Rows: 3×3, plus a multiplier reel
Paylines: 5 fixed lines
RTP: 96.52%
Volatility: Low
Maximum Win: 375x the stake
Multipliers: 1x, 2x, 3x, 5x, 10x, and 15x
How the Multiplier Reel Works
Winning combinations form when three matching symbols appear across the main reels. Multiple paylines can win during the same spin, with their payouts added together.
The fourth reel then applies its multiplier to the total winnings.
For example, if your regular combinations produce a $5 payout and the multiplier reel lands on 10x, the final return becomes $50.
This simple mechanic is the original game's main attraction. There's no bonus feature to wait for, although landing a high multiplier doesn't guarantee a win if the main reels produce no paying combination.
Aztec Gems Deluxe: Money Respin and Jackpots
Released in August 2020, aztec gems deluxe keeps the compact 3×3 layout but changes the gameplay significantly.
Instead of relying primarily on a separate multiplier reel, Deluxe introduces Money Symbols, a Respin feature, and four fixed jackpot levels.
Its standard RTP is 96.50%, while the maximum possible payout reaches 22,519x the stake.
How Money Respin Works
The feature activates when four Money Symbols appear simultaneously.
Once triggered, the game awards three respins. Money Symbols remain locked in place, while empty positions continue spinning.
Whenever another Money Symbol appears, it becomes locked and the respin counter resets to three.
The feature ends when no respins remain or all nine positions have been filled.
Filling the entire grid triggers an additional random feature. This can award a multiplier between 2x and 10x or activate a wheel offering larger multipliers and fixed jackpots.
The jackpot levels are Mini, Minor, Major, and Grand.
Deluxe therefore offers a more involved bonus experience than the original, although accessing the feature and collecting substantial prizes still depend entirely on random outcomes.
Aztec Gems Megaways: Changing Reels and 100x Multipliers
Released in January 2025, Aztec Gems Megaways takes a different approach.
Unlike many Megaways slots featuring six reels and more than 100,000 possible winning combinations, this version keeps things surprisingly compact.
It uses three main reels, each displaying between two and eight symbols, creating up to 512 ways to win.
A fourth reel contains multipliers ranging from 1x to 100x.
What Makes Megaways Different?
The Megaways mechanic changes how many symbols appear on the main reels during each spin.
Matching symbols across consecutive reels create winning combinations, while the multiplier reel increases their value.
The game's main characteristics include a standard RTP of 96.58%, low volatility, and a maximum payout of 10,000x the stake.
Importantly, this version doesn't feature conventional free spins or a Bonus Buy option. Its multiplier reel is active on every spin, making it the central gameplay feature.
Aztec Gems Demo and Free Play
Trying the demo versions is a practical way to compare these games without risking real money.
If you're searching for an aztec gems pragmatic play demo, the developer provides official practice versions using virtual credits.
A demo allows you to understand the original's multiplier reel or explore the more elaborate Money Respin mechanics in Deluxe.
The aztec gems megaways demo is particularly useful for seeing how changing reel heights affect winning combinations and how the 100x multiplier works.
Demo results don't predict future real-money outcomes, but they help newcomers learn the rules before committing any funds.
Which Aztec Gems Version Should You Choose?
The original is a straightforward choice for players who prefer fixed paylines and uncomplicated spins.
Deluxe is more suitable for those interested in Money Respin, jackpot prizes, and a separate bonus round.
Megaways offers changing reel layouts and substantially stronger multipliers without adding complicated free spins mechanics.
A larger maximum payout doesn't necessarily mean a game provides better winning chances. RTP, volatility, and the way prizes are distributed are more useful when comparing different versions.
Responsible Gaming Tips
Before playing at Aslot, remember to:
Set a spending limit you can afford to lose.
Try demo mode before wagering real money.
Check the active RTP and paytable.
Avoid increasing stakes to recover losses.
Take regular breaks and limit your playing time.
All three games use random outcomes. No betting strategy can predict multipliers, trigger bonuses, or guarantee winnings.
Summary: Key Takeaways
The Aztec Gems series offers three noticeably different approaches to a similar theme.
The 2018 original focuses on fixed paylines and multipliers up to 15x. Deluxe introduces Money Respin and four jackpot levels, while Megaways provides up to 512 winning ways and multipliers reaching 100x.
For beginners, the original offers the simplest mechanics. Deluxe and Megaways add variety without abandoning the series' compact design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RTP of Aztec Gems?
The original has a standard RTP of 96.52%, Deluxe offers 96.50%, and Megaways has 96.58%. Check the active configuration before playing.
Does Aztec Gems have free spins?
The original and Megaways versions don't include conventional free spins. Deluxe uses a Money Respin bonus instead.
What is the maximum win in Aztec Gems Deluxe?
The maximum advertised payout is 22,519x the stake.
Can I play Aztec Gems Megaways for free?
Yes. Pragmatic Play provides an official demo using virtual credits. Availability at individual casinos may vary.
Which version has the highest maximum win?
Aztec Gems Deluxe has the highest advertised maximum payout at 22,519x, followed by Megaways at 10,000x and the original at 375x.
18+ Play responsibly. T&Cs apply.