Le Pharaoh

Le Pharaoh Slot Review: Uncover Ancient Egyptian Riches with Smokey the Raccoon

Introduction: A Fresh Take on Egyptian-Themed Slots

Le Pharaoh slot from Hacksaw Gaming offers a refreshing twist on the popular Egyptian theme that dominates online casinos. Rather than presenting another generic pyramid adventure, this game introduces players to Smokey, a mischievous raccoon disguised as a pharaoh, continuing his antics from the previous title Le Bandit but with an Egyptian makeover. Released on September 26, 2024, this 6-reel, 5-row slot has quickly gained popularity thanks to its engaging features, balanced gameplay, and impressive win potential of up to 15,000x your bet.

What sets Le Pharaoh apart in a crowded market isn't just its quirky protagonist but its innovative mechanics that blend familiar elements with fresh twists. The game maintains the signature Hacksaw Gaming quality while introducing enough new content to feel distinctly different from its predecessor. Whether you're a fan of the original Le Bandit or new to the series, this Le Pharaoh review will guide you through everything this adventurous slot has to offer, from its basic specifications to its most lucrative bonus features.

Game Theme, Visuals, and Setup

Le Pharaoh transports players to ancient Egypt with a vibrant, cartoonish aesthetic that sets it apart from more serious archaeological adventures. The game features a 6x5 grid framed in gold, set against a backdrop of pyramids, palm trees, and Egyptian architecture. While the setting is distinctly Egyptian, the protagonist—Smokey the raccoon in pharaoh's garb—adds a playful, irreverent tone that gives the game its unique personality.

Symbols include traditional card royals (10-A) as lower-value symbols and thematic icons like the Eye of Horus, Ankh, golden beetle, hourglass, and staff as higher-paying symbols. The visual design is crisp and modern, with smooth animations that enhance the gameplay without overwhelming the interface. The soundtrack complements the Egyptian theme while maintaining an energetic pace that matches the game's mechanics.

The user interface is clean and intuitive, with all controls easily accessible at the bottom of the screen. Players can adjust their bet, activate autoplay (with optional win and loss limits), access the paytable, and enable turbo spin for faster gameplay. The game is fully optimized for mobile, tablet, and desktop play, maintaining visual quality and performance across all devices.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

Sticky Re-drops: The Foundation of Wins

At the heart of Le Pharaoh's base game is the Sticky Re-drops feature, which activates whenever you land a winning combination. Here's how it works:

Winning symbols stick in place and are highlighted with a golden outline

A re-drop occurs where new symbols fall into the empty positions

If the new symbols extend existing wins or create new ones, those symbols also stick, triggering another re-drop

This process continues until no new winning combinations are formed

All stuck paying symbols create Golden Squares on their positions

Rainbow and FS symbols that land with winning combinations also stick but don't create Golden Squares

This mechanic can lead to chain reactions of wins from a single spin, significantly boosting your payout potential. The Golden Squares created during this process become particularly important when the Golden Riches feature triggers.

Golden Riches: Where Major Wins Hide

The Golden Riches feature is triggered when at least one Rainbow symbol is present on the grid at the end of a Sticky Re-drops sequence. When activated:

All Golden Squares on the grid activate and reveal either Bronze, Silver, or Gold Coins or special symbols

Coin values range from 0.2x to 500x your bet:

Special symbols include Pot of Gold, Green Clover, and Golden Clover

After coins and special symbols are revealed, Clover symbols activate:

Green Clovers multiply coins or Pot of Gold symbols on adjacent squares by x2 to x20

Golden Clovers multiply all coins or Pot of Gold symbols on the grid by x2 to x20

Finally, Pot of Gold symbols collect the values of all coins and other Pot of Gold symbols on the grid. After collection, all other Golden Squares activate again to reveal new symbols, and the process repeats until all reveals and activations are complete. The combined value of all coins and Pot of Gold symbols is then awarded.

Bonus Features and Free Spins

Le Pharaoh offers an impressive variety of bonus rounds, accessible through different trigger conditions:

Bonus Choice Menu

Landing 3 or 4 FS scatter symbols simultaneously in the base game brings up the Bonus Choice menu:

3 FS symbols: Choose between Luck of the Pharaoh or Lost Treasures

4 FS symbols: Choose between Super Luck of the Pharaoh or Super Lost Treasures

Luck of the Pharaoh & Super Luck of the Pharaoh

This bonus option focuses on enhancing the base game mechanics:

Luck of the Pharaoh awards 10 free spins with Sticky Re-drops and Golden Riches mechanics 

Golden Squares remain highlighted throughout the feature, even after being activated by a Rainbow symbol

Landing 2 FS symbols awards +2 free spins; 3 FS symbols award +4 free spins

Super Luck of the Pharaoh awards 12 free spins with better chances of landing higher-value coins and Pot of Gold symbols 

The Super version guarantees a Clover symbol whenever Golden Riches activates

Lost Treasures & Super Lost Treasures

This bonus offers a completely different gameplay experience:

Players start with 3 refilling lives in a survival-style game 

Each spin consumes one life; landing non-dead symbols resets lives to 3

The bonus ends after 3 consecutive spins without a life refill or if the grid fills completely

Special Stone Tablet symbols appear:

Super Lost Treasures guarantees an Adding Stone Tablet on the first spin with better chances for high-value coins and Pot of Gold symbols 

Rainbow Over the Pyramids

For the ultimate bonus experience, land 5 FS scatter symbols simultaneously to trigger Rainbow Over the Pyramids:

Awards 12 free spins with Sticky Re-drops and Golden Riches mechanics

Golden Squares remain highlighted throughout the feature

A Rainbow symbol is guaranteed to land on every spin

Landing 2 or 3 FS symbols awards +2 or +4 additional free spins respectively

Bonus Buy Options

For players in jurisdictions where it's available, Le Pharaoh offers several Bonus Buy options:

BonusHunt FeatureSpins (3x bet): Each spin is 5 times more likely to trigger a bonus game

Rainbow FeatureSpins (60x bet): Each spin guarantees at least 1 Rainbow symbol (96.35% RTP)

You Must Choose... (100x bet): Choose between Luck of the Pharaoh or Lost Treasures (96.33%/96.31% RTP)

...But Choose Wisely (200x bet): Choose between Super Luck of the Pharaoh or Super Lost Treasures (96.29% RTP)

Le Pharaoh RTP, Volatility, and Max Win Explained

Understanding the mathematical foundation of Le Pharaoh helps set appropriate expectations and playing strategies.

The Le Pharaoh RTP of 96.18% represents the theoretical return to players over an extended number of spins. However, it's important to note that this game comes with multiple RTP configurations (96.18%, 94.33%, 92.26%, and 88.24%), with operators selecting which version to offer. Always check the game information section to confirm which RTP you're playing.

With medium volatility (rated 3 out of 5 on Hacksaw Gaming's scale), Le Pharaoh strikes a balance between frequency and size of payouts. This makes it appealing to players who enjoy regular wins while maintaining the potential for significant payouts. The hit frequency of 29.21% means you can expect a winning combination approximately every 3-4 spins on average .

The Le Pharaoh max win of 15,000x your total bet represents a 50% increase over its predecessor Le Bandit. This substantial win potential is achieved through the compounding effects of the Golden Riches feature, particularly during bonus rounds where multipliers can dramatically increase payouts.

Le Pharaoh Demo Play: Why Try Before You Buy

The Le Pharaoh demo mode offers risk-free exploration of all game features. Here's why spending time with the demo version is worthwhile:

Familiarize yourself with mechanics: The Sticky Re-drops and Golden Riches features have specific triggers and sequences that are best understood without financial pressure

Develop personal preferences: The Bonus Choice menu requires selecting between different bonus types—trying both in demo mode helps you understand which aligns with your play style

Understand volatility: Experience the medium volatility pattern to gauge how frequently features trigger and what to expect during dry spells

Pure entertainment: For players not interested in real money play, the demo offers engaging entertainment value

The demo version provides the complete Le Pharaoh experience with virtual credits, allowing you to restart when credits run out. This risk-free environment is perfect for understanding the game's nuances before committing real funds.

Pros and Cons of Le Pharaoh

Based on extensive gameplay analysis, here's a balanced look at Le Pharaoh's strengths and weaknesses:

Advantages

Engaging theme with unique character: The mischievous raccoon protagonist provides a fresh take on the Egyptian theme 

Innovative feature combination: The Sticky Re-drops and Golden Riches mechanics work seamlessly together to create exciting gameplay moments 

Multiple bonus options: The choice between different bonus games adds strategic depth and replay value 

Substantial max win: 15,000x bet provides significant win potential 

Balanced volatility: Medium volatility suits a wide range of player preferences 

Mobile-optimized: Flawless performance across all devices 

Disadvantages

Variable RTP: Operators can choose lower RTP configurations, potentially reducing player returns 

Potentially confusing mechanics: The layered features might overwhelm casual players initially

Limited free spins in bonuses: The base number of free spins (10-12) is modest compared to some competitors 

Overfamiliar theme: Despite the unique twist, the Egyptian setting may feel tired to some players 

Player Tips for Le Pharaoh

While no strategy guarantees wins in this chance-based game, these tips can enhance your Le Pharaoh experience:

Start with Le Pharaoh demo play: Before wagering real money, use the free play mode to understand the game's mechanics and bonus triggers 

Verify the RTP: Check the game information to ensure you're playing the highest RTP version available (96.18%) 

Consider bonus choices carefully:

Manage your bankroll: The medium volatility provides regular wins, but still set limits for your session to ensure responsible play

Understand Golden Riches triggers: The feature only activates when a Rainbow symbol is present after Sticky Re-drops, so watch for these key symbols 

Evaluate Bonus Buy options carefully: If available in your jurisdiction, consider the cost versus potential benefits of each Bonus Buy option 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Le Pharaoh max win?

The maximum win in Le Pharaoh is 15,000 times your total bet. This substantial payout is achieved through the compounding effects of the Golden Riches feature, particularly during bonus rounds where multipliers can dramatically increase coin values.

Can I play Le Pharaoh for free?

Yes, you can play Le Pharaoh free play demo version at Neon Royale. This allows you to experience all game features without financial risk using virtual credits.

How does the Bonus Choice feature work?

Landing 3 or 4 FS scatter symbols triggers the Bonus Choice menu. With 3 scatters, choose between Luck of the Pharaoh or Lost Treasures; with 4 scatters, choose between their enhanced Super versions.

What is the difference between Green and Golden Clovers?

Green Clovers apply their multiplier (x2 to x20) to adjacent coins or Pot of Gold symbols, while Golden Clovers multiply all coins or Pot of Gold symbols on the grid by x2 to x20.

Is Le Pharaoh a sequel to Le Bandit?

Yes, Le Pharaoh continues the adventures of the mischievous raccoon Smokey from Le Bandit, now in an Egyptian setting. While it shares the same protagonist, it introduces several new mechanics and features distinct from its predecessor.

How volatile is Le Pharaoh?

Le Pharaoh has medium volatility (3 out of 5 on Hacksaw Gaming's scale), providing a balance between frequent smaller wins and less frequent larger payouts.

Final Verdict

Le Pharaoh successfully builds upon the foundation established by Le Bandit while introducing enough innovation to stand on its own merits. The Sticky Re-drops mechanic creates engaging base game moments, while the Golden Riches feature delivers the potential for substantial wins through its multi-layered coin collection and multiplier system.

The multiple bonus options add significant replay value, allowing players to choose experiences that match their preferences. The addition of the Lost Treasures bonus provides a completely different gameplay style compared to the traditional free spins in Luck of the Pharaoh.

With its 15,000x max win, balanced medium volatility, and engaging presentation, Le Pharaoh offers an entertaining experience that should appeal to both casual players and those seeking more feature-rich gameplay. The game's quirky personality, centered around the mischievous Smokey the raccoon, provides a refreshing alternative to more serious Egyptian-themed slots.

While the variable RTP settings across different casinos warrant attention, the highest 96.18% configuration is competitive within the industry . Whether you're a Hacksaw Gaming enthusiast or simply looking for a well-crafted slot with engaging features, Le Pharaoh deserves a spot on your playlist—starting with the demo version to explore its pyramids at your own pace.