Table of Contents
Katmandu Gold Quick Facts
| Game Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Slot name | Katmandu Gold |
| Provider | ELK Studios |
| Release date | December 1, 2020 |
| Game type | Video slot with dropping symbols |
| Columns / reels | 6 |
| Starting grid | 6 columns x 4 rows |
| Maximum grid | 6 columns x 9 rows |
| Starting ways to win | 4,096 |
| Maximum ways to win | 531,441 |
| RTP | 96.2% in the game rules; provider data may show 96.2%-96.4% |
| Volatility | High |
| Hit frequency | 22.4% |
| Maximum win | 10,000x bet |
| Minimum bet | €0.20 |
| Maximum bet | €100.00 |
| Main bonus | Multiplier Free Drops |
| Bonus trigger | 3 or more Bonus symbols |
| Special mechanics | Avalanche, Big Symbols, Wild, Ice Climber, Expanding Win |
| Rules screen last updated | 2023-10-12 |
How Katmandu Gold Works
Katmandu Gold uses a 6-column grid. A normal round begins with 4 rows, giving 4,096 ways to win. Winning combinations are counted from the first leftmost reel and pay from left to right on consecutive reels. Gaps between reels do not count.
After a win, the winning symbols are removed. New symbols fall into the grid. If new wins appear, the process continues. This is the game's avalanche system, and it can increase the grid height by adding new rows above the existing symbols.
Ways to Win and Expanding Rows
The number of ways to win changes according to the number of active rows. The game starts at 4 rows and can expand up to 9 rows.
| Active Rows | Ways to Win |
|---|---|
| 4 rows | 4,096 |
| 5 rows | 15,625 |
| 6 rows | 46,656 |
| 7 rows | 117,649 |
| 8 rows | 262,144 |
| 9 rows | 531,441 |
Katmandu Gold Mechanics
Avalanche Drops
- Winning symbols disappear.
- New symbols drop into empty spaces.
- New rows can be added during active sequences.
Big Symbols
- Symbols can appear as 2x2, 3x3 or 4x4.
- Bigger symbols cover more positions.
- Wilds can also appear as larger symbols.
Wild Symbol
- Substitutes for regular paying symbols.
- Does not replace Bonus or Ice Climber symbols.
Ice Climber
- Triggered by 2 or more Ice Climber symbols.
- Replaces itself and symbols above it.
- Can help add the 9th row.
Expanding Win
- Expands in the arrow direction when part of a win.
- Replaces symbols in its path.
- Can support additional avalanche wins.
Symbols and Paytable
Katmandu Gold has regular paying symbols, Wild symbols, Bonus symbols and feature symbols. The regular symbols include character, animal, mask, elemental and card-rank icons.
| Symbol Type | Role in the Game |
|---|---|
| Character symbols | High-value regular symbols |
| Mask, tiger and bird symbols | High-value / mid-value regular symbols |
| Element symbols | Mid-value regular symbols |
| A, K, Q, J | Lower-value card symbols |
| Wild | Substitutes for regular paying symbols |
| Bonus symbol | Triggers Multiplier Free Drops |
| Ice Climber symbol | Activates the Ice Climber replacement feature |
| Expanding Win symbol | Expands when it becomes part of a win |
Multiplier Free Drops Bonus
The main bonus round in Katmandu Gold is called Multiplier Free Drops. It is triggered by 3 or more Bonus symbols during Normal mode.
| Bonus Symbols | Free Drops Awarded |
|---|---|
| 3 | 10 free drops |
| 4 | 15 free drops |
| 5 | 20 free drops |
| 6 | 25 free drops |
Persistent Multiplier
The bonus multiplier starts at x1. Each Bonus symbol that lands during the bonus adds +1 before the current drop is paid. The multiplier remains active until the bonus ends.
Buy Bonus Feature
Katmandu Gold includes a Buy Bonus menu. The game screen shows two options: Multiplier Free Drops and Super Bonus.
| Buy Bonus Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Multiplier Free Drops | Starts the free drops bonus with a persistent multiplier |
| Super Bonus | Starts free drops with a persistent multiplier beginning at x10 |
Buy Bonus availability can vary depending on game version, operator settings and local rules.
RTP, Volatility and Max Win
Katmandu Gold is a high-volatility slot. This means results can be uneven: the game may have quiet periods, while stronger outcomes are usually tied to feature interaction, Free Drops, multiplier growth and expanded rows.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Expanding grid can reach 531,441 ways to win.
- Multiplier Free Drops use a persistent multiplier.
- Ice Climber and Expanding Win create active board changes.
- Big Symbols can cover many positions.
- Clear 10,000x maximum win cap.
- Retriggers are possible in the bonus round.
Cons
- High volatility can create long quiet periods.
- Rules are more complex than classic line slots.
- Buy Bonus may be unavailable in some versions.
- Bonus value depends heavily on multiplier growth.
- RTP can vary slightly by operator setup.
- Feature interaction may take time to understand.
Katmandu Gold is strongest when its mechanics connect: avalanche drops expand the grid, Ice Climber changes vertical sections, Expanding Win spreads symbols, and Free Drops add a persistent multiplier. The game is not the simplest ELK Studios slot, but it has enough depth for players who prefer volatile feature-driven gameplay.
FAQ
What is Katmandu Gold?
Katmandu Gold is a high-volatility online slot from ELK Studios. It uses dropping symbols, expanding rows, Big Symbols, Wilds, Ice Climber symbols, Expanding Win symbols and a Multiplier Free Drops bonus.
Who made Katmandu Gold?
Katmandu Gold was developed by ELK Studios.
When was Katmandu Gold released?
Katmandu Gold was released on December 1, 2020.
What is the RTP of Katmandu Gold?
The in-game rules show an RTP of 96.2%. Provider information may show a range of 96.2%-96.4%, depending on the version.
What is the volatility of Katmandu Gold?
Katmandu Gold is listed as a high-volatility slot.
What is the maximum win in Katmandu Gold?
The maximum win is capped at 10,000x the placed bet.
How many ways to win does Katmandu Gold have?
Katmandu Gold starts with 4,096 ways to win and can expand up to 531,441 ways when the grid reaches 9 rows.
How does the grid expand?
The game starts with 4 rows. During avalanche drops, new rows can be added above the grid. The maximum grid height is 9 rows.
What are Multiplier Free Drops?
Multiplier Free Drops is the main bonus triggered by 3 or more Bonus symbols. It features a persistent multiplier that increases with each Bonus symbol that lands.
What does the Ice Climber feature do?
Two or more Ice Climber symbols trigger the feature. The Ice Climber symbol and all symbols above it are replaced by paying symbols. If the feature reaches the 8th row, a 9th row is added.
What does Expanding Win mean?
An Expanding Win symbol expands in the direction of its arrows when it is part of a winning combination. It replaces symbols along that path.
Does Katmandu Gold have Buy Bonus?
Yes, the game includes a Buy Bonus menu in the reviewed version. It shows standard Multiplier Free Drops and a Super Bonus option with a persistent multiplier starting at x10.