John Hunter and the Tomb of the Scarab Queen is part of Pragmatic Play’s popular John Hunter series. This time, the adventure takes players to ancient Egypt, where they can chase treasures with a max win of 10,500x. The game features a Money Collect bonus and Free Spins, making it an exciting addition to the series.
This version of John Hunter’s journey is designed with a classic 5×3 grid and 25 paylines, offering a nostalgic slot experience with medium volatility and stunning graphics, as expected from Pragmatic Play.
In this review, we’ll cover all the key details of Tomb of the Scarab Queen, including its symbols, mechanics, and bonus features, so you’ll know everything before playing.
Game Details
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Paylines | 25 |
| RTP | 96.50% |
| Max Win | 10,500x |
| Volatility | Medium |
| Reels | 5 |
| Rows | 3 |
| Min/Max Bet | €0.25 / €125 |
| Release Date | 17.09.2019 |
Gameplay
John Hunter and the Tomb of the Scarab Queen follows a traditional 5-reel, 3-row format with 25 paylines. Set in ancient Egypt, players join John Hunter in a quest for the Scarab Queen’s hidden treasures. The gameplay is straightforward yet includes unique bonus features that keep spins engaging.
How wins are formed:
- A win occurs when 3 or more matching symbols land on an active payline from left to right.
- Wild symbols substitute for other symbols to help form winning combinations.
- The game’s key mechanic is the Money Collect feature, triggered when a golden scarab Money symbol appears with a Collect symbol on reel 5.
The game offers betting options from €0.25 to €125 per spin, making it accessible to all types of players. With medium volatility, wins are fairly frequent, but bigger payouts require patience.
Symbols
John Hunter and the Tomb of the Scarab Queen features a rich Egyptian theme, with symbols divided into low-value and high-value categories.
Low-value symbols:
- Traditional card values: 10, J, Q, K, A
- Appear frequently and provide smaller wins to keep the game flowing.
High-value symbols:
- Revolver, travel bag, Scarab Queen, and John Hunter
- Scarab Queen is the highest-paying base game symbol.
- John Hunter is the second-highest and plays a major role in the theme.
Special symbols:
- Money Symbol (Golden Scarab):
- Appears on reels 1–4 and holds random cash values.
- It is only activated when a Collect symbol lands on reel 5.
- Collect Symbols (Reel 5 Only):
- Five different Collect symbols determine how Money symbols are used:
- Standard Collect – Collects and pays the total Money Symbol values.
- Extra Credit Collect – Adds an extra value before collecting.
- Multiplier Collect – Multiplies all Money Symbols by up to 25x.
- Expanding Collect – Turns extra symbols into Money Symbols.
- Re-spin Collect – Locks Money Symbols in place for an extra spin.
- Five different Collect symbols determine how Money symbols are used:
- Scatter Symbol (Pyramid Icon):
- Appears on reels 2, 3, and 4.
- Triggers the Free Spins round.
Bonus Features
Money Collect Feature
The Money Collect feature is the core bonus mechanic. Money Symbols alone do not grant wins—they require a Collect symbol on reel 5 to be activated.
- If a Collect symbol appears, it determines how the Money values are collected.
- This feature can trigger repeatedly, increasing winning potential significantly.
Free Spins Bonus
Landing three Scatter symbols on reels 2, 3, and 4 activates the Free Spins round. Players receive 8 free spins, during which all Money Collect wins are stored in a separate pot.
At the end of the Free Spins round, a final Mega Collect Spin takes place, where the entire collected amount can be won again—leading to huge payouts.
Unlike some Pragmatic Play slots, this game does not offer a Bonus Buy option, meaning free spins must be triggered naturally.
RTP & Volatility
- RTP: 96.50%, slightly above average, providing a fair return over time.
- Volatility: Medium, balancing frequent small wins with occasional big payouts.
This volatility level makes the game ideal for both casual and experienced players, as wins are consistent but still exciting.
Theme & Graphics
John Hunter and the Tomb of the Scarab Queen transports players to ancient Egypt, featuring:
- Golden Egyptian artifacts, hieroglyphics, and desert landscapes.
- A stunning background with pyramids and a burning sunset.
- Richly detailed character symbols, with John Hunter and Scarab Queen standing out.
- Smooth animations and visual effects, especially during Money Collect and Free Spins.
The soundtrack includes mystical and adventurous music, enhancing the Indiana Jones-style atmosphere.
Who Created John Hunter and the Tomb of the Scarab Queen?
This slot was developed by Pragmatic Play, one of the leading providers of online casino games.
- The John Hunter series is Pragmatic Play’s answer to Indiana Jones-style adventures.
- This game follows John Hunter and the Aztec Treasure and John Hunter and Da Vinci’s Treasure.
- Pragmatic Play is known for high-quality graphics, innovative features, and high RTP slots.
The Scarab Queen edition adds Egyptian mystery and the Money Collect mechanic, setting it apart from previous titles.
Final Verdict
John Hunter and the Tomb of the Scarab Queen is a well-designed slot that blends classic Egyptian themes with exciting features. With a solid RTP (96.5%) and medium volatility, it’s a great choice for all players.
The Money Collect feature is the game’s highlight, offering multiple ways to multiply winnings. Additionally, the Mega Collect feature in Free Spins can lead to massive payouts.
While the game lacks a Bonus Buy option, Money Collect triggers often enough to keep things exciting.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
✔ Money Collect feature – Multiple ways to boost payouts.
✔ Good RTP (96.5%) – Higher than many other slots.
✔ Free Spins with Mega Collect – Big jackpot potential.
✔ Beautiful Egyptian theme and animations.
✔ Medium volatility – Balanced risk and reward.
❌ Cons:
✖ No Bonus Buy – Free spins must be triggered naturally.
✖ Money Collect depends on reel 5 – No guaranteed wins.
✖ Similar theme to other John Hunter games.
