The Hold and Win mechanic structurally segregates the majority of the title's payout potential into a distinct, three-respin cyclical bonus game. The bonus symbols, primarily represented as gold coins, carry numerical multipliers that dictate the value of the final payout.
When six or more coin symbols appear on the grid, the standard Pirate Chest game is interrupted. Regular symbols clear, and the coins lock in place. Every subsequent coin that lands resets the counter back to three. The inclusion of the Giant Squid (Octopus) Boost symbol aggregates the values of all visible bonus symbols instantly, creating sudden spikes in the session return. Here is a practical example: if seven coins are locked with values totalling 45x and the Boost symbol lands, the entire 45x is doubled or otherwise amplified depending on the Boost value displayed. A modest round can turn into a significant payout event in a single respin.
By revealing Mini, Minor, or Major jackpots through specific mystery markers, the mechanics dramatically increase variance. Achieving the maximum win slot output requires entirely filling the layout with 20 coin symbols to trigger the Grand Jackpot, rewarding 3,000x the base bet. The absolute maximum session potential, factoring in the Boost symbol and additional coin values, is capped at approximately 3,589x the bet.
Additionally, landing three Pirate Ship scatter symbols triggers eight free spins. During the free spins round, the chance of landing bonus coin symbols is greatly increased. Every three additional scatters retrigger the feature, creating layered opportunities for entering the Hold and Win round from a more advantageous position. That layering is where the real excitement sits, frankly.