5 Dragons Pros & Cons
5 Dragons delivers classic Aristocrat action with a proven track record. The choice-based free spins and stacked symbols create a good variety, but the RTP and max win won't impress everyone.
- 243 ways to win creates frequent hits
- Stacked symbols fill entire reels
- Choose your free spin volatility (5-25 spins)
- Free spin multipliers up to 30x
- Works perfectly on mobile devices
- 95.17% RTP below industry average
- Max win around 1,000x is weak by modern standards
- No progressive jackpot or mega win potential
- Medium-high volatility = long dry spells
- Graphics look dated compared to 2025 releases
5 Dragons Slot Review: Classic Aristocrat Dragon Action
5 Dragons is one of Aristocrat's most popular Asian-themed slots, and it's been crushing it in casinos since 2007. You get 243 ways to win, stacked symbols, and free spins with multipliers up to 30x. Here at SlotsGamblers, we tested this classic to see if it still holds up against modern competition. The RTP sits at 95.17%, so it's a bit below today's standards, but the medium-high volatility and decent max win potential keep things interesting. The game uses traditional reel symbols with dragons, koi fish, and lucky coins, so if you're into Asian-themed slots, this one's worth checking out.
What makes 5 Dragons different from other dragon slots is the choice system in the free spins bonus. You pick your volatility level by choosing how many free spins you want and what multiplier comes with them. More spins mean lower multipliers, and fewer spins give you bigger multipliers. It's a simple choice, but it lets you control the risk and reward based on your bankroll and mood. The game runs smoothly on modern devices, and the stacked symbols can fill entire reels for massive line hits when they connect across all 243 ways.
The visual style is classic Aristocrat—nothing groundbreaking, but clean and easy on the eyes. You won't find 3D animations or cinematic sequences here. It's straightforward slots with a proven formula that's made Aristocrat millions over the years. The soundtrack uses traditional Asian instruments and keeps the atmosphere chill without getting annoying during long sessions.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | Aristocrat |
| Release Date | 2007 |
| Reels X Rows | 5x3 |
| Paylines / Ways to Win | 243 Ways |
| RTP (Return to Player) | 95.17% |
| Volatility Level | Medium-High |
| Min Bet | $0.25 |
| Max Bet | $125 |
| Max Win Potential | ~1,000x (estimated) |
| Hit Frequency | ~28% |
| Default Bet Range | $0.25 $125 |
| Mobile Compatible | Yes |
Symbols & Payouts
9 symbols total - 5 high-value themed symbols and four low-value card symbols. The dragons and Asian icons are detailed, while the cards are simple with Asian-style fonts. Wilds substitute for everything except scatters.
🐉 Red Dragon - High Value
The red dragon is the top-paying regular symbol. It uses traditional Chinese dragon artwork with fierce eyes and flowing whiskers. Five red dragons across 243 ways pay 200 coins, and these appear stacked on the reels so you can fill entire columns. The design has gold accents and looks sharp even on the older graphics engine. You'll want to see these stacked more than any other symbol.
🎋 Gold Ingot - High Value
The gold ingot symbol shows traditional Chinese currency stacked in a pile, wrapped in a red ribbon. Five of these pay 150 coins. The emblem appears fairly often and combines well with stacked dragon symbols during the base game. The design uses metallic gold that catches your eye when it lands—a solid mid-tier symbol for building your balance between bonus rounds.
🪙 Lucky Coin - High Value
The lucky coin features a traditional Chinese coin design with a square hole in the center and a red ribbon hanging from it. Landing five pays 125 coins. These show up more frequently than dragons or ingots, so you'll rack up steady wins with them. The coin has embossed detail work and a shiny gold finish. Good filler symbol that keeps your balance moving.
🐠 Koi Fish - Medium Value
Orange and white koi fish swim as water splashes around them. Five koi fish pay 100 coins. The symbol has nice color contrast and animation details when part of a winning combo. Appears regularly enough to contribute to frequent small wins during base gameplay. Traditional symbol choice that fits the Asian theme perfectly.
🏮 Red Lantern - Medium Value
Traditional red paper lantern with gold tassels and Chinese characters. Five lanterns pay 75 coins. These land often and help fill out winning combinations when stacked with higher symbols. The design is simple but recognizable. Works as a solid medium-value symbol to keep wins coming between bigger hits from dragons and ingots.
🃏 Ace (A) - Low Value
Standard playing card ace rendered in red with Asian-style font. Five aces pay 50 coins. These show up frequently and deliver small wins to offset dead spins. Card symbols are the bread and butter of your base game balance maintenance.
🃏 King (K) - Low Value
King card symbol in blue with matching Asian font styling. Five kings pay 40 coins. Second-highest card value and appears regularly. Simple design, but it does its job filling out the lower-paying combinations effectively.
🃏 Queen (Q) - Low Value
The Queen symbol uses purple with the same font treatment. Five queens pay 30 coins. These contribute to the steady stream of small wins typical in 243 games. Nothing special, but essential for keeping gameplay flowing.
🃏 Jack (J) - Low Value
Jack symbol rendered in green with Asian typography. Five jacks pay 25 coins, making it the lowest-paying symbol. You'll see these all the time. They fill out losing spins with occasional small wins to extend your session.
🐲 Gold Dragon Wild - Special Symbol
The gold dragon wild substitutes for all symbols except the red pearl scatter. It only appears on reels 2, 3, and 4, so you can't get five-of-a-kind wilds. The design shows a majestic gold dragon in mid-flight with detailed scales and whiskers. When it completes a win, it helps create some of the game's bigger payouts by connecting premium symbols across all 243 ways.
🔴 Red Pearl Scatter - Special Symbol
Red pearl scatter triggers the free spins bonus when you land three or more anywhere on the reels. The symbol glows with inner light and features traditional Chinese cloud designs. Three pearls start the bonus selection screen, where you choose your volatility preference. These are the most important symbols because they unlock the main feature where real money gets made.
| Symbol | 5 of a Kind | 4 of a Kind | 3 of a Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Red Dragon
|
200 coins | 50 coins | 20 coins |
|
Gold Ingot
|
150 coins | 40 coins | 15 coins |
|
Lucky Coin
|
125 coins | 30 coins | 10 coins |
|
Koi Fish
|
100 coins | 25 coins | 10 coins |
|
Red Lantern
|
75 coins | 20 coins | 8 coins |
|
Ace (A)
|
50 coins | 15 coins | 5 coins |
|
King (K)
|
40 coins | 12 coins | 5 coins |
|
Queen (Q)
|
30 coins | 10 coins | 5 coins |
|
Jack (J)
|
25 coins | 8 coins | 5 coins |
|
Gold Dragon Wild
|
Substitutes for all except scatter | - | - |
|
Red Pearl Scatter
|
Triggers free spins (3+ anywhere) | - | - |
Bonus Features
One main feature - the free spins bonus with selectable volatility. Simple but effective because you control the risk-versus-reward balance.
| Feature Name | Trigger Method | Description | Max Potential | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Free Spins 25 Spins
|
3+ Red Pearl Scatters | 25 free spins with 2x multiplier | 50x multiplier total | Common |
|
Free Spins 20 Spins
|
3+ Red Pearl Scatters | 20 free spins with 3x multiplier | 60x multiplier total | Common |
|
Free Spins 15 Spins
|
3+ Red Pearl Scatters | 15 free spins with 5x multiplier | 75x multiplier total | Medium |
|
Free Spins 10 Spins
|
3+ Red Pearl Scatters | 10 free spins with 8x multiplier | 80x multiplier total | Medium |
|
Free Spins 5 Spins
|
3+ Red Pearl Scatters | 5 free spins with 30x multiplier | 150x multiplier total | Rare big wins |
RTP & Volatility
95.17% RTP is below the modern standard of 96%. Medium-high volatility means swings between wins. Max wins around 1,000x your stake isn't huge by today's standards.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
|
Min Bet
|
$0.25 |
|
Max Bet
|
$125 |
|
Max Win (at max bet)
|
~$125,000 |
|
RTP %
|
95.17% |
|
Volatility
|
Medium-High |
Mobile
Yeah, it works fine on mobile. Aristocrat optimized the game for touchscreens, so buttons are appropriately sized and the interface scales well—no performance issues on modern phones or tablets. Graphics look decent on smaller screens, even though they're dated. Loading is fast on 4G or WiFi connections.
Tips:
Here are some practical tips from our testing:
Start with 10-spin option
It balances risk and reward better than the extremes. Twenty-five spins feels too safe, and five spins is too volatile unless you're chasing big wins.
Watch your bankroll with medium-high volatility
Budget at least 100x your bet size because dry spells hit hard. You can easily burn 30-40 spins without a bonus trigger.
Stacked symbols = biggest base wins
When you see full reels of dragons or ingots stacking up, that's where the 243 ways really pay off. These hits can match or beat weak bonus rounds.
Consider 15-spin option
The SlotsGamblers team recommends the 15-spin option for most sessions because the 5x multiplier creates satisfying wins without the frustration of burning through 5 spins too fast.
Retriggering is key
The bonus round needs at least one retrigger to feel worthwhile, especially on the lower multiplier options.
Similar Games
If you like 5 Dragons, check out these alternatives:
50 Dragons
Aristocrat's sequel with 50 paylines instead of 243 ways. Similar theme and mechanics, but different math model and slightly higher RTP at 95.5%.
Dragon Link
Another Aristocrat dragon series with Hold & Spin mechanics and progressive jackpots. Higher volatility but way more exciting bonus features than 5 Dragons.
Dragon's Luck
Red Tiger Gaming's take on Asian dragons with 10 paylines and an expanding reels feature: different style but similar theme and medium volatility.
Buffalo
Not dragon-themed, but uses the same 243 ways mechanic with stacked symbols and free spins. Similar gameplay feel to Aristocrat.
Play Responsibly - 18+ Only
Gambling should be entertaining and fun. Remember that slots are games of chance, and there's no guaranteed way to win. Never gamble more than you can afford to lose, and always set limits for yourself. If you feel gambling is becoming a problem, please seek help immediately.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose which free spin option in 5 Dragons?
When you trigger the bonus, you pick from five choices - 25 spins with a 2x multiplier, down to 5 spins with a 30x multiplier. Conservative players take more spins, while risk-takers go for the 5-spin option. We find 10 spins with an 8x multiplier hits the sweet spot for most sessions.
Can you retrigger the free spins in 5 Dragons?
Yeah, landing 3+ scatters during free spins adds more spins to your current total with the same multiplier you initially chose. Retriggering on the 5-spin option with a 30x multiplier is rare but yields the most significant wins.
Why is 5 Dragons' RTP only 95.17%?
Aristocrat set it that way back in 2007 when lower RTPs were more common. You're giving up about 0.83% compared to modern 96% slots, and that adds up over time. It's one of the game's weaknesses.
What's the difference between 5 Dragons and 50 Dragons?
50 Dragons uses 50 paylines instead of 243 ways to win and has slightly different math. The RTP is marginally better at 95.5%. Both games have similar themes and choice-based free spins, but 243 ways to win produce more frequent wins than 50 lines.
Does 5 Dragons have a progressive jackpot?
Nah, there's no progressive or fixed jackpot. Your max win comes from hitting full screens of high-value symbols during free spins with multipliers, capping around 1,000x your stake.
How often do free spins trigger in 5 Dragons?
Hit frequency sits around 28%, but that includes all wins. The bonus triggers roughly every 120-150 spins based on our testing. Medium-high volatility means dry spells between bonuses, so budget accordingly.
Is 5 Dragons better on mobile or desktop?
Works fine on both. The mobile version is optimized with proper button sizing and smooth performance. Graphics look decent on smaller screens despite being dated. Desktop gives you a bigger view, but mobile is perfectly playable.
What bet size works best for 5 Dragons?
Start at $0.50-$1.00 per spin with at least $50-$100 bankroll to handle the medium-high volatility. High-rollers can bet up to $125, but the max win potential of around 1,000x doesn't justify huge stakes compared to modern slots with 10,000x+ potential.