Mahjong Ways 2 Pros & Cons
Mahjong Ways 2 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.
- Excellent 96.95% RTP — among the studio’s best
- Gold-to-wild transformation feeds the multiplier
- Multiplier ladder doubles to x10 in free spins
- 2,000 ways with a satisfying cascade loop
- High 100,000x max-win cap
- Iconic, polished mobile-first presentation
- 100,000x cap is theoretical — realistically far lower
- No Bonus Buy — trigger free spins organically
- 2020 release with familiar mechanics
- Base multiplier caps at a modest x5
- Lower €50 max bet limits high rollers
Mahjong Ways 2 Slot Review
Mahjong Ways 2 launched on July 1, 2020 and is one of PG Soft’s most iconic and enduringly popular slots — the sequel to the 2019 original, again translating the evergreen Chinese tile game into a vibrant video slot.
It plays on an unusual 4-5-5-5-4 grid delivering 2,000 ways to win every spin, built around cascading reels, distinctive gold-plated symbols that transform into Wilds, and a progressive multiplier ladder.
In the base game the multiplier climbs up to x5; in the free spins round it doubles to a maximum of x10. The standout number is the high 96.95% RTP — one of the most generous in the catalogue — paired with medium volatility and a headline 100,000x max-win cap. Bets run from €0.20 to €50, with no Bonus Buy.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | PG Soft (Pocket Games Soft) |
| Release Date | July 1, 2020 |
| Reels X Rows | 4-5-5-5-4 |
| Paylines / Ways to Win | 2,000 Ways |
| RTP (Return to Player) | 96.95% |
| Volatility Level | Medium |
| Min Bet | €0.20 |
| Max Bet | €50 |
| Max Win Potential | 100,000x (Cap) |
| Hit Frequency | 29.9% |
| Base Multiplier | Up To x5 |
| Mobile Compatible | Yes |
Key Features & Mechanics
🎩 Gold-Plated Symbols → Wilds Symbols Land Gold-Framed — When Part Of A Win They Transform Into Wilds
The signature mechanic, carried over from the original Mahjong Ways. Certain symbols can land gold-plated; when such a symbol is part of a winning combination, after the cascade it transforms into a Wild symbol in that position. These wilds then substitute for paying symbols, helping form new winning combinations on the 2,000 ways and keeping the cascade chain alive. Because each extra cascade also advances the multiplier ladder, the gold-to-wild transformation feeds directly into the multiplier engine — the more golds you convert, the longer your chains and the higher your multiplier climbs.
🔢 Progressive Multiplier Ladder Up To x5 In The Base Game — Doubling To A Maximum Of x10 In Free Spins
Each consecutive cascading win advances the win multiplier up a ladder. In the base game the multiplier rises through x1, x2, x3, x5, while in the free spins round the ladder doubles, reaching a maximum of x10. This is the key difference from the original Mahjong Ways, which lacked the multiplier — and it’s what gives the sequel its higher ceiling and more exciting bonus. A productive free spins run that climbs to the x10 multiplier and lands a strong win is the route toward the game’s 100,000x cap.
♻ Cascading Reels & Free Spins Winning Symbols Vanish, New Ones Drop In — Scatters Award Free Spins With The x10 Ladder
Every win triggers a cascade: winning symbols are removed and new tiles drop in to fill the gaps, potentially forming additional wins and advancing the multiplier. Landing scatter symbols awards the free spins round, where the multiplier ladder doubles to the x10 maximum — and additional free spins can be awarded to extend the feature. With the cascade-plus-multiplier loop running at double strength, the free spins round is where the bulk of the game’s big-win potential lives.
🎉 Mahjong Tile Theme 2020 Release — Eastern / Asian Culture — Portrait Mobile Layout — Cult Favourite
Mahjong Ways 2 builds its visual identity around the classic Chinese tile game, with mahjong tiles, dragons, traditional Eastern iconography and a soft, atmospheric soundtrack punctuated by lively cascade announcements. The unusual 4-5-5-5-4 reel shape and portrait-style layout make it especially eye-catching on mobile — no surprise given PG Soft’s mobile-first reputation. The sequel sharpened the formula with its multiplier ladder while keeping the gold-symbol mechanic intact, and the result became a genuine cult favourite that still draws heavy play years after release.
Symbol Values & Paytable
| Symbol | Type | Relative Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dragon / Premium Tiles
|
Top Premium | Highest | Theme premiums |
|
Mahjong Tile Symbols
|
High pay | High | Can land gold-plated |
|
Card / Suit Symbols
|
Low pay | Low | Filler symbols |
|
Gold Symbol → Wild
|
Transforms into a Wild when part of a win | Extends cascades | |
|
Scatter
|
Triggers free spins (ladder doubles to x10) | Extra spins possible |
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Multiplier Ladder Behaviour
| Aspect | Base Game | Free Spins | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Multiplier Ladder
|
Up to x5 | Up to x10 (doubled) | Climbs per cascade |
|
Gold → Wild
|
Active | Active | Transforms on a win |
|
Trigger
|
-- | Scatters | Extra spins possible |
|
Bonus Buy
|
-- | N/A | Trigger organically only |
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 does the multiplier work in Mahjong Ways 2?
Each consecutive cascading win advances a multiplier ladder. In the base game it rises up to x5 (x1, x2, x3, x5), and in the free spins round the ladder doubles, reaching a maximum of x10. This multiplier feature is the main addition over the original Mahjong Ways and is the engine behind the sequel’s bigger wins.
What do the gold-plated symbols do?
When a gold-plated symbol is part of a winning combination, after the cascade it transforms into a Wild symbol in that position. The wild then substitutes for paying symbols to help form new wins and extend the cascade chain — which in turn advances the multiplier ladder.
What is the maximum win?
The headline maximum win is 100,000x your stake, the provider’s theoretical cap. In practice this is extremely rare; realistic big wins land in the low-to-mid thousands of x, reached during free spins when the x10 multiplier ladder lines up with a strong cascade chain.
Does Mahjong Ways 2 have a Bonus Buy?
No. There is no Bonus Buy option, so the free spins round must be triggered organically through scatter symbols. The reasonable ~29.9% hit frequency helps keep base play active while you wait for the feature.
What is the RTP, and how does it compare to the original?
Mahjong Ways 2 has a 96.95% RTP, comfortably above the 96% industry average and one of the highest in PG Soft’s catalogue. The original Mahjong Ways has a slightly lower 96.92% RTP and lacks the multiplier feature, so the sequel offers both a better return and a more rewarding bonus.
Can I play Mahjong Ways 2 at Canadian casinos?
Yes. As one of PG Soft’s most popular titles it’s widely available at Canadian-facing casinos, accepts CAD and runs beautifully on mobile thanks to its portrait layout. The high 96.95% RTP makes it an attractive value pick for Canadian players who want longer, fairer sessions. Confirm the active RTP in your casino’s paytable.