Pixies of the Forest represents one of IGT's most successful transitions from land-based casino floors to online gaming platforms. Originally inspired by the blockbuster cabinet game Secrets of the Forest, this enchanting slot has maintained its popularity for over a decade by combining innovative mechanics with an accessible betting structure and charming fantasy aesthetics.
Introduction
The Pixies of the Forest slot machine transports players to a magical woodland realm where three adorable fairy characters bestow mystical rewards. Set against a backdrop of blooming trees and Celtic-inspired borders, the game creates an immersive atmosphere enhanced by a sparkling soundtrack featuring harps, flutes, and the gentle sounds of nature. The visual design, while dating from 2012, remains appealing with its bright, cheerful aesthetic and attention to thematic detail.
What distinguishes this slot from countless other fantasy-themed games is its mechanical innovation rather than visual spectacle alone. The Connected Lines payline system and tumbling reels feature create a gameplay experience that feels distinctly different from standard video slots, offering players the excitement of consecutive wins and the strategic interest of understanding how symbol positioning affects payout potential.
Game Specifications and Technical Details
Pixies of the Forest operates on a 5-reel, 3-row grid configuration with 99 fixed paylines. The game employs IGT's proprietary Connected Lines technology, which differs from traditional payline structures by allowing symbols that share sides or corners with symbols on neighboring reels to form winning combinations. This creates more flexible winning patterns than straight-line paylines.
Betting Structure and Coin Values
The 3-for-1 betting system represents the game's most distinctive feature from a wagering perspective. Players receive three active paylines for every coin bet, meaning all 99 lines are covered for just 33 coins. The minimum bet starts at 33p, making it accessible for casual players, while the maximum bet reaches £990 for high rollers. This structure provides excellent value compared to modern slots that often require 50p or more for minimum spins.
Return to Player and Volatility
The RTP for Pixies of the Forest varies between 93.00% and 94.90% depending on the casino and jurisdiction. This places it slightly below the current industry average of 96%, which players should factor into their expectations. The game exhibits low to medium volatility, meaning wins occur relatively frequently but tend to be smaller in size. The maximum single-spin payout stands at 2,000 coins for landing five Pixies of the Forest logo symbols, with a theoretical maximum win of £250,000.
Symbol Paytable and Winning Combinations
The symbol hierarchy in Pixies of the Forest follows a clear structure with the game logo serving as the premium symbol. Understanding the paytable helps players recognize valuable combinations and set appropriate expectations for win frequency and size.
High-Value Symbols
The Pixies of the Forest logo delivers the top payouts at 20 coins for three symbols, 400 coins for four symbols, and 2,000 coins for a five-symbol combination. The three pixie characters represent the next tier of value, each offering distinct payouts when appearing in combinations of three or more. The purple-haired pixie holds special significance as it appears on the bonus scatter symbols that trigger free spins.
Low-Value Symbols
Standard playing card symbols A, K, and Q comprise the lower-paying icons. While these appear more frequently on the reels, they deliver smaller payouts. However, in a tumbling reels game, even low-value symbols can contribute to substantial cumulative wins when multiple cascades occur in succession.
Tumbling Reels Mechanics Explained
The Tumbling Reels feature forms the mechanical heart of Pixies of the Forest gameplay. This cascading mechanism operates similarly to systems found in other IGT titles like DaVinci Diamonds and differs significantly from standard spinning reel mechanics.
How Tumbling Reels Work
When a winning combination forms, all symbols involved in that win disappear from the reels. Symbols positioned above the empty spaces then tumble downward to fill the gaps, with new symbols generating from the top of each reel to complete the grid. If these newly positioned symbols create additional winning combinations, those wins are added to the total, and the tumbling process repeats. The cycle continues until no new winning combinations appear after a tumble.
This mechanic creates the possibility for multiple wins from a single paid spin, significantly enhancing the entertainment value and win potential. The tumbling action in Pixies of the Forest executes relatively quickly compared to similar games, maintaining an engaging pace that prevents the feature from feeling tedious during extended play sessions.
Wild Symbols and Substitution Rules
Wild symbols in Pixies of the Forest appear on reels 2, 3, and 4 during base game play. These wilds substitute for all regular symbols to help complete winning combinations, but they cannot replace the bonus scatter symbols. The strategic placement of wilds on the middle three reels creates balanced gameplay where wilds assist with wins but don't dominate the reels entirely.
During the free spins bonus round, the wild symbol distribution changes significantly. Wilds become available on the first four reels, dramatically increasing the frequency of wild appearances and the likelihood of forming high-value combinations. This enhancement makes the bonus round substantially more lucrative than base game play.
Free Spins Bonus Feature
The free spins bonus represents the primary special feature in Pixies of the Forest and offers the greatest potential for significant wins. Triggering and playing through this bonus requires understanding its specific mechanics and enhanced reel configuration.
Triggering the Bonus
Players activate free spins by landing three bonus scatter symbols on reels 1, 2, and 3, with the additional requirement that these symbols must appear on an active wagered payline. This dual requirement makes the bonus slightly harder to trigger than scatter-only systems, but the 99-payline structure ensures frequent opportunities. Landing bonus symbols on multiple paylines during the same spin does not award multiple bonus rounds; only one bonus triggers per spin.
Free Spins Allocation
Upon triggering the bonus, players participate in a pick-me game where they select one of the three bonus symbols to reveal their awarded free spins count. The range spans from 5 to 11 free spins, with the allocation determined randomly. This element of choice, though the outcome is predetermined, adds an interactive component to bonus activation.
Enhanced Bonus Reels
The free spins play out automatically using the same coin value as the triggering spin. The critical difference lies in the reel composition: bonus reels contain significantly more wild symbols, and crucially, wilds now appear on reel 1 in addition to reels 2, 3, and 4. This wild enhancement dramatically increases winning potential. The tumbling reels feature remains active throughout free spins, creating opportunities for extended winning sequences. Players cannot retrigger additional free spins during the bonus round.
Strategy Considerations and Gameplay Tips
While slots are predominantly games of chance, understanding Pixies of the Forest mechanics allows players to make informed decisions about bankroll management and gameplay approach.
Bankroll Management
The low to medium volatility profile makes Pixies of the Forest suitable for extended play sessions with moderate bankrolls. The 33-coin minimum bet provides excellent value, allowing players to experience all game features without requiring large deposits. Setting session limits based on a multiple of 100-150 spins at your chosen bet level provides reasonable exposure to bonus features while managing risk.
Volatility Expectations
Players should approach this game expecting frequent small to medium wins rather than rare massive payouts. The tumbling reels feature means individual spins can generate multiple consecutive wins, but the overall hit frequency favors steady returns over jackpot-style variance. This makes the game ideal for players who prefer entertainment value and extended play over high-risk, high-reward scenarios.
Mobile and Cross-Platform Compatibility
Pixies of the Forest translates effectively to mobile devices, maintaining full functionality across smartphones and tablets. The game requires only a stable internet connection and operates through web browsers without requiring app downloads. The touch interface adapts well to the relatively simple control scheme, and the quick-paced tumbling reels action suits mobile gaming sessions. Graphics quality remains consistent across devices, though the 2012-era visual design shows its age more noticeably on high-resolution modern screens.
Comparison to Pixies of the Forest 2
IGT released a sequel that maintains the core gameplay while adding progressive jackpot elements. Pixies of the Forest 2 features the same 99-line, 33-coin betting structure and magical theme but introduces three progressive jackpots that can trigger randomly during any spin. For players who enjoyed the original but desire additional win potential, the sequel offers an enhanced experience while preserving the familiar mechanics that made the first game successful.
Availability and Regional Restrictions
Online availability of Pixies of the Forest varies significantly by jurisdiction due to licensing regulations. UK players have broad access through multiple licensed online casinos. In the United States, real money play is restricted to New Jersey residents at regulated online casinos. Players in other regions may find the game available only in demo mode or may need to seek alternative titles. Always verify local gambling regulations before attempting to play for real money.
Conclusion
Pixies of the Forest has earned its status as an IGT classic through a combination of innovative mechanics, accessible betting, and consistent entertainment value. The tumbling reels feature provides gameplay depth that extends beyond simple reel spinning, while the enhanced free spins bonus offers genuine excitement and win potential. The RTP of 93-94.90% sits below modern standards, and the 2012 graphics lack the polish of contemporary releases, but the core gameplay remains engaging and the mathematical model supports frequent small wins that sustain player interest.
This slot suits players who appreciate mechanical innovation over visual spectacle, prefer low to medium volatility, and enjoy the cascading wins format. The accessible minimum bet and quick gameplay pace make it ideal for casual sessions, while the maximum win potential of £250,000 provides sufficient upside for more serious players. For those seeking a proven, reliable slot with distinctive features and a charming theme, Pixies of the Forest continues to deliver value more than a decade after its release.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RTP of Pixies of the Forest?
The return to player percentage ranges from 93.00% to 94.90% depending on the casino and regional configuration. This means the game theoretically returns between £93 and £94.90 for every £100 wagered over the long term.
How does the 3-for-1 betting structure work?
For every coin you wager, you activate three paylines. This means betting 33 coins covers all 99 paylines in the game, making the minimum spin cost just 33p while still accessing every possible winning combination.
Can you retrigger free spins during the bonus round?
No, the free spins bonus cannot be retriggered. You play through the 5 to 11 free spins awarded during the pick game, and the bonus ends when all spins are completed.
What is the maximum win possible in Pixies of the Forest?
The highest single symbol payout is 2,000 coins for five Pixies of the Forest logo symbols. The theoretical maximum win reaches £250,000, achievable through combinations of high-value wins and extended tumbling reels sequences.
Is Pixies of the Forest available on mobile devices?
Yes, the game is fully optimized for mobile play across smartphones and tablets. It runs directly in web browsers without requiring downloads and maintains full functionality on touch-screen devices.
How often does the free spins bonus trigger?
Bonus frequency varies due to the random nature of slot outcomes, but the requirement to land three bonus symbols on reels 1, 2, and 3 on an active payline, combined with 99 paylines, creates regular triggering opportunities during typical play sessions.