| Developer | NetEnt |
|---|---|
| Release date | 2011 |
| Theme | Lost city of gold |
| Reels x rows | 5x3 |
| Paylines | 20 |
| RTP | 95.97% |
| Volatility | Medium-high |
| Max win | 2,500x |
Gonzo’s Quest is the slot that made cascading reels mainstream. NetEnt’s Spanish conquistador went searching for the lost city of gold in 2011, and the Avalanche mechanic he brought with him, where winning symbols crumble away and new ones fall in, became the ancestor of the tumbling reels in almost every modern slot. It’s still one of NetEnt’s most played games.
Gonzo’s Quest Free Demo and Review game details
Gonzo’s Quest game details
| Detail | Gonzo’s Quest |
|---|---|
| Developer | NetEnt |
| Released | 2011 |
| Grid | 5×3, 20 paylines |
| RTP | 95.97% |
| Volatility | Medium to high |
| Max win | 2,500x your stake |
| Signature feature | Avalanche reels with a 1x to 5x multiplier |
| Free spins | 10 Free Falls with multipliers up to 15x |
Figures are from NetEnt’s official game information.
How Gonzo’s Quest plays
Instead of spinning, the stone mask symbols drop into place on five reels across 20 paylines. Land a winning line and the winning blocks explode, the symbols above fall into the gaps, and new ones fill the top. Each fresh win from the same spin is another Avalanche.
The Avalanche multiplier
Every consecutive Avalanche in a spin raises the win multiplier, from 1x up to a maximum of 5x in the base game. A spin that doesn’t produce a new win resets it. It’s a simple idea, but it gives every winning spin a little tension: one more cascade and the next win pays more.
Free Falls
Three Free Fall symbols on reels one, two and three trigger 10 free spins, called Free Falls, and wilds can stand in for the Free Fall symbols to help you get there. During Free Falls the multiplier ladder is supercharged, climbing to a maximum of 15x, and landing more Free Fall symbols during the feature retriggers it. Long Avalanche chains in Free Falls are where Gonzo’s Quest pays its biggest wins.
RTP, volatility and max win
The RTP is 95.97%, slightly below many modern slots, and NetEnt rates the volatility as medium to high. The maximum win is 2,500x your stake. It sits between the gentle Starburst and today’s high-volatility games, and it can go quiet for a while between Free Falls.
Gonzo’s legacy
Almost every modern tumbling slot owes something to Gonzo’s Quest, from Pragmatic Play’s Sweet Bonanza to the Megaways games, and NetEnt itself has since released a Megaways version and a sequel. The original’s 3D presentation, with Gonzo dancing beside the reels, still holds up remarkably well.
Who it suits
Gonzo’s Quest suits players who like a bit of build-up and don’t mind waiting for the bonus. If you want something lighter, try Starburst. If you want the same cascading idea pushed much further, see our guide to Megaways slots.
FAQ
What is the Gonzo’s Quest RTP?
95.97%, according to NetEnt.
What is the max win on Gonzo’s Quest?
2,500x your stake.
How do you trigger Free Falls?
Land three Free Fall symbols on a payline across reels one, two and three. Wilds can substitute for them. You get 10 Free Falls with multipliers up to 15x.
Can I play Gonzo’s Quest for free?
Yes. The demo at the top of this page uses virtual credits, with no download and no sign-up. 18+ only.
Gonzo’s Quest is a gambling game for adults aged 18 and over, or the legal age where you live. Outcomes are random and no strategy changes the RTP. Only play with money you can afford to lose, and if gambling stops being fun, see our responsible gambling page.
18+ only. Free demos use play money. If you play for real money, set a limit first. Responsible gambling.