Hand of Anubis Review: A Dark Egyptian Masterpiece for Irish Players

Hand of Anubis by Hacksaw Gaming is a striking departure from the saturated market of brightly coloured, cheerful Egyptian-themed slots that we have seen for decades. Instead of golden pyramids and blue skies, players are plunged into a dark, monochromatic underworld where Anubis stands as a formidable judge of souls. For punters in Dublin, Cork, and across the Republic, this slot represents a new era of "dark" gaming that combines high artistic value with some of the most intense volatility found in the 2026 market. It is a game that doesn't just ask you to spin the reels; it invites you to survive the judgement of the gods for a chance at massive EUR payouts that reach life-changing levels.

The visual and auditory experience of Hand of Anubis is nothing short of cinematic, pushing the boundaries of what a slot machine can be. The haunting orchestral score, filled with deep strings and ominous percussion, perfectly complements the glowing eyes of the two Anubis statues flanking the grid. In the current Irish gambling landscape, where players are increasingly looking for games that offer a deep, immersive narrative alongside significant win potential, Hand of Anubis has become an instant classic. It is a staple at GRAI-licensed sites like Paddy Power and BoyleSports, offering a regulated environment for those who enjoy high-stakes, high-variance gameplay with a mature aesthetic.

What truly sets Hand of Anubis apart is its unique approach to multipliers and bonus rounds, which feels much more like a modern video game than a traditional fruit machine. Hacksaw Gaming has moved away from the standard payline structure in favour of a 5x6 cluster pays grid, where every winning combination contributes to the growth of the powerful "Soul Orbs." This mechanic ensures that even the base game can deliver heart-pounding moments without the need for a specific bonus trigger. For many Irish players, the appeal lies in this constant potential for a massive chain reaction, making every single spin feel like it could be the one that satisfies the judge and rewards the player.

The complexity of the two distinct bonus rounds—Underworld and Judgment—provides a level of replayability that is rare in the world of online slots. Whether you prefer the multiplier-tracking madness of the Underworld or the "Hold & Win" style intensity of the Judgment round, Hand of Anubis offers something for every type of high-volatility enthusiast. It is a polished, professional, and ultimately rewarding piece of software that respects the player's desire for a premium gambling experience in 2026. This review will explore every aspect of this dark masterpiece, from the math model to the specific strategies needed to master its challenges.

The atmosphere of the game is so thick that you can almost feel the desert chill as you spin the reels in search of the scatters. Hacksaw Gaming has managed to create a world that feels both ancient and futuristic, a sort of "cyber-Egyptian" aesthetic that is unique to their brand. This creative risk has paid off handsomely, as Hand of Anubis is now one of the most requested titles in Irish casino lobbies. It proves that punters are ready for more than just the same old tropes; they want a game that challenges their expectations and offers a high-octane experience with every click of the spin button.

Hand of Anubis Specifications

To understand the raw power and the "feel" of Hand of Anubis, one must first look at the technical foundation that supports its dark and moody aesthetic. Hacksaw Gaming has engineered this slot to be a high-performance engine capable of handling complex cluster calculations and cascading symbols without a hint of lag. The 5x6 grid provides 30 individual symbol positions, and wins are achieved by landing five or more identical symbols in a cluster, connected horizontally or vertically. This format is perfectly suited for the modern 2026 gaming market, offering a dynamic and fluid alternative to the static paylines of the past.

• Provider: Hacksaw Gaming
• RTP: 96.24% (Standard Irish Version)
• Volatility: High (5/5)
• Max Win: €1,000,000 (10,000x your stake)
• Min/Max Bet: €0.10 - €100
• Grid Size: 5x6 Cluster Pays
• Bonus Features: Soul Orbs (Red & Blue), Underworld Bonus, Judgment Bonus, Cascading Reels
• Mobile: Fully Optimized for IE 2026
• Currency: EUR (€)

The 96.24% RTP is a very fair and competitive figure for a slot with such high volatility and a massive top prize. In the Irish market, where transparency regarding house edges and fair play is vital for player trust, a 3.76% margin is considered excellent for a game that offers a 10,000x maximum win potential. For the savvy punter, this means that while the game can be brutal during quiet spells, the underlying math model is designed to return significant value during its explosive phases. This balance of risk and reward is a hallmark of Hacksaw Gaming’s design philosophy, ensuring players are treated fairly.

Technically, the game is a marvel of mobile optimization, reflecting the shift towards "mobile-first" gaming in the Republic. Despite the dark, detailed graphics and the complex particle effects of the Soul Orbs, Hand of Anubis runs flawlessly on all modern smartphones and tablets. Whether you are playing on a flagship device or a mid-range phone over an Irish 5G network, the animations are smooth and the transitions between the base game and bonus rounds are instantaneous. The user interface has been streamlined to ensure that the grid and the multiplier trackers are easily readable on smaller screens, which is essential for the modern player on the go.

The betting range from €0.10 to €100 makes the game accessible to everyone, from the casual player looking for a small flutter to the dedicated high roller chasing the €1,000,000 top prize. Because it uses a cluster pays system, every cent of your stake is working to find connections across the entire 30-symbol grid, rather than being restricted to a few lines. The fixed RTP and volatility levels provide a consistent experience across all GRAI-licensed platforms in Ireland, giving punters a reliable and trustworthy game that performs exactly as advertised in every session.

Furthermore, the cascading reel mechanic means that a single winning spin can lead to a long sequence of consecutive wins as old symbols disappear and new ones fall from the top. This not only increases the excitement but also provides better value for your EUR stake, as one paid spin could potentially last for minutes if the clusters keep connecting. In Hand of Anubis, these cascades are vital for building up the Soul Orb multipliers, making the technical structure of the grid the most important factor in the game's high payout potential.

RTP, Volatility & The Soul Orbs

The RTP of 96.24% in Hand of Anubis is paired with "Super High" volatility, which Hacksaw Gaming officially ranks at the very top of their 5-point scale. For the Irish punter, this means that the game is a "high-risk, high-reward" proposition that requires a bit of mental toughness. You should expect periods where the reels seem cold and the clusters are small, but these are often the precursors to massive, multi-cascade wins that can completely turn a session around. The Soul Orbs are the primary reason for this volatility, as they act as interactive wild multipliers that grow with every win.

There are two types of Soul Orbs: Red and Blue, and they are the heart and soul of the base game. Both are Wild symbols that can appear on any spin, substituting for all other regular pay symbols to create clusters. The Red Soul Orb increases its multiplier by 1x for every winning symbol in any cluster it is part of. For example, a 10-symbol cluster win will instantly boost the Red Orb's multiplier to 10x. The Blue Soul Orb is even more powerful, as it increases its multiplier by 1x for every winning cluster that appears on the entire grid, regardless of whether the Orb is part of it.

When both Orbs are part of the same winning cluster, their multipliers multiply each other, leading to exponential EUR payouts that can reach staggering amounts in a single base-game sequence. This is the "X-factor" that makes Hand of Anubis so popular; you don't necessarily need to trigger a bonus round to see a 500x or 1,000x win. A lucky sequence of cascades can build these orbs into massive numbers, turning a standard Tuesday evening flutter into a legendary story to tell at the local. It is a mechanic that rewards the cascade system like no other game on the market.

Because of this intense volatility, bankroll management is the most important skill for any Irish player tackling Anubis. It is generally recommended to play with a stake that allows for a long session—ideally 150 to 200 spins. This gives you enough "staying power" to experience the natural cycles of the Soul Orbs and gives you a better chance of triggering one of the two bonus rounds. It is a game that rewards patience and a steady hand, as the 10,000x max win is always lurking just behind the next set of cascading symbols. Without a proper strategy, the high variance can be punishing.

The "Super High" variance also means that the base game is far more than just a waiting room for the bonus. Many Irish players have reported massive wins purely through the Soul Orb multipliers, which keeps the engagement high and prevents the frustration that often comes with "bonus or bust" slots. In Hand of Anubis, the judge of the dead is always watching, and his favour can be granted on any standard spin. This unpredictability is what keeps the game fresh, as the Soul Orbs can suddenly spark a chain reaction that fills the screen with glowing multipliers and massive coin wins.

Finally, it is worth noting that the Soul Orbs are not just multipliers; they are the visual centerpieces of the game. When they start to glow and pulse with power, you know you are in for a significant win. The way they travel across the grid as symbols are removed adds a layer of kinetic energy to the game that is incredibly satisfying to watch. It is this combination of math and art that makes Hacksaw Gaming such a dominant force in the 2026 Irish slot scene. They understand that players want to see the power of their wins reflected in the animations and sounds.

The Underworld Bonus Round

The Underworld Bonus is triggered by landing exactly three Scatter symbols during the base game. For many Irish punters, this is the preferred bonus round because of its "infinite" multiplier potential and the sheer excitement of watching the numbers grow. Once triggered, the grid remains a 5x6 cluster pays layout, but a new set of mechanics is introduced. Beneath each of the five reels, there is a multiplier tracker that starts at zero. Every winning symbol that lands on a specific reel adds 1x to that reel's multiplier, creating a cumulative total that can reach incredible heights.

To actually benefit from these reel multipliers, you need to land a special Anubis Skull symbol on the corresponding reel. Once an Anubis Skull lands, that reel's multiplier is "activated" and turns a bright, glowing purple. From that point on, any win that occurs anywhere on the grid is multiplied by the sum of all currently activated multipliers. This is the key to the massive payouts in the Underworld bonus; if you activate three reels with 20x, 30x, and 50x multipliers, every single winning cluster for the rest of the round is multiplied by 100x.

Furthermore, every time a multiplier is increased after it has been activated, you are awarded an additional free spin. This can lead to very long bonus rounds where the multipliers reach 50x, 100x, or even 500x. It is a "multiplier chase" that provides some of the most exciting moments in the 2026 slot market. The tension as you watch the numbers climb while hoping for the next Anubis Skull to land is exactly what makes Hacksaw Gaming's titles so popular in the Republic. It is a feature that perfectly captures the "judgement" theme, as your success depends on the symbols Anubis allowed to fall.

Strategy in the Underworld bonus is all about getting those multipliers activated as early as possible. A late Anubis Skull on the 10th spin can be frustrating, but an early activation on multiple reels can set the stage for a massive EUR payout that grows with every single cascade. The "re-spin" mechanic on multiplier increases ensures that the bonus can keep going as long as you are hitting wins, which provides excellent value for the player. It is a high-octane feature that rewards the cluster pays system by making every single winning symbol contribute to the future potential of the round.

The visual feedback in the Underworld is also spectacular and helps to build the tension. The background shifts to a more intense, fiery purple and red, and the orchestral score becomes more prominent and aggressive as the multipliers grow. For the Irish player who enjoys a sense of progression and "building" a win, the Underworld bonus is a masterpiece of game design. It feels like you are working towards something significant with every spin, and the final total in EUR often reflects the effort and luck required to climb out of the underworld.

Many players also appreciate the transparency of the Underworld round. You can see exactly what each reel is worth, and you know exactly what symbol you need to land to unlock that value. There is no hidden math here; it is all displayed right there on the screen. This clarity is vital for modern punters who want to understand how their wins are being calculated. When the final multiplier hits a huge number and the princess-god Anubis grants his blessing, the resulting payout is one of the most satisfying experiences in all of online gambling.

The Judgment Bonus Round

The Judgment Bonus is triggered by landing four Scatter symbols in the base game, and it offers a completely different experience to the Underworld. This is a "Hold & Win" style bonus, but with the complex and creative twist that only Hacksaw Gaming can provide. The standard symbols are removed from the grid and replaced by blank blocks and special modifier symbols. You start the round with three spins, and the counter resets back to three every time a modifier symbol lands on the grid. Above each of the five reels is a multiplier that you are trying to increase throughout the round.

There are several types of symbols that can land to affect the multipliers above the reels. Normal Skulls add to the multiplier of the reel they land on, while Epic Skulls add their value to all five reel multipliers simultaneously. Then there are the Anubis Skulls, which multiply the reel's existing value by a certain factor, and the Epic Anubis Skulls, which multiply all five reel values. This is where the 10,000x potential truly shines, as a single Epic Anubis Skull can double or triple the value of the entire grid in one move, leading to massive EUR totals.

Additionally, the Judgment bonus features "Ice Blocks" and "Crusher Blocks" to add a layer of grid management. Ice Blocks drop down from the top and take on the value of the multiplier above them, becoming a static prize that is added to your total at the end of the round. Crusher Blocks are even more powerful; they clear all the Ice Blocks beneath them, combining their values into a single massive block and freeing up valuable space on the grid for more modifiers to land. This dynamic makes the Judgment bonus feel like a strategic puzzle, requiring the player to stay sharp.

For the Irish punter, the Judgment bonus is a high-stakes "reset" game that can end quickly or go on for a legendary amount of time. The thrill of seeing a Golden Anubis Skull land when your multipliers are already at 50x or 100x is unmatched in most other slots. It is a feature that rewards those who enjoy seeing numbers grow exponentially, and it provides a stark, exciting contrast to the cluster-based madness of the Underworld bonus. Having both features in one game is one of the primary reasons why Hand of Anubis remains a top-tier choice.

The "Hold & Win" format has been popular in Ireland for years, but Hacksaw Gaming has evolved it here into something much more intense. The inclusion of the "Epic" modifiers means that a single symbol can be the difference between a 20x win and a 2,000x win. This volatility is exactly what the high-stakes community in Dublin and beyond is looking for. It is a game of peaks and valleys, where the judgment of Anubis can be harsh, but his rewards for those who survive are truly god-like. The tension as the spin counter hits "1" is a feeling that every player loves.

Ultimately, the Judgment bonus is a test of nerves. Because the grid can fill up with Ice Blocks, you are always hoping for a Crusher Block to come and clear the way. This interaction between the multipliers at the top and the prizes on the grid is a brilliant bit of game design. It ensures that the player is always engaged with the entire screen, watching both the symbols that land and the numbers at the top. It is a polished, professional bonus round that sets a high bar for all other developers in the industry.

How to Play Hand of Anubis

Starting your session with the god of the dead is a straightforward process, though the game's depth requires a bit of focus to truly master. Your first step is to adjust your total stake in EUR at the bottom of the user interface. Stakes are very flexible in Hand of Anubis, starting at just €0.10, which is perfect for testing the waters of this high-volatility beast. Once your bet is set, you simply hit the spin button and watch as the dark, detailed symbols cascade into the 5x6 grid. Cluster wins of five or more identical symbols will vanish, allowing new symbols to fall.

The user interface in 2026 is designed to be as informative and user-friendly as possible for the modern player. You can clearly see the Soul Orb multipliers as they grow and travel across the grid, and the win history is displayed on the side so you can track your progress in EUR. For Irish players who want a faster experience, "Turbo" mode can be toggled to speed up the falling and clearing animations significantly. There is also an "Autoplay" feature that allows you to set up to 1,000 spins with specific loss limits and win thresholds—a vital tool for maintaining control.

One unique aspect of Hand of Anubis for Irish players (where permitted by the specific casino's license) is the "Bonus Buy" or "FeatureSpins" options. Hacksaw Gaming was a pioneer in allowing players to pay a premium to guarantee a certain outcome on the next spin. For example, you can pay extra to ensure you land at least one Soul Orb, or you can pay a much larger multiple of your stake to enter the Underworld or Judgment bonus rounds directly. While these are high-cost and high-risk options, they provide a shortcut for those who want to jump straight into the heart of the action.

The cascading mechanic is the absolute key to the base game. Unlike a standard slot where a spin is over in a second, a single spin in Hand of Anubis can last for a minute or more as win after win triggers fresh symbols to fall from above. This provides excellent value for your EUR stake and keeps the engagement levels high throughout the session. Watching the Soul Orbs "travel" across the grid as symbols are cleared is a visual treat that never gets old, and it is the primary way you will build up those massive base-game multipliers that can lead to 1,000x hits.

Bankroll management is the final piece of the puzzle when learning how to play. Because the game is so volatile, it is wise to start with smaller stakes until you understand how the Soul Orbs interact and how the bonus rounds work. Many successful Irish players use a "tiered" betting strategy, increasing their stakes slightly after a series of dead spins, though this is purely a matter of personal preference. The most important thing is to enjoy the atmosphere and the mechanics of the game while staying within your pre-set limits. Hand of Anubis is a game that should be respected.

In summary, the gameplay loop is satisfyingly complex but easy to pick up. The cluster pays system is much more intuitive than traditional paylines, as you just need to see a group of the same symbols to know you've won. The way the game highlights these clusters and calculates the wins is seamless, allowing you to focus on the excitement of the cascades. Whether you are playing for five minutes on your lunch break or settling in for a longer session, Hand of Anubis provides a high-quality, professional experience that is among the best in the 2026 market.

Where to Play in Ireland

Hand of Anubis is a flagship title for Hacksaw Gaming, and as such, it is available at almost all major Irish online casinos that value high-quality, high-volatility content. However, because of the "Super High" variance of the game, you want to ensure you are playing at a site that offers absolute security, full licensing, and lightning-fast EUR withdrawals. In 2026, the standard for Irish players is very high, and the following GRAI-licensed casinos are our top recommendations for facing the judgement of Anubis.

Paddy Power Casino is an Irish institution and an excellent home for Hacksaw Gaming titles. They offer an incredibly stable mobile platform and are famous for their speed when it comes to processing withdrawals to Irish bank accounts and Revolut. Paddy Power’s transparency and local customer support make them a top-tier choice for any player in the Republic. They often feature Hand of Anubis in their "Top High Volatility" or "Trending Now" categories, making it very easy to find and play on any device.

LeoVegas is known as the "King of Mobile," and their high-definition interface is the perfect place to experience the dark, moody graphics and orchestral score of Hand of Anubis. The 5x6 grid looks spectacular on a smartphone screen, and the touch controls are perfectly responsive, which is vital when managing your stakes. They offer a very generous welcome bonus for new Irish players, providing that extra bankroll buffer that is so useful when playing a high-variance slot like this. Their reputation for mobile excellence is well-earned and highly recommended.

BoyleSports is another homegrown favourite that provides a secure and professional environment for Irish punters. They have a deep understanding of the local market and offer a very reliable platform with full support for Revolut and other popular Irish payment methods. BoyleSports is known for its clear communication regarding RTP and game mechanics, which is vital when playing a complex game like Hand of Anubis. For a trustworthy, no-nonsense session with the god of the dead, BoyleSports is a grand option for any player in the Republic.

Bet365 is a global leader in the gambling industry and maintains a massive presence in Ireland. They are famous for their efficiency, their vast game library, and their 24/7 customer service. Hand of Anubis runs flawlessly on both their desktop and mobile sites, and they offer a very clean, distraction-free environment for your session. They fully support EUR transactions and provide some of the best account management tools in the business, allowing you to track your play and set limits easily. It is a world-class choice for any serious slot enthusiast in 2026.

When choosing where to play, always check for the latest promotions. Many of these top Irish sites offer free spins or "drop and win" style bonuses that can include Hacksaw titles. Playing with a bonus can give you more opportunities to see the Underworld or Judgment rounds, which is where the game's true power lies. Regardless of which site you choose, ensure they are fully regulated to guarantee a fair game and the official 96.24% RTP version. Hand of Anubis is a premium title, and it deserves to be played on a premium platform.

FAQ

What is the RTP of Hand of Anubis for Irish players?

The standard RTP for Hand of Anubis is 96.24%. This is a solid and fair rate for a high-volatility slot in 2026, providing a competitive house edge of 3.76%. It is always important to check the game info at your chosen casino to ensure you are playing the official version, as some sites may offer lower RTP variants. All the casinos recommended in this review provide the standard 96.24% version for Irish players.

What is the maximum win potential in Hand of Anubis?

The maximum win is capped at 10,000x your total stake. If you are playing at the maximum bet of €100, this results in a payout of €1,000,000. This massive win is typically achieved through high multipliers in the Underworld bonus or by landing multiple "Epic" modifier symbols in the Judgment bonus. It is one of the most sought-after top prizes in the Hacksaw Gaming portfolio.

How exactly do the Soul Orbs work in the base game?

Soul Orbs are Wild symbols with growing multipliers. The Red Orb increases its multiplier by 1x for every winning symbol in its cluster. The Blue Orb increases its multiplier by 1x for every winning cluster that appears anywhere on the grid during the same spin sequence. If both Orbs are part of the same winning cluster, their multipliers multiply each other, potentially leading to enormous base-game EUR payouts.

Which is the better bonus round: Underworld or Judgment?

This is a matter of personal preference. The Underworld bonus is a cluster-based game where you build reel multipliers through cascades, offering "infinite" growth potential. The Judgment bonus is a "Hold & Win" game focused on landing modifiers like Skulls and Anubis Skulls. Both have the same 10,000x potential, but the Underworld tends to be more visually dynamic, while Judgment feels more like a strategic puzzle.

Can I play Hand of Anubis on my mobile phone?

Yes, Hand of Anubis is fully optimized for mobile devices. Hacksaw Gaming uses modern HTML5 technology to ensure the game works perfectly on both iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. The dark graphics, detailed animations, and orchestral score scale beautifully to any screen size, providing a premium experience on the go across Ireland's mobile networks.

Which Irish casinos support Revolut for Hand of Anubis?

Most leading Irish online casinos, including BoyleSports, Paddy Power, and Bet365, fully support Revolut for both deposits and withdrawals. This allows for near-instant EUR transactions, which is the preferred method for many punters in the Republic who want quick access to their winnings. Revolut's security and speed make it an ideal partner for modern online gambling in 2026.

How do I trigger the different bonus rounds?

Landing exactly 3 Scatter symbols anywhere on the grid during a single spin sequence will trigger the Underworld bonus. Landing 4 Scatter symbols will trigger the Judgment bonus. In some jurisdictions and casinos, you can also use the "Bonus Buy" menu to purchase direct entry into these rounds for a set multiple of your stake.

Is Hand of Anubis considered a high volatility slot?

Yes, it is rated as "Super High" volatility (5 out of 5) by the developer. This means that while wins may be less frequent than in lower-variance games, the potential for very large payouts in a single session is much higher. It is a game that rewards patience and requires careful bankroll management to navigate the dry spells.

What are the "Crusher Blocks" in the Judgment bonus?

Crusher Blocks are special symbols that fall from the top of the grid and destroy all "Ice Blocks" (which represent multiplier prizes) beneath them. The Crusher Block then takes on the combined value of all the destroyed Ice Blocks, becoming a single, massive prize and freeing up space on the grid for more modifier symbols to land.

Is it legal to play Hand of Anubis in Ireland?

Yes, it is completely legal as long as you are over 18 years of age and playing at an online casino licensed by the GRAI (Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland) or another recognized international body. All the casinos mentioned in this review are fully legal, regulated, and safe for Irish players to enjoy in 2026.