Cathedral 9: Slot Overview
Scatter pays have become one of the most dominant mechanics in modern online slots, and developers across the industry are eagerly experimenting with the format. ELK Studios is one of the providers that has frequently embraced scatter pay mechanics, introducing them in popular titles such as Hula Balua, Ashoka, and Mine Defender. Now, the studio returns with Cathedral 9, a slot that blends familiar ELK mechanics with new, coffin-themed features.
Unlike the uplifting atmosphere of real cathedrals with sunlight streaming through stained glass, Cathedral 9 leans into darker tones. Its gothic setting, looming statues, and piles of steaming rocks give it a heavy, ominous feel, similar to Phoenix Graveyard, Phoenix Graveyard 2, and Nightmaker. This backdrop sets the stage for players at hawkplay and beyond to dive into a treasure-filled crypt filled with powerful mechanics.
Game Layout and Mechanics
Cathedral 9 is played on a 6×5 grid with the scatter pays system. Wins occur when 8 or more matching symbols appear anywhere in view. The math model is medium-high volatility, paired with a standard ELK RTP of 94%. Players can wager from $/€0.20 up to $/€100 per spin, or opt into the X-iter feature buy system.
Big symbols—ranging from 2×2 to 4×4 in size—play an important role here. They not only substitute for multiple tiles but also replicate into smaller symbols to fill empty spaces, extending winning streaks. Wilds substitute for all pay symbols, with a full wild screen paying as the game’s top win.
Paytable and Symbol Design
The slot’s low-value symbols are represented by pip icons, while higher-value ones include thematic objects like chalices, relics, and crypt treasures. Winning combinations of 8 symbols start at 0.1x to 2x, scaling up to 50x the bet for clusters of 25+ symbols.
At hawkplay, these wide win ranges make Cathedral 9 appealing to both casual spinners and high-risk takers who thrive on scatter pays’ explosive potential.
Feature Reel System
One of Cathedral 9’s defining mechanics is the 2×6 Feature Reel positioned above the grid. This reel houses feature symbols, mystery coffins, and blockers. When wins clear regular symbols, the Feature Reel drops new modifiers into play. The cascading action repeats until no more wins occur.
This system gives every spin dynamic possibilities, as players never quite know if collectors, explosions, or coffins will be the next trigger.
Collector and Explosion Symbols
- Collector Symbols activate when no wins remain. They select one visible pay symbol and merge all instances of it into a single position, potentially unlocking massive scatter wins.
- Explosion Symbols remove themselves and all symbols in adjacent columns, clearing the way for new cascades.
At platforms like hawkplay, these two features maintain gameplay momentum, making even losing spins capable of bouncing back.
Mystery Coffins and Global Multiplier
Coffins are the heart of Cathedral 9. When a coffin reaches the bottom row, it reveals a pay symbol or wild. After each win cycle, coffins nudge down and continue revealing until they vanish.
- Super Coffins not only reveal symbols but also add their value to a global multiplier ranging from x2 up to an enormous x1,000.
- Mini Coffins spawn additional coffins above, ensuring more chances to unlock chain reactions.
The global multiplier persists throughout free drops, delivering serious win potential during Cathedral 9’s bonus game.
Entombed Feature
The Entombed Feature activates when the special entombed symbol covers the entire Feature Reel. At this point, every symbol on the grid transforms into a single pay symbol type, guaranteeing a screen-wide win.
The upgraded Super Entombed Feature goes one step further, ensuring that the grid transforms into mid or high-value symbols only. For players at hawkplay, this is one of the most powerful triggers in the game, capable of generating massive cluster wins.
Holy Collect
Unique to Cathedral 9, the Holy Collect Feature charges gradually when holy blockers fall from the Feature Reel. Once activated, it adds 3 to 6 mystery coffins to the grid at random.
Importantly, Holy Collect progress is saved between rounds, meaning it can trigger unexpectedly at any time. This system adds long-term anticipation and keeps players engaged across sessions at hawkplay.
Bonus Game and Super Bonus
Landing 3–6 scatter symbols awards the Free Drops Bonus, with each scatter providing 2–4 free drops. During these rounds:
- The global multiplier is persistent.
- Mystery coffins remain crucial, activating multiplier values when reaching the bottom.
- Extra scatters add more free drops, extending bonus play.
If players manage to land wins with all 9 pay symbols during free drops, the Super Bonus begins. Each free drop then starts with 1–6 super coffins on the grid, guaranteeing heightened volatility and bigger rewards.
X-iter Feature Buy Options
Cathedral 9 integrates ELK Studios’ signature X-iter system, allowing players to buy specific game states:
- Bonus Hunt (2.5x stake): Triple chance of triggering free drops.
- Mega Bonus Hunt (10x stake): More than 10x chance of triggering.
- Coffin Drop (50x stake): 1–6 random coffins added to the grid.
- Bonus Buy (100x stake): Direct entry into free drops.
- Super Bonus Buy (500x stake): Guaranteed super bonus with super coffins.
These purchase options, available at hawkplay, let players tailor their risk and excitement level.
Visuals, Sound, and Atmosphere
While Cathedral 9 is a feature-heavy slot, it’s also immersive on a presentation level. The dark, gothic cathedral setting is enhanced by glowing embers, towering statues, and haunting choral music. Compared to lighter-themed scatter pay games, this one firmly situates itself on the more serious, brooding side.
The atmosphere feels cohesive, drawing players into the theme of uncovering ancient treasures hidden within coffins and crypts.
Cathedral 9: Final Verdict
Cathedral 9 successfully brings together many of ELK Studios’ best design ideas: scatter pays, oversized symbols, multipliers, and mystery reveals. It may not be the most immediately flashy release, but it’s polished, balanced, and full of rewarding depth.
For players seeking a high-volatility scatter slot with persistent multipliers, transforming features, and coffin-driven suspense, Cathedral 9 is worth exploring. The addition of Holy Collect and Entombed rounds makes it stand out, while X-iter caters to players who want instant access to bonuses.
If you’re searching for an atmospheric game that mixes ELK’s gothic style with fresh scatter mechanics, Cathedral 9 is a strong contender—especially when enjoyed at hawkplay.
