Carnival Queen — 4,096 ways, Avalanche multiplier and 22,700× by Thunderkick

Carnival Queen — what makes it stand out

Carnival Queen is a Thunderkick slot that was launched in 2019, based on the New Orleans Mardi Gras. This game features six reels, four rows of the playing field, as well as 4,096 ways to win. The winning symbols will be removed using the Avalanche mechanic from the grid so additional symbols may fill those positions.

The growing multiplier will increase by +1 for each Avalanche that occurs. A reset of the multiplier will occur at the end of an Avalanche sequence in the base game. In Free Spins, the multiplier continues to build upon itself for every spin, including losing spins. Players can compare this mechanism to that used in Casino Solitaire, which has a completely different game format.

Game details

The Carnival Queen RTP is 96.1%, while volatility is high. Its fixed-ways system also differs from cluster games like Reactoonz. RTP describes theoretical long-term returns rather than results from one session.

Avalanche and growing multiplier — the core mechanic

Each winning combination will cause those symbols to be removed and trigger another Avalanche. Symbols will then cascade down into the emptied spaces, potentially creating another opportunity for wins. Each successful Avalanche will increase the growing multiplier by +1.

During free spins, the behavior of the multiplier changes. In the normal game, the multiplier will reset to 1× after a failed Avalanche. During free spins, however, a failed spin will not reset the accumulated multiplier. This is different to some other games such as Gates of Olympus.

Exploding Wild — triggers on non-winning spins too

Exploding Wilds substitute for regular symbols but do not substitute for Scatters. Exploding Wilds can also be triggered when there are no winning combinations. If an Exploding Wild does not create a winning combination, it will destroy all symbols on that Reel for that row.

The new symbols will then appear in the spaces that were destroyed. A spin that previously did not create a winning combination will create an opportunity for an Avalanche. This provides Exploding Wilds with more utility than simply substituting for other symbols, since they can also create value from spins that would otherwise be completely lost.

Free spins — trigger and multiplier

Three scatters award 12 free spins. Four, five and six scatter awards award 16, 20 and 24 free spins respectively. If two or more scatters are awarded in the feature, then 3 additional spins are awarded. Retriggers are unlimited.

For instance, if a multiplier has reached 5× and the next Avalanche does not result in a win, then the multiplier will remain at 5× rather than resetting to 1×. If a multiplier has been achieved (for instance 5×), then after a non-winning spin the multiplier will not reset to 1×. This also applies to all subsequent non-winning spins. A different gameplay strategy exists in games that utilize cascade mechanics such as Sugar Rush.

Carnival Queen vs Carnival Queen 2

Thunderkick released Carnival Queen 2 in 2025 with several important mechanical changes. The sequel uses Megaways and supports up to 117,649 ways. Its maximum win also increases to 25,000×.

The original Carnival Queen slot has a higher listed RTP of 96.1%. Carnival Queen 2 instead keeps its multiplier active during the base game. This is the main mechanical difference between both Thunderkick releases.

Demo and responsible gambling

Players in the Carnival Queen demo can test how Avalanches, Wilds, and multipliers work together, as well as test the bonus structure of this game when compared to Moon Princess. Unlike most other slot games that are based on a number of fixed paylines, both games have their own unique features for differentiating themselves from one another.

High volatility means that results may be greatly variable session by session. While RTP is a theoretical long-term average of return, it will never show what an individual's returns will be. Therefore, we advise you to limit your betting prior to wagering with your own cash. VivatBet operates under a license issued in Finland, and the casino section is available to players aged 21 and over.