Game Information
Introduction
Circle of Life is a dark, mystical slot from Hacksaw Gaming that leans hard into the studio’s love for escalating chaos. From the first spin, it feels like a game that is quietly waiting to explode. Everything is restrained at first. Then the trees start growing, the multipliers stack, and things spiral quickly.
This is not a slot for gentle balance builders or long sessions on small wins. Circle of Life is all about patience, timing, and the hope that one spin turns into a full-blown multiplier festival. It follows Hacksaw’s familiar high-risk formula, but adds its own identity with layered features and upgrade paths that keep each bonus feeling dangerous and exciting.
Circle of Life shares plenty of DNA with Life and Death from Hacksaw Gaming, but the tone could not be more different. Where Life and Death feels polished and pop-friendly, Circle of Life goes full Spinal Tap. This slot is turned up to eleven and then some.
It is absolutely not built for casual play. Unless your idea of casual involves dousing a pile of cash in petrol and striking a match. After spinning through more demo bonuses than I care to admit, I am yet to see a profitable one. That is how extreme the volatility feels.
Still, when this slot finally connects, it has all the ingredients to deliver a truly outrageous juicer.
Slot Info & Stats
- Provider: Hacksaw Gaming
- Release Date: January 2026
- RTP: 96.33%
- Volatility: High / Very High
- Reels & Rows: 5 reels, 4 rows
- Paylines: 14 fixed paylines
- Bet Range: From low stakes up to high-roller levels
- Maximum Win: 15,000x your stake
Visuals and Audio
Visually, Circle of Life sits firmly in the gothic fantasy corner. The background is dark and moody, with subtle animation rather than constant noise. Symbols glow, pulse, and react when features activate, which helps important moments stand out.
The soundtrack is slow and atmospheric. It builds tension rather than excitement, which suits the high-volatility nature perfectly. When multipliers start stacking, the audio deepens and feels heavier, like the game knows something big might be coming.
Gameplay
Base Game
The base game uses a 5×4 layout with 14 fixed paylines. Wins land left to right, but the real focus is on the Tree of Life wilds. These wilds carry multipliers that can range from low values to seriously chunky numbers.
When a Tree of Life wild helps form a win, it grows upward and triggers a respin. Each growth increases the chance of filling an entire reel. Once a reel is full, the Circle of Life wheel activates, which is where things start to get spicy. But you must land the wild on the bottom row. Only when the wild grows from bottom to top, can the Circle of Life Wheel activate. In order for the tree to grow, wild must form part of a winning line. If it doesn’t the tree disappears on the next spin.
The wheel can add extra multipliers, boost existing ones, or keep the feature going. Eventually, it lands on a skull and ends the sequence. Until then, you are very much at the mercy of the slot gods.
Do not expect much from the base game unless the Tree of Life wild wheel gets involved. Base game hits are small and largely insignificant. You are essentially waiting for one, two, or even more wild lines to grow and land simultaneously.
If that happens, you might want to give your accountant a call.
Bonus Features
Free spins are triggered by landing three or more scatter symbols and come in multiple tiers.
The Origin Bonus (3 scatter) is the entry-level feature. It includes sticky Tree of Life wilds and sets the foundation for big multiplier chains. Hawksaw’s definition of sticky thought is a little different to others. If the three forms part of a winning line, it will grow up 1 reel, and stick around for the next spin. It leaves one it hits the top, or doesn’t form a winning line. They do not stick around for the entire bonus,
when you land the scatters, they will expand top to bottom. They will then hit a number 1,2 or 3. Relating to number of free spins. You can also land a coin that upgrades the bonus.
The Eternal Bonus (4 scatter) steps things up by increasing Tree appearances and making it easier to fill reels. This version feels far more aggressive and volatile. The extra scatter will also grant more spins. During this bonus, when you get the Circle of Life activated, every spin on that activated reel will grant a wild, until the end of the bonus. Unless a tree is already on the reel.
The Rebirth Bonus (5 scatter) is the top-tier feature. It delivers the strongest mechanics, the highest potential, and the fastest route to huge wins. This is where the 15,000x dreams live. During this hidden bonus, reels 2 and 4 will be activated from the start. This gives far more potential for reaching that max win.
Where to Play?
You can play Circle of Life at Betwright Casino. You can find amazing sign up deals for Betwright here!
You can also try the slot for free on the 10p Gamer website, which is perfect for learning how the Tree of Life mechanics really work.
18+ | Please gamble responsibly. For help and support, visit BeGambleAware.org
Final Thoughts
Circle of Life is not a slot that holds your hand. It is brutal, unpredictable, and sometimes painfully quiet. Then, without warning, it can unleash a chain of multipliers that makes everything worth it.
If you enjoy high-volatility slots with growing features, upgrade paths, and the constant feeling that one spin could change everything, this one is well worth your time. Just bring patience, bankroll discipline, and a strong heart.
Personally, I think it is just a little too difficult to get the Tree of Life mechanic properly rolling. I enjoy a volatile slot, but this one is brutal. It is harder than a prime Stone Cold Steve Austin.
Circle of Life is not afraid to curse in your face, crack open its own beer, and walk off while your balance lies broken in the ring.
Thalnothos’ Rating: 6.5/10.