Release the Kraken® 2

Release the Kraken 2 is the sequel to the original 2020 nautical slot, running on a 5x3 base grid expanding to 5x4 during the free-spin round, with 20 paylines in the base game and 40 during the bonus. 96.50% RTP, high volatility (5/5), 5,000x maximum win. The ceiling is lower than the original's 10,000x — an unusual step backward for a sequel, but one Pragmatic Play has made intentionally in this line.

The core feature is Shifting Stack Wilds: when a stacked wild lands, it nudges to fill its reel completely, and each nudge adds +1 to a climbing win multiplier. Land four or more wilds to trigger Roaming Wild Respins — wilds continue moving and the multiplier keeps growing for as long as new wilds land. A mini gamble mechanic before the free-spin round lets players trade spins for a higher starting multiplier.

The Kraken itself appears randomly in the base game to rearrange symbols and force a win of 20-50x the bet — a guaranteed-win-spin mechanic that makes otherwise dry spins more bearable. The base game is still high-volatility quiet outside Kraken appearances; expect 25-40 spin stretches with no meaningful return. The free-spin bonus, played on the expanded 40-payline grid with an active multiplier, is where the 5,000x ceiling becomes accessible.

Against the original Release the Kraken (96.50% RTP, 10,000x, Kraken Locking Wilds, Giant symbols): the sequel trades the original's more spectacular sticky-kraken mechanic for a cleaner roaming-wild multiplier system. The 5,000x ceiling versus 10,000x is a genuine downgrade on paper. Players who loved the original's visual drama may find the sequel feels more mechanical; players who found the original's giant symbols confusing will prefer the cleaner format.

Verdict
A cleaner but ceiling-reduced sequel. The roaming-wild multiplier works; the 5,000x max win is a step back from the original's 10,000x. Choose on mechanic preference, not ceiling size.