Free slot: Dark Summoning

Dark Summoning Slot Overview

Dark Summoning has a 5-reel, 6-row layout and 24 fixed paylines. Among its special features, it includes cascading wins, and two unique free spin bonus rounds that amplify its horror theme. 

You can win up to 10,666x your stake in its bonus rounds, making it very suited for players who are fans of high-stake, demon-themed slots. Based on its betting range, Dark Summoning is fit for casual players and high rollers alike.

Basic Information

Dark Summoning was developed by Hacksaw Gaming and released in February 2025. This slot has betting limits from €0.10 to €75, and a theoretical RTP of 96.36%. 

As with Hacksaw’s feature-heavy releases, the game is rated medium-high volatility, so wins are not consistently hit every spin; when they do arrive, however, they can certainly have a significant return. 

Theme and Graphics

Dark Summoning takes place in a Gothic nightmare. The reels feature images of demons, moths, skulls, and lost souls. Its use of deep shadows, muted reds, greys, and blacks give a weighty feeling of dread, with brighter color reserved for wilds, multipliers, and scatter effects.

The soundtrack and effects work alongside the tone set by the visuals. Ambient noise echoes the haunting atmosphere, and is matched by ritualistic tones which are heightened when features trigger. Stingers are well placed as a means to create an unsettling sound cue. 

RTP and Volatility

Dark Summoning has an above average RTP of 96.36%, while the volatility is medium-high. This means that you could have steady wins at times, and at others, not very frequent payouts, but once those wins land, you could win big.

The design of the game is aimed toward players who enjoy horror themed slots that will potentially give them a substantial payout in the long run.

Symbols and Paytable

The game's symbols are broken into low-paying, high-paying, and special symbols like wilds and scatters, the design of which enhances the horror-theme.

The Low Paying Symbols are 10, Q, K, J, A standard royals styled in a Gothic font. The payout ranges from 0.4x to 2x for 3 to 5 of a kind.

The High Paying Symbols are Scissors, Moth, Crow, Pyramid Eyes, and Demon Ram Head. These have higher payouts when matching 3-5 on paylines. Their payout ranges from 1x to 20x.

The Wild pays up to 60x for landing 5 symbols. 

How to play the slot

To play Dark Summoning, select a stake ranging from €0.10 to €75 and hit ‘Spin’. To win, you need three or more matching symbols across the 24 paylines available on the 5x6 grid.

Winning combinations are removed using a cascading mechanic, meaning new symbols fall into place, and with lucky cascades, wins trigger chains of wins.

Game Mechanics

Dark Summoning is built around three key gameplay mechanics:

Super Cascade mechanic: Where every win removes symbols from the slot, allowing new symbols to fill the space behind. If there are 3 non-winning spins in a row, symbols from the paytable (3-5 random symbols) will be removed from the play board.

Wild multiplier mechanic: Where blue or red wilds will replace other symbols on the play board and have a multiplier range between 2x and 100x. All the wilds multiply, and then add up before payout. This means that factoring in all the wilds to the payout could lead to a very generous win.

Two bonus features: The first is called Trial by Hellfire, which spreads Hellfire markers across winning positions on the play board to transform them into wilds, trades and guaranteed cash value for a current win. The second is Rise to Salvation, which reverses cascades and the Lost Souls will rise and provide a cash value and multiplier when they do.

Feature Symbols Explained

• Wilds: Blue wilds appear in the base game and Rise to Salvation, while red wilds are used in Trial by Hellfire. They both work as substitutions and have multipliers from 2x–100x that stack additively. 

• Unholy scatters: Can land anywhere and are collected during the spins, and when three land, they trigger a bonus round.

• Order scatters: Trigger the “Will of the Order” that turns themselves and up to 10 other symbols into wilds. Together with Unholy scatters, they also trigger the Rise to Salvation bonus.

• Lost souls: Unique to Rise to Salvation. They are sticky and stay in that position until they rise to the top row, where they pay global multipliers or instant cash values.

Dark Summoning Features and Bonuses

Take a look at the exceptional bonuses and special features that you can gain access to when playing this slot!

Will of the Order

Whenever an Order scatter lands, it replaces itself and 2-10 other symbols with wilds, and if multiple Order scatters end up on the board, it is applied separately for even more wild placements.

Trial by Hellfire Free Spins

This feature is triggered when 3 Unholy scatters are collected. You get 10 free spins, and all winning positions indicate Hellfire. Subsequent symbols that land in Hellfire positions will turn into wilds, maximizing your opportunity for high payouts.

Rise to Salvation Free Spins

This feature is triggered when the third Unholy scatter is in the field of play, and at least 1 Order scatter is present. When triggered, you receive 10 free spins.

During the cascades, the symbols go upward instead of downward. Lost Souls appear on each spin, stick, and rise to the top row, awarding global multipliers or cash prizes when they reach the top.

Play Options

Dark Summoning slot is available for play in demo mode and real money mode. This slot is mobile and desktop optimized. You can expect the same quality of visuals, sounds and all-round features, no matter the device and screen size you choose to play on.

Play for Real Money or Try the Demo

Dark Summoning has two play options. It has a free demo play option, which allows you to fully experience its various features without taking on any monetary risk.

When you are ready, you’ll be able to play it for real money at any licensed online casino that we have recommended on this page. 

Don't forget to check the casino’s terms and conditions to make sure you are not leaving any stone unturned before you play.

Demo Features and Mobile Compatibility

The demo gives you access to all of the game’s mechanics so you can really get a sense of this game’s volatility and the balance of the features. 

When we played the demo on a laptop, we didn't experience any issues with loading times, same as when we played on mobile. The responsive layout and touch controls of the game are very intuitive while also maintaining the immersive theme.

Dark Summoning Compared

As a horror-themed slot, Dark Summoning has an edge over those in the same category due to its two different paths for free spins and special features, including reverse cascades and Lost Soul ascension. 

With a max win potential of 10,666x, Dark Summoning has one of the highest feats among other similar themed slots.

Similar Slots You Might Like

• Wanted Dead or a Wild (Hacksaw Gaming): High volatility, 96.38% RTP, features a 5x5 grid with 15 paylines, sticky wilds, duel reels multipliers, three free spins modes with a maximum win of 12,500x

• Chaos Crew 2 (Hacksaw Gaming): This is a neon-punk sequel to Chaos Crew that maxes out at 10,000x your bet, and 96.27% RTP. It features a 5x5 cluster-pay grid instead of typical paylines

• Mental (Nolimit City): Another century horror slot featuring split symbols, multiplying symbols, and Two deadly bonus rounds. It has a 96.08% RTP, and max win of 66,666x on a 3-3-4-4-4 reel arrangement. Play Mental 2 for an even more gruesome experience!

Summary & Final Verdict

Dark Summoning combines Gothic aesthetics, spooky audio, and entertaining mechanics which feature together to create one of Hacksaw Gaming's darkest releases to date. 

This slot is designed for those who do not mind some death and destruction. So, if you love the horror genre, and enjoy high-risk gameplay, then we think you will love this slot.