The Golden Empire series is one of JILI’s most popular slot franchises. After the success of Golden Empire in 2021, JILI released Golden Empire 2 in 2024, adding new features, bigger win potential, and enhanced bonus mechanics.
While both games share the same Aztec-inspired theme and 32,400 ways-to-win format, they offer different gameplay experiences. Here’s how Golden Empire and Golden Empire 2 compare.
Golden Empire Series Overview
At its core, the Golden Empire series revolves around:
- 32,400 ways to win
- Cascading reel mechanics
- Variable-sized symbols
- Sticky Wild features
- Progressive free spins multipliers
- Ancient empire-themed visuals
Rather than relying on traditional paylines, both games use a multiway system where matching symbols on adjacent reels create winning combinations.
The series focuses heavily on chain reactions. Winning symbols disappear, new symbols fall into place, and additional wins can occur during the same spin. This creates a gameplay experience that feels much more dynamic than standard video slots.
Golden Empire vs Golden Empire 2 Comparison Table
| Feature | Golden Empire | Golden Empire 2 |
| Release Year | 2021 | 2024 |
| Provider | JILI Games | JILI Games |
| RTP | 96.5% – 97% | Around 96% |
| Volatility | Medium | Medium |
| Ways to Win | 32,400 | 32,400 |
| Reel Layout | 5-6-6-6-6-5 | 5-6-6-6-6-5 |
| Cascading Reels | Yes | Yes |
| Sticky Wilds | Yes | Yes |
| Variable Symbol Sizes | Yes | Yes |
| Free Spins | Yes | Yes |
| Progressive Multiplier | Yes | Yes |
| Bonus Symbol | No | Yes |
| Bonus Buy | Yes | No |
| Maximum Win | 2,000x | 25,000x |
| Maximum Bet | 100 | 200 |
The biggest difference immediately stands out: Golden Empire 2 dramatically increases the maximum win potential from 2,000x to 25,000x.
Golden Empire Review
Golden Empire is the original title that introduced players to the series.
The game features a 5-6-6-6-6-5 reel layout with up to 32,400 winning ways. Inspired by ancient South American civilizations, players explore temples filled with gold, treasures, masks, and mystical symbols.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Summary |
|---|---|
| Golden Frames | Winning framed symbols on reels 2–5 turn into Sticky Wilds that remain active for multiple cascades. |
| Cascading Reels | Winning symbols disappear, new symbols drop in, and consecutive wins can occur in a single spin. |
| Variable Symbol Sizes | Symbols on reels 2–5 can cover up to four positions, creating more winning opportunities. |
| Free Spins | Triggered by 4+ Scatters. Multipliers start at x1 and increase with every cascade without resetting between spins. |
| Retriggers | Additional Scatters during Free Spins can award extra spins and higher multiplier potential. |
| Bonus Buy | Purchase direct access to Free Spins for 42x your stake. |
Golden Frames
One of the game’s defining mechanics is the Golden Frame feature.
Symbols landing on reels 2 to 5 may appear inside golden frames. When these framed symbols participate in a winning combination, they transform into Wilds.
These Wilds don’t disappear immediately. Instead, they remain on the reels for several cascades and display a counter showing how many wins they can still contribute to.
Cascading Reels
Whenever a winning combination forms:
- Winning symbols disappear.
- Remaining symbols drop down.
- New symbols fall into empty spaces.
- Additional wins may occur.
This process continues until no further wins are available.
Variable Symbol Sizes
Symbols on reels 2 to 5 can occupy between one and four positions.
Larger symbols create additional opportunities for winning combinations while making the reels feel more visually dynamic.
Free Spins
Landing four or more Scatter symbols triggers Free Spins.
| Scatters | Free Spins |
| 4 | 8 |
| 5 | 10 |
| 6 | 12 |
During Free Spins:
- Multipliers begin at x1
- Every cascade increases the multiplier by 1
- Multipliers do not reset between spins
- Additional Scatters can retrigger the feature
This creates the potential for large multiplier values during extended bonus rounds.
Bonus Buy Feature
Golden Empire also includes a Bonus Buy option. Players can pay 42x their bet to enter the Free Spins feature instantly.
This is particularly useful for players who enjoy chasing bonus rounds without waiting for natural triggers.
Golden Empire Pros and Cons
| Strengths of Golden Empire | Weaknesses of Golden Empire |
|---|---|
| RTP of 96.5%–97% | Maximum win limited to 2,000x |
| Bonus Buy feature available | Theme may feel familiar to experienced players |
| Sticky Wild mechanics enhance wins | Base game payouts can be relatively modest |
| Frequent cascading reel action | Fewer advanced features compared to newer slots |
| Beginner-friendly volatility |
Golden Empire 2 Review
Golden Empire 2 is JILI’s attempt to modernize the original formula while keeping everything players enjoyed about the first game.
The sequel retains:
- 32,400 ways to win
- Cascading reels
- Sticky Wilds
- Variable symbol sizes
- Progressive multipliers
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Golden Empire 2 Improvement |
|---|---|
| BONUS Symbol | Converts itself and all Golden Frame symbols into Wilds, increasing winning combinations and cascade potential. |
| Enhanced Sticky Wilds | Golden Frame Wilds gain a counter, allowing them to remain active across multiple wins before disappearing. |
| Improved Free Spins | Multipliers start at x1, increase after every cascade, never reset during Free Spins, and continue growing through retriggers. |
| Maximum Win Potential | Increased from 2,000x in Golden Empire to 25,000x, offering significantly larger payout potential. |
BONUS Symbol
One of the biggest upgrades in Golden Empire 2 is the BONUS Symbol. Appearing on the horizontal top reel, it can instantly convert itself and all Golden Frame symbols on the main reels into Wilds.
This mechanic increases the chances of triggering multiple winning combinations and can significantly extend cascading sequences.
During Free Spins, these converted Wilds may remain on the reels until they contribute to a win, making the feature even more powerful.
Enhanced Sticky Wild System
Golden Frame Wilds return from the original game but with added functionality.
After converting into Wilds, they receive a numerical counter that determines how many winning combinations they can participate in before disappearing.
Improved Free Spins
The Free Spins feature works similarly to the original game.
However, Golden Empire 2 becomes significantly more dangerous during bonus rounds.
The multiplier:
- Starts at x1
- Increases after every cascade
- Never resets between free spins
- Can continue growing throughout retriggers
Combined with the larger win ceiling, this creates much bigger payout potential than the original game.
Massive Win Potential
This is where Golden Empire 2 separates itself from its predecessor.
While Golden Empire tops out at 2,000x, Golden Empire 2 increases the maximum win to: 25,000x stake
That is more than twelve times higher than the original.
Golden Empire 2 Pros and Cons
| Strengths of Golden Empire 2 | Weaknesses of Golden Empire 2 |
|---|---|
| Huge maximum win potential of up to 25,000x | No Bonus Buy feature available |
| Exclusive BONUS Symbol mechanic that converts Golden Frame symbols into Wilds | Free Spins can feel harder to trigger naturally |
| More explosive cascading sequences and chain reactions | Ancient empire theme remains very similar to the original game |
| Enhanced Free Spins feature with non-resetting progressive multipliers | Limited innovation in visual presentation |
| Improved Sticky Wild system with multi-use Wild counters | Familiar gameplay may feel repetitive for players of the first game |
| Larger betting range, suitable for both casual players and high rollers | — |
Golden Empire 1, 2 Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Theme and Visuals
Both games use an ancient empire setting featuring:
- Temples
- Gold treasures
- Masks
- Totems
- Jungle landscapes
The visual quality is similar, although Golden Empire 2 benefits from newer animations and smoother effects.
Winner: Golden Empire 2
Gameplay Mechanics
Both titles feature:
- Cascades
- Sticky Wilds
- Variable symbols
- Free Spins
However, the BONUS Symbol in Golden Empire 2 adds an extra layer of excitement.
Winner: Golden Empire 2
RTP
Golden Empire generally offers RTP figures between 96.5% and 97%.
Golden Empire 2 is usually listed around 96%.
Winner: Golden Empire
Free Spins
The bonus round structure is similar in both games.
However, Golden Empire 2 benefits from:
- Better Wild generation
- BONUS Symbol interactions
- Higher payout potential
Winner: Golden Empire 2
Maximum Win
This category is not particularly close.
| Game | Maximum Win |
| Golden Empire | 2,000x |
| Golden Empire 2 | 25,000x |
Winner: Golden Empire 2
Bonus Buy
Golden Empire allows players to purchase Free Spins directly.
Golden Empire 2 removes this feature.
Winner: Golden Empire
Which Golden Empire Game Is Better?
The answer depends on the type of player.
| Choose Golden Empire If… | Choose Golden Empire 2 If… |
|---|---|
| You prefer simpler gameplay | You want bigger win potential |
| You like having a Bonus Buy option | You enjoy longer cascading sequences |
| You want slightly higher RTP | You prefer more advanced slot mechanics |
| You enjoy balanced medium volatility | You are chasing larger bonus payouts |
| You prefer a lower-risk experience | You want the highest payout potential in the series |
Ready to Explore the Golden Empire Series?
With its 32,400 ways to win, cascading reels, sticky Wilds, and rewarding Free Spins features, the Golden Empire series offers an exciting adventure for fans of modern slot games.
Whether you prefer the original Golden Empire or the enhanced mechanics and bigger win potential of Golden Empire 2, you can experience both games firsthand on Dubai 7 and discover which version suits your playstyle best.
UNEARTH ANCIENT TREASURES & CLAIM GOLDEN WINS
Step into the mythical Aztec realm! Experience high-octane cascading reels, trigger endless Wild transformations, and unlock massive progressive multipliers in Golden Empire on Dubai7. Your path to legendary empire riches is just a spin away!
Golden Empire FAQs
Can I play Golden Empire and Golden Empire 2 on mobile devices?
Yes. Both games are fully optimized for mobile play and can be enjoyed on smartphones and tablets without sacrificing gameplay features or visual quality.
Do Golden Empire games use fixed paylines?
No. Both titles use a 32,400 ways-to-win system, meaning matching symbols only need to land on adjacent reels from left to right rather than on fixed paylines.
Are Golden Empire and Golden Empire 2 suitable for beginners?
Yes. The games have straightforward mechanics and clear bonus features, making them accessible to new slot players while still offering enough depth for experienced players.
Which game offers more action during the base game?
Golden Empire 2 generally provides more action due to its BONUS Symbol mechanic, which can create additional Wilds and longer cascading sequences.
Do Free Spins contribute most of the winning potential in the series?
Yes. While both games can produce wins in the base game, the largest payouts typically occur during Free Spins because of the progressive multiplier system.
Are the betting options the same in both games?
No. Golden Empire 2 offers a higher maximum bet limit, giving high-stakes players more flexibility than the original game.
Which game is better for players who enjoy frequent features?
The original Golden Empire may appeal more to those players because of its Bonus Buy option, which provides direct access to the Free Spins feature.
Is Golden Empire 2 a complete redesign of the original game?
No. It is an evolution of the original rather than a complete redesign, retaining the core mechanics while adding new features and a much larger win ceiling.
Do both games rely heavily on cascading wins?
Yes. Cascading reels are a major part of the gameplay experience, often creating chain reactions that can significantly increase total payouts from a single spin.
Which Golden Empire game is more popular among high-risk players?
Golden Empire 2 is generally the preferred choice for high-risk players because of its larger maximum win potential and more explosive bonus mechanics.
