Chi
Chi is known to Eastern culture as the purest form of energy, and in today’s Chi slot review, we are going to explore whether this translates to the purest form of entertainment. Chi is a five-reel, 27-payline video slot machine created by Elk...
Reviewed by A. Lynch
·
Updated: 2026-04-15
| Provider | ELK Studios |
| RTP | 96% (varies) |
| Volatility | High |
| Reels | 5 |
| Paylines | 54 |
| Max Win | Up to 10,000x |
| Bet Range | £0.2 – £20 |
| Themes | asian |
| Released | 2019-05-07 |
| Technology | HTML5 |
| Updated | 2026-04-15 |
- RTP: 96% (varies)
- Volatility: High
- Max Win: Up to 10,000x
- Provider: ELK Studios
- Reels: 5
- Best Casino: SpinGenie (9.30/10)
Where to Play Chi
Chi RTP and Wagering
The Chi slot is described as a 5-reel, 27 payline slot game; but it is a little more interesting than this. The reels in this online slot machine rotate from right to left instead of top to bottom, which not only provides a more unique visual experience for players but is a nod to how text is read in Asian languages; from right to left, instead of the Western left to right. Winning combinations are still formed in the same way as other online slots (three or more matching symbols across an active payline), but as wins can pay both ways, the total number of win ways is doubled, making for a generous total of 54 win ways per spin.
The Chi slot has a pretty standard betting range starting at 20p per spin and capping out at £20 per spin. To set your stake, simply click or tap (as the game is fully optimised for mobile play) on the stacked coins icon to open the betting window. Select your bet from the eligible options, and when you are ready, click the spin button; it is that simple.
Those in eligible regions (non-UK) may also choose to configure the autoplay system and have the Chi slot spin up to 100 times automatically. To access the Chi slots' paytable, tap the "menu" button located in the upper-left corner and you can click the "i" icon to view the full set of rules. Eligible regions can also make use of Elk Studios’ innovative betting strategies; Optimiser, Leveller, Booster, and Jumper.
The Chi slot has a 96% RTP percentage which places it bang on the current market average for slots of this type. As Elk Studios have given this game a 9/10 on their rating scale, be prepared for high-volatility gameplay, if you choose to spin Chi’s reels.
Chi has an exciting top prize of 10,000x a player's total stake, which can be won during the Stairway to Fortune feature.
Chi Symbols and Audio & Video Design
Elk Studios are well-known for their storytelling ability, and I have to admit I get quite excited each time I have an Elk slot to review as the narratives of their slots are always like nothing seen before and the Chi slot is no different. In the Eastern world, Chi is a vital energy which comes from within.
The Chi slot is set amidst the tranquil peaks of the Himalayan mountains, but you will not feel isolated, as you are accompanied by two friendly spirits, Mow; the friendly fire spirit, and Chi the loyal water spirit. The Chi online slot's reels are set amid cherry tree flowers in a Chinese garden and lavishly embellished with Chinese symbols. Pagodas, mountains, and a soothing soundtrack with an oriental feel are just some of the thematic design elements used to enhance the player experience.
The reels are framed by crimson columns, and two stone-effect sculptures may be seen in the foreground. Each one has three reels that spin simultaneously with the main reel set. These two are associated with your new spiritual friends; Mow and Chi.
Asian culture serves as the inspiration for the high, medium, and low-value symbols used in the Chi slot game, and asks Elk to be the design experts; there is not a playing card symbol in sight! The wild sign does not pay anything by itself, but it can replace all other symbols except the scatter. The full paytable for the Chi slot is as follows:
The Lotus Flower
pays 10, 8, and 2x for 3, 4, or 5 on a payline.
The Lantern
pays 6, 4, and 1.5x for 3, 4, or 5 on a payline.
The Jade Jewellery
pays 3, 2, and 1x for 3, 4, or 5 on a payline.
The Koi Fish
pays 0.5, 1.25, and 2.5x for 3, 4, or 5 on a payline.
The Purple Urn
pays 0.5, 1.25, and 2.5x for 3, 4, or 5 on a payline.
The Gold Fan
pays 0.25, 1, and 2x for 3, 4, or 5 on a payline.
The Green Flute
pays 0.25, 1 and 2x for 3, 4, or 5 on a payline
The Bonus Symbol
looks like purple yin and yang fish, with the word ‘bonus’.
The Free Spins Symbol
looks like a Chinese coin with the words ‘free spins’.
The Wild Symbol
has a red background and gold frame and reads ‘wild’.
Chi Mobile Features
Regardless of the device you choose, the Chi slot machine is optimised for mobile play and supports all major operating systems to provide you with the best possible gaming experience.
Chi Bonus Features
Chi has a lot of features, some of which are added to the additional modes the game offers and others of which are tied to the original game. Almost all the bonus features play out by themselves, meaning that once you click spin you can sit back and watch events unfold, making the Chi slot ideal for gaming on the go. Below we look into each of the bonus features included in the Chi game more closely.
Chi and Mow
On the left and right of the grid, respectively, are two small cat spirits by the names of Chi and Mow. These spiritual guides preside over different bonus features; Mow will turn on the Golden Multipliers which are between 2 and 5x in value on the right side of the grid, while Chi will add up to six Wilds to the grid from his position on the left. While neither feature promises wins, Chi’s wilds greatly increase the odds and can be activated alongside Mow's for some large payout potential.
Stairway to Fortune
Three bonus scatters on reels 2, 3, and 4 will cause a trail of win multipliers up to 200 times your stake to appear. Above those is the grid, with the largest multiplier shown in red and the other reels showing only cash multipliers in yellow.
Chi rolls a reel with 1-6 or collects on it, (similar to the Leprechaun's trail on the original Rainbow Riches slot), which is how players proceed along the trail. When you land on a red, you advance to the next reel; when you land on a yellow, your total is increased and you can collect. A red upward arrow on the fifth reel from the top would lead you to the summit of the path and grant you a total payout of an amazing 10,000 times your bet; which is the highest payout offered in the Chi slot.
Free Spins
The Free Spins bonus is activated when three or more Free Spins symbols appear anywhere on the reels. How many free spins you earn depends on the quantity of Free Spins symbols used to activate the feature:
- 10 free spins are awarded for three free spins symbols
- 15 free spins are awarded for four free spins symbols
- 20 free spins are awarded for five free spins symbols
Any Wilds which are created by Chi's wild feature are sticking during free spins, meaning they remain in place until the conclusion of the bonus. On his first trigger, Mow awards a 2x progressive multiplier; and on each consecutive trigger of his feature, the multiplier rises by 1x, up to 5x.
Landing three or more of the free spins bonus symbols on the reels within a single spin will retrigger the bonus and add to the current free spins tally.
Chi Final Thoughts
Just because I am a fan of Elk Studios' style, does not mean I will not be scoring the Chi slot with the same diligence as I would any slot. As with all games, there are things that the Chi slot does well and areas for improvement. For example, though the RTP of 96% is bang on the market average for slots, it is lower than what we have seen before from Elk, and combined with a high volatility rating, could mean this slot shows players the cold shoulder for a series of spins at a time.
The theme of Chi and Asian mysticism has been done before; meaning that this is not the most unique slot that Elk Studios has created (I would probably give Taco Brothers that title), but the developers' unique flair shines through via the creation of characters Chi and Mow, as well as the unique way in which the reels spin; a simple change, but one that expertly adds to the theme of the slot, and shakes up the overall gameplay experience.
It is hard to have complaints about bonus features with so much on offer, plus a 10,000x top prize. With wild symbols, and the Chi and Mow features active during the base game, the Chi slot feels well-balanced, unlike some titles which opt for an all-or-nothing approach.
Aside from the RTP and volatility, it is really hard to find many negatives with this slot, which is why I rate the Elk Studio’s Chi slot machine at an impressive 8.5/10.
Rating: 8.5