Wanted Dead or a Wild is a Hacksaw Gaming pokie set in a dark, gritty Wild West. It runs on a 5×5 grid with 15 paylines, built around a VS symbol that turns a reel into a gunfight. Win the duel and it can leave behind a multiplier Wild reel of up to 100x.<\/p>\n
When I played it with real money at a casino, the pokie felt tense and sparse. The base game throws up plenty of quiet spins. What kept my attention was the chance that a VS symbol could drop in and flip a spin that looked dead. That kind of swing has shaped the game’s reputation since it launched.<\/p>\n
The free version of Wanted Dead or a Wild is available on WinPockets, a good way to see how the duels, Wilds and bonus rounds work before deciding whether the high-risk style suits you.<\/p>\n
The flow is simple:<\/p>\n
The controls run along the bottom of the screen, in Hacksaw’s usual minimal style. The bet selector, spin button and autoplay are easy to read. Getting to the paytable and feature rules takes only a couple of taps.<\/p>\n
Wanted Dead or a Wild runs on a 5×5 layout with 15 fixed paylines, and a winning combination needs matching symbols on a payline starting from the leftmost reel. Fifteen lines across a 25-position grid is a modest count. Most regular hits in the base game come as small line wins built from the card royals.<\/p>\n
One reel landing right can change the entire outcome of a spin. A VS symbol on one of the middle reels expands into a full Wild reel carrying a multiplier. Because that Wild reel links into every payline crossing it, a single duel can turn several partial lines into wins, all lifted by the same multiplier.<\/p>\n
For me, this is the core of the game. Line wins by themselves aren’t memorable. The real appeal is waiting for multiplier reels to line up with decent symbols.<\/p>\n
The symbol set is split into lower-paying royals, Western-themed premiums and a handful of special symbols.<\/p>\n
Lower-paying symbols: 10, J, Q, K and A. These are styled to match the dusty frontier look and make up most of the smaller wins.<\/p>\n
Higher-paying symbols: The premiums are Wild West objects drawn in the same dark art style. They pay more than the royals. The in-game paytable shows their exact values, and these scale with your selected stake.<\/p>\n
Wild: Substitutes for regular paying symbols to help complete winning lines.<\/p>\n
VS symbol: The game’s signature symbol. It expands to fill its reel, starts a duel and becomes a Wild reel carrying a multiplier.<\/p>\n
Scatter: Triggers the free spins rounds.<\/p>\n
Check the paytable in the free version at your chosen stake. Seeing the actual values in credits makes the gap between the royals and the premiums far clearer than any description could.<\/p>\n
Wanted Dead or a Wild has one major base-game feature and three bonus rounds. Two of those rounds can be triggered naturally, while the third is only available through the Bonus Buy.<\/p>\n
Trigger: A VS symbol lands on the reels during a spin.<\/p>\n
Mechanic: The VS symbol expands to cover its whole reel, and two characters face off in a duel.<\/p>\n
Effect: The winner reveals a multiplier between 2x and 100x. The reel then becomes a Wild reel carrying that multiplier, applying to any winning lines that pass through it.<\/p>\n
The duel animation is short enough that it doesn’t slow the game down. It also builds a moment of suspense before the multiplier appears, fitting the Western theme well.<\/p>\n
Landing Scatters triggers this entry-level free spins round, the more accessible of the two naturally triggered bonuses. It hands you a set of free spins where the game’s multiplier mechanics can build towards bigger results than the base game usually offers.<\/p>\n
Duel at Dawn is the more powerful free spins round, also triggered by Scatters. The defining mechanic is that VS symbols stay sticky for the rest of the round, so once a duel turns a reel into a multiplier Wild, that reel remains in place for the remaining spins.<\/p>\n
For me, this round shows the game’s full potential. Sticky multiplier reels mean each new VS symbol adds to what came before. A slow start can turn sharply once a couple of reels lock in.<\/p>\n
Dead Man’s Hand can’t be triggered naturally; it’s only available through the Bonus Buy menu at casinos that offer the buy function. As the most expensive and most volatile option on the menu, it’s built around the same sticky VS mechanic that drives Duel at Dawn.<\/p>\n
Where the casino allows it, the Bonus Buy menu gives direct access to The Great Train Robbery, Duel at Dawn and Dead Man’s Hand. Each option is priced as a multiple of your stake, and the price climbs with the feature’s potential. Buying a feature never guarantees a return. Costs can run high next to a normal base-game stake, so the free version is a sensible place to watch how each round plays out.<\/p>\n
This review uses the standard RTP for Wanted Dead or a Wild, set at 96.38%. That figure is worked out over a very large number of spins and doesn’t predict what happens in any single session. Casinos may also run different RTP settings of the same game.<\/p>\n
Volatility is high. In practice, the pokie’s value concentrates in its multiplier reels and bonus rounds rather than in frequent base-game wins. That matched what I found when I played it, with long quiet stretches in the base game and most of the impact landing in the duels and free spins.<\/p>\n
This profile may feel harsh if you prefer steady, frequent small wins. It suits players who accept uneven results in return for a higher ceiling.<\/p>\n
Wanted Dead or a Wild caps its maximum win at 12,500x your stake. Reaching that realistically depends on high multiplier Wild reels connecting with strong symbols, most plausibly during the bonus rounds where VS reels can stay sticky.<\/p>\n
The max win is a theoretical cap, not an expected outcome. Most rounds, including most bonus rounds, finish far below it.<\/p>\n
This is a moody take on the Wild West rather than a cheerful one. The reels sit against a dusty frontier town, with the colour palette running to browns, deep reds and shadow. The characters look worn and dangerous, fitting the outlaw tone of the title.<\/p>\n
I like how closely the presentation ties into the main mechanic. The VS duel isn’t simply a multiplier reveal with a Western backdrop; it’s staged as an actual showdown between two characters, so the game’s biggest moments feel connected to its story.<\/p>\n
The soundtrack runs quietly in the background with a tense, Western-flavoured tone, and the sound effects rise during duels and feature triggers. The interface follows Hacksaw’s usual style, clean and uncluttered, leaving space for the artwork.<\/p>\n
The free version of Wanted Dead or a Wild plays through your mobile browser on WinPockets. The 5×5 grid scales down well, and the royals and premiums stay distinct on smaller screens.<\/p>\n
The touch controls follow Hacksaw’s compact layout, with spin, bet adjustment and the menu all within easy reach. The free version is a practical way to watch the VS duels and bonus rounds on a phone and see how the mechanics work without staking real money. Keep in mind that virtual winnings can’t be withdrawn, and free-play results don’t reflect real-money outcomes.<\/p>\n
Wanted Dead or a Wild makes a single symbol feel like an event. The VS duel, with multipliers from 2x to 100x, injects real tension into the base game, and the sticky VS reels in Duel at Dawn show how far the mechanic can go.<\/p>\n
The downsides are the same things that make it popular. High volatility means long stretches of little action, and the 15-payline structure leaves the base game little to fall back on when the duels don’t appear. The Bonus Buy options are expensive, and Dead Man’s Hand in particular suits players who fully accept big swings.<\/p>\n
For me, this is a pokie for players who enjoy high-risk games built around bonus features and accept that value concentrates in rare moments. If you want a relaxed, even-paced session, look elsewhere. If the idea of a sticky 100x Wild reel appeals, the free version on WinPockets is a good way to see whether it suits you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Play the Wanted Dead or a Wild demo free and read our guide to Hacksaw Gaming’s Western pokie: VS symbols, bonus rounds, 96.38% RTP and 12,500x max win.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"game_categories":[53],"game_providers":[219],"game_themes":[95],"class_list":["post-3843","casino_games","type-casino_games","status-publish","hentry","game_categories-pokies","game_providers-hacksaw-gaming","game_themes-wild-west"],"acf":{"game_hero_badges":[{"text":"Pokies","bg":"lime"},{"text":"Wild West Theme","bg":"white"},{"text":"Hacksaw Gaming","bg":"white"}],"game_release_date":"20220101","game_headline_intro":"Wanted Dead or a Wild is a Hacksaw Gaming pokie set in a dark, gritty Wild West. It runs on a 5x5 grid with 15 paylines, built around a VS symbol that turns a reel into a gunfight.","game_metrics":[{"label":"RTP","value":"96.38%","sub":"Return to player","accent":true},{"label":"Volatility","value":"High","sub":"","accent":false},{"label":"Max win","value":"12,500x stake","sub":"Per the paytable","accent":false}],"game_reviewed_by":null,"game_tested_date":"20260908","game_tested_deposit":"AU$150 deposited","game_hero_feature_pills":[{"pill":"20 paylines"},{"pill":"VS Symbol Duels"},{"pill":"Bonus Buy"}],"game_demo_url":"","game_play_for_real_money":771,"game_star_rating":3.6,"game_strip_title":"Play Wanted Dead or a Wild for real money","game_strip_rows":[{"brand":212,"campaign":771,"note":"Full 96.38% RTP \u2713"},{"brand":216,"campaign":"","note":"Game available \u2713"}],"game_specs":[{"label":"Provider","value":"Hacksaw Gaming"},{"label":"Released","value":"2022"},{"label":"Grid","value":"5 x 3 (dual mode)"},{"label":"Pay mechanic","value":"20 paylines"},{"label":"RTP","value":"96.38%"},{"label":"Volatility","value":"High"},{"label":"Max win","value":"12,500x stake"},{"label":"Min bet (AU)","value":"AU$0.20"},{"label":"Max bet (AU)","value":"AU$100"},{"label":"Bonus buy","value":"Yes"},{"label":"Mobile","value":"Yes \u2014 mobile browser"},{"label":"AU availability","value":"Varies by casino \u2014 check lobby"}],"game_howto_intro":"The flow is simple:","game_howto_rows":[{"trigger":"VS symbol lands","result":"Expands to a full reel, duel reveals a 2x to 100x multiplier, reel becomes a multiplier Wild reel"},{"trigger":"Triggered by Scatters","result":"Entry-level free spins round"},{"trigger":"Triggered by Scatters","result":"Free spins round where VS symbols are sticky for the rest of the round"},{"trigger":"Bonus Buy only","result":"Highest-tier bonus round built around sticky VS mechanics"}],"game_paytable_note":"Exact symbol values are shown in the in-game paytable.","game_symbols":[{"image":"","tier":"low","name":"10","abbr":"10","color":"var(--ace-lime)","is_special":false,"special":"","val5":"","val4":"","val3":""},{"image":"","tier":"low","name":"J","abbr":"J","color":"var(--ace-info)","is_special":false,"special":"","val5":"","val4":"","val3":""},{"image":"","tier":"low","name":"Q","abbr":"Q","color":"var(--ace-green)","is_special":false,"special":"","val5":"","val4":"","val3":""},{"image":"","tier":"low","name":"K","abbr":"K","color":"var(--ace-amber)","is_special":false,"special":"","val5":"","val4":"","val3":""},{"image":"","tier":"low","name":"A","abbr":"A","color":"var(--ace-paper-2)","is_special":false,"special":"","val5":"","val4":"","val3":""},{"image":"","tier":"high","name":"Western-themed premium symbols","abbr":"WTP","color":"var(--ace-muted)","is_special":false,"special":"","val5":"","val4":"","val3":""},{"image":"","tier":"wild","name":"Wild","abbr":"WIL","color":"var(--ace-ink)","is_special":true,"special":"substitutes for regular paying symbols","val5":"","val4":"","val3":""},{"image":"","tier":"special","name":"VS symbol","abbr":"VS","color":"var(--ace-red)","is_special":false,"special":"","val5":"","val4":"","val3":""}],"game_bonus_title":"VS Symbol Duels \u2014 the main bonus","game_bonus_intro":"Trigger: A VS symbol lands on the reels during a spin.<\/p>
Mechanic: The VS symbol expands to cover its whole reel, and two characters face off in a duel.<\/p>
Effect: The winner reveals a multiplier between 2x and 100x. The reel then becomes a Wild reel carrying that multiplier, applying to any winning lines that pass through it.<\/p>
The duel animation is short enough that it doesn't slow the game down. It also builds a moment of suspense before the multiplier appears, fitting the Western theme well.","game_bonus_rows":[{"label":"VS Symbol Duels","value":"Expands to a full reel, duel reveals a 2x to 100x multiplier, reel becomes a multiplier Wild reel"},{"label":"The Great Train Robbery","value":"Entry-level free spins round"},{"label":"Duel at Dawn","value":"Free spins round where VS symbols are sticky for the rest of the round"},{"label":"Dead Man's Hand","value":"Highest-tier bonus round built around sticky VS mechanics"}],"game_bonus_footnote":"The Great Train Robbery: triggered by Scatters \u2192 entry-level free spins round; Duel at Dawn: triggered by Scatters \u2192 free spins round where VS symbols are sticky for the rest of the round; Dead Man's Hand: Bonus Buy only \u2192 highest-tier bonus round built around sticky VS mechanics; Bonus Buy: purchas","game_secondary_features":[{"title":"Wild","description":"substitutes for regular paying symbols"}],"game_pros":[{"item":"Solid 96.38% RTP"},{"item":"VS Symbol Duels gives the game its lift"},{"item":"Big 12,500x stake win ceiling"},{"item":"Bonus Buy available"}],"game_cons":[{"item":"High volatility \u2014 expect dry spells"},{"item":"Base game can feel repetitive between features"},{"item":"Presentation is fairly traditional"}],"game_expert_verdict":"
Wanted Dead or a Wild makes a single symbol feel like an event. The VS duel, with multipliers from 2x to 100x, injects real tension into the base game, and the sticky VS reels in Duel at Dawn show how far the mechanic can go.<\/p>
The downsides are the same things that make it popular. High volatility means long stretches of little action, and the 15-payline structure leaves the base game little to fall back on when the duels don't appear. The Bonus Buy options are expensive, and Dead Man's Hand in particular suits players who fully accept big swings.<\/p>
For me, this is a pokie for players who enjoy high-risk games built around bonus features and accept that value concentrates in rare moments. If you want a relaxed, even-paced session, look elsewhere. If the idea of a sticky 100x Wild reel appeals, the free version on WinPockets is a good way to see whether it suits you.<\/p>","game_faq":[{"question":"Who makes Wanted Dead or a Wild?","answer":"Wanted Dead or a Wild comes from Hacksaw Gaming, released in 2021."},{"question":"What is the RTP of Wanted Dead or a Wild?","answer":"Wanted Dead or a Wild has a standard RTP of 96.38%, a long-term theoretical figure. Some casinos may run a different setting."},{"question":"Is Wanted Dead or a Wild high volatility?","answer":"Wanted Dead or a Wild is a high-volatility pokie, so wins tend to be less frequent. The largest results are concentrated in the VS multiplier reels and bonus rounds."},{"question":"What is the max win on Wanted Dead or a Wild?","answer":"Wanted Dead or a Wild caps out at 12,500x your stake."},{"question":"How does the VS symbol work?","answer":"The VS symbol expands to fill its reel and triggers a duel. The winner reveals a multiplier from 2x to 100x, turning the reel into a Wild reel with that multiplier. In Duel at Dawn, VS symbols stay sticky for the rest of the round."},{"question":"Can I play Wanted Dead or a Wild for free?","answer":"Wanted Dead or a Wild is available to play for free on WinPockets using virtual credits, including through mobile browsers. Virtual winnings can't be withdrawn."}],"game_related_title":"","game_related_intro":""},"yoast_head":"\n