Fire Stampede 2 Game Review (2025 slot release)
Introduction to Fire Stampede 2
Just finished putting Wild Streak Gaming & Pragmatic Play's latest release, Fire Stampede 2, through its paces, and its a very fun game but I've got some mixed feelings about this sequel. Released on August 25, 2025, this follow-up to the original Fire Stampede brings back the Connect & Collect mechanics that made the first game unique, but with some tweaks and enhancements that aim to improve the experience.
If you have not played the first version when you first opened the game, the reels looked a little confusing as a lot is going on – there's special award positions, Connect & Collect symbols, and various features all happening simultaneously. But it only takes a few minutes to figure out what's going on once you start spinning and see how the connections work.
After 15+ years of playing slots, I can appreciate when developers try to create something unique, and the Connect & Collect system definitely stands out from typical slot mechanics. The visual design swaps the rocky canyon setting of the original for grassy plains with mountains in the distance, though honestly, the overall layout remains pretty much identical to the first game.
You can now play the free slot above, simply click on the demo game and start playing.
SPECIFICATIONS
Release Date
- 25th August 2025
Game Type
- Video Slot
Minimum Bet Per Line
- 0.01
Minimum Total Bet
- 0.25
Maximum Total Bet
- 240
Maximum Total Bet with Ante
- $600
Maximum Total Bet with Buy Bonus Feature
- $120,000
Rows
- 5
Reels
- 6
Lines
- 1875 Ways
Bet Multiplier
- 25
Max Multiplier Win
- 8300x bet
RTPs
- 96.51%
- 95.56%
- 94.43%
Hit Frequency
- Base Game Hit Frequency 1 in 3.77
- Free Spins Hit Frequency 1 in 137.77
- Odds for > 1,000 Hit Frequency 1 in 173,340
- Max Win Hit Frequency 1 in 57,471,264
Volatility
- Very High
Image below where you can compare the two versions and see how similar they are Fire Stampede and Fire Stampede 2:
Screenshot 2 I am winning 20 free spins
Gameplay and Special Features of Fire Stampede 2
I must say Wild Streak Gaming & Pragmatic Play have made a high-quality slot that's fun and offers tons of features in the game. The core mechanics revolve around the Connect & Collect system, where special symbols on reels 1-5 can connect in chains (horizontally or vertically adjacent) to reach award positions on reel 3 or the rightmost reel.
The 6×5 grid has a unique setup where the rightmost reel and certain positions on reel 3 only contain award symbols instead of regular pay symbols. This creates 1,875 ways to win rather than the standard amount you'd expect from this grid size. During my testing sessions, I found this system creates a completely different type of anticipation compared to traditional slots.
When Connect & Collect symbols form a chain that reaches one of the special positions, you win whatever award is sitting there. These can include:
- Money Values: 2x to 20x from reel 3, or 10x to 200x from the rightmost reel
- Respins: 5 respins where all Connect & Collect symbols lock in place
- Add Wilds: Random wilds added to reels 2-5
- Free Spins: 7 to 25 free spins plus a 2x payout
- Mystery Prize: Awards ranging from 25x Minor up to 4,000x Grand
- Stampede: Adds highest value symbols randomly to the grid
- Minor: Direct 25x payout
One cool feature is when random groups of awards get highlighted on the rightmost reel – if your chain reaches any award in that group, you get ALL the highlighted awards!
Free Spins and Bonus Features
The free spins feature triggers with 3, 4, or 5 scatter symbols, awarding 7, 10, or 15 free spins respectively, plus a 2x bet payout. But here's where most interesting features can unlock in the free spins – the Connect & Collect system works the same way, but now wild symbols come with x2 or x3 multipliers that apply to all wins on that spin.
During my testing, I triggered the bonus about 5 times, and the multiplier wilds really make a difference. If multiple wilds land, their multipliers combine, which can lead to some pretty impressive payouts when combined with the Connect & Collect awards.
The respins feature within the main game is particularly exciting. When your chain reaches a respins award, all the Connect & Collect symbols that created the chain lock in place while everything else respins. Any new Connect & Collect symbols also lock, potentially creating even longer chains. If no connection reaches an award during the respins, you still get a consolation prize of 3x to 10x your bet.
There's also a bonus buy option for 100x your bet that guarantees enough Connect & Collect symbols to reach both reel 3 and the rightmost reel, with the rightmost reel containing only free spins symbols.
What Other Websites Say About Fire Stampede 2
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Useful Information About Fire Stampede 2
The very high volatility rating is no joke – this game can be absolutely brutal during dry spells. The 96.51% RTP is solid when available, but make sure to check which version your casino is offering since it can drop as low as 94.43%.
The 8,300x max win potential is nearly double what the original offered, which is a significant improvement. However, with max win odds of 1 in 57 million, you're more likely to see wins in the 100-500x range during regular gameplay.
The hit frequency of 1 in 3.77 spins means you'll land wins regularly, but most will be small. The real money comes from successfully connecting chains to the special award positions, especially during free spins with those multiplier wilds active.
Random awards can trigger on any spin, adding wild symbols, Connect & Collect symbols, or high-value symbols to random positions. This helps break up some of the longer dry stretches inherent in very high volatility slots.
My Thoughts About The Slot Game
After spending several hours with Fire Stampede 2, I'm left with the feeling that this is a competent sequel that doesn't quite justify its existence. On the flip side, it's very similar to version 1 – even the music sounds the same! The gameplay mechanics are essentially identical, just with a few new award types and higher win potential.
The Connect & Collect system remains unique and engaging, and I do appreciate how it creates a different type of slot experience. Watching those chains form and hoping they reach valuable awards never gets old, and the anticipation when you're one symbol away from a big Mystery Prize is genuinely exciting.
However, the similarities to the original are hard to ignore. The visual design is nearly identical (just different background scenery), the core mechanics are the same, and even the award values are mostly unchanged. It feels more like a remaster than a true sequel.
That said, the quality is undeniable. The game runs smoothly, the graphics are crisp, and all the features work seamlessly together. The nearly doubled max win potential (8,300x vs 4,500x in the original) is a meaningful improvement that gives the game more teeth.
My biggest wins during testing came from the Mystery Prize awards during free spins, where I managed to hit the Major award (200x) with a x3 wild multiplier for a nice 600x payout. The very high volatility means patience is essential, but when the connections align properly, the payouts can be substantial.
The respins feature was really helpful when I played. A lot of times, a spin that looked like a loss turned into a win because of it. The way the locked symbols line up during the respins can make a big difference, so it's smart to watch how they land.
Overall Rating 9/10: Fire Stampede 2 is a high-quality slot that's fun and offers tons of features, but it's hard to escape the feeling that this is just Fire Stampede 1.5 rather than a true evolution. If you loved the original, you'll probably enjoy the enhanced win potential and new award types. If you found the first game confusing or tedious, this won't change your mind. It's a competent sequel that plays things very safe – perhaps too safe.
Solid gameplay and enhanced features, but it lacks the innovation needed to justify its existence as a sequel. Will I play again? Yes, as it is an excellent slot, no matter if you play version 1 or 2.
