Key facts
- 5 Dragons is an Aristocrat venue pokie with an Asian theme and five dragon symbols.
- It uses Aristocrat's Reel Power: you bet on reels rather than lines, with up to 243 ways to win when all reels are active.
- Its free games feature lets you choose: more free games with lower multipliers, or fewer free games with higher multipliers.
- Sequels such as 5 Dragons Gold changed the features; each version has its own rules and return.
- Online, the original game is mostly found in Aristocrat's social casino apps rather than at real money sites for Australians.
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Contents
What is 5 Dragons?
5 Dragons is a venue pokie by Aristocrat with an Asian theme, coloured dragons and lucky symbols. It is known for two things: Aristocrat's Reel Power way of betting, and a free games feature where you choose your own balance between the number of spins and the size of the multipliers. It is one of the Aristocrat classics Australians still search for most.
How does Reel Power work?
Reel Power changes what you bet on. Instead of choosing paylines, you choose how many reels are active. A win pays when matching symbols land on adjacent reels from the left, in any row position. With all five reels active, there are up to 243 ways to win on a 5 x 3 layout. The same idea appears in many online pokies as "243 ways".
How does the free games choice work?
When scatters trigger the free games, 5 Dragons asks you to pick an option. Some options give more free games with lower multipliers; others give fewer free games with higher multipliers. The options available depend on the version you play.
| Choice | What to expect |
|---|---|
| More spins, lower multipliers | Steadier results, smaller swings |
| Fewer spins, higher multipliers | Wider range: more small results and the chance of a large one |
The choice changes how results are spread, not the game's built-in house edge, so it is about how you like results to feel rather than a way to win more. Our guide to how pokies work explains why volatility changes the feel of a game without changing the average.
What are the sequels?
5 Dragons led to several follow-ups, such as 5 Dragons Gold, with changed features and presentation. Each version has its own rules and return, shown on the information screen. Aristocrat's other Asian-themed favourite, Dragon Link, uses Hold and Spin instead of a free games choice.
Can you play 5 Dragons online?
Aristocrat offers its games online mainly through social casino apps, run by its studio Product Madness, where you play with virtual coins that cannot be cashed out. In some regulated markets overseas, Aristocrat Interactive supplies real money versions to licensed online casinos. At the casino sites that accept Australian players, the original venue game is rarely available.
Online pokies with 243 ways and free spins choices are common, and many have demo versions; see our free online pokies guide. For more Aristocrat classics, see More Chilli and our Aristocrat online pokies page.
How do you keep 5 Dragons play under control?
Choosing a free games option can make the outcome feel like a skill. It is not: the result still comes from the random number generator. Set your budget and time before you start, and stop when you reach either. Gambling Help Online offers free, confidential support 24/7 on 1800 858 858.
Gambling is for adults only (18+).
Sources
- Aristocrat Leisure - Official websitearistocrat.com
- Product Madness - Aristocrat's social casino gamesproductmadness.com
- Gambling Help Onlinegamblinghelponline.org.au
Frequently asked questions
How does Reel Power work on 5 Dragons?
With Reel Power you buy reels instead of paylines. Wins pay for matching symbols on adjacent reels from the left, in any row. With all reels active, there are up to 243 ways to win.
How do free games work on 5 Dragons?
Scatters trigger the free games feature, and you then choose between options that trade the number of free games against the size of the multipliers. The options available depend on the version and are shown in the game.
Which free games option is best in 5 Dragons?
No option lets you beat the house edge; the choice changes how results are spread. More free games with low multipliers gives steadier results, while fewer free games with high multipliers gives a bigger range of outcomes.
Can I play 5 Dragons online for real money in Australia?
The original Aristocrat game is rarely available at the online casinos that accept Australian players. Aristocrat offers its classics online mainly through social casino apps with virtual coins.