CherryPop is a retro-themed video slot developed by AvatarUX in partnership with Yggdrasil Gaming, featuring the innovative PopWins mechanic. Released in October 2020, this game won the 2021 Game Innovation of the Year Award and offers up to 59,049 ways to win with expanding reels.
CherryPop represents a significant evolution in the PopWins series developed by AvatarUX Studios in collaboration with Yggdrasil Gaming. This slot combines nostalgic fruit machine aesthetics with cutting-edge mechanics to create a gaming experience that appeals to both traditional slot enthusiasts and players seeking innovative features. The game's neon-lit 1980s visual style provides a vibrant backdrop for gameplay that can transform from a standard 5x3 grid into a massive 5x9 configuration with 59,049 ways to win.
The slot operates on a high volatility model with an RTP of 96.1% to 96.2%, depending on the operator configuration. With betting ranges from 0.20 to 40 currency units per spin, CherryPop accommodates various bankroll sizes while maintaining its core appeal: the potential for massive wins through its expanding reel system and multiplier mechanics.
CherryPop launched on October 6, 2020, as the third installment in the PopWins series, following PopRocks and WildPops. The game is built on HTML5 technology, ensuring seamless performance across desktop, iOS, and Android devices with a 16:9 aspect ratio optimized for modern screens.
The base game begins with a 5x3 reel configuration offering 243 ways to win in both directions, effectively doubling the win potential to 486 ways. This bidirectional pay system means that winning combinations can form from left to right and right to left simultaneously, significantly increasing hit frequency to approximately 22%, or one winning spin in every five.
The paytable contains 13 distinct symbols divided into low-value card symbols (10, J, Q, K, A) and high-value thematic symbols including grapes, melons, oranges, horseshoes, clovers, bells, diamonds, and cherries. The cherry symbol serves as the premium icon, delivering payouts of up to 15x the stake for five matching symbols. Notably, cherry symbols only appear through PopWins replacements or during free spins, making them rarer and more valuable.
CherryPop operates on a high volatility mathematical model, meaning wins occur less frequently but with greater magnitude when they do appear. The RTP varies between 96.1% and 96.2% depending on jurisdiction and operator settings, with some markets offering reduced RTP versions at 94% or 90.5%. Players should verify the RTP setting before committing significant bankroll.
The maximum win potential stands at 56,386x the base stake, translating to a theoretical maximum payout of 2,255,440 currency units at the highest bet level. This substantial win cap positions CherryPop among the higher-paying slots in the PopWins series and the broader market.
The PopWins feature forms the foundation of CherryPop's gameplay and distinguishes it from conventional slot mechanics. Understanding how this system operates is essential for maximizing win potential and appreciating the game's strategic depth.
Every winning combination triggers the PopWins sequence. Winning symbols are removed from the reels, and each empty position is replaced by two new symbols stacked vertically. This replacement causes the affected reels to expand by one row to accommodate the additional symbols. The process continues with each consecutive win, allowing reels to grow progressively taller.
In the base game, reels can expand from the initial 3 rows up to 6 rows in height. Each expansion increases the number of ways to win, with the maximum base game configuration offering 7,776 ways to win (6x6x6x6x6 calculated bidirectionally). When all five reels reach maximum height simultaneously during base play, the free spins feature activates.
The PopWins mechanic creates a compounding effect where initial wins can cascade into larger payouts. Each pop introduces new symbols with fresh winning potential, and the expanding reels increase the mathematical probability of forming additional combinations. This system rewards patience, as the most significant wins typically occur after multiple consecutive pops have maximized reel height.
Players should note that reel heights reset after each non-winning spin in the base game, requiring a fresh winning combination to restart the expansion process. This reset mechanism contributes to the game's high volatility profile, as building toward maximum expansion requires sustained winning sequences.
The free spins bonus round represents CherryPop's primary value proposition, offering substantially enhanced win potential through persistent reel expansion and progressive multipliers.
Free spins activate when all five reels expand to 6 rows high during base game play. This trigger awards an initial allocation of 5 free spins. However, before the bonus round begins, players face a critical decision through the Gamble Wheel feature.
The Gamble Wheel allows players to risk their awarded free spins for the chance to win additional rounds. The wheel offers various outcomes ranging from losing all spins to winning up to 16 free spins total. Players can choose to accept their initial 5 spins or gamble for more, with the wheel presenting multiple decision points. Conservative players typically aim for 8 to 12 spins, while aggressive strategies target the maximum 16 spins despite the risk of losing everything.
During free spins, the reel configuration starts at 5x6 rather than the base game's 5x3, providing 7,776 ways to win from the first spin. Reels can expand up to 9 rows high, creating the maximum 59,049 ways to win configuration. Critically, reel heights do not reset between free spins, meaning expansions persist throughout the entire bonus round.
The multiplier system begins at 2x for all wins during free spins. Each PopWins occurrence increases the multiplier by 1x. When reels expand from 6 to 7 rows, the multiplier increases by an additional 3x. Subsequent pops at maximum height increase the multiplier by 4x per pop. This progressive system can generate multipliers exceeding 20x during extended bonus rounds, creating the conditions for maximum win potential.
The PopWins mechanic represents a breakthrough in slot game design, where winning symbols pop and are replaced by two new symbols, causing reels to expand vertically. This creates an escalating gameplay experience where each win increases the potential for larger payouts.
CherryPop implements this technology with a base game starting at 5x3 configuration with 243 ways to win both ways, expanding to 5x6 in base play and up to 5x9 during free spins. The system combines classic fruit slot aesthetics with modern mathematical models to deliver high volatility gameplay.
CherryPop introduced the Bonus Buy mechanic to the PopWins series, allowing players to purchase direct access to the free spins feature for 75x their base stake. This feature bypasses base game play entirely and immediately activates the Gamble Wheel, from which players can attempt to increase their free spins allocation.
The Bonus Buy option appeals to players with limited session time or those seeking immediate access to the game's highest variance component. At 75x the stake, the purchase price represents a significant investment that requires careful bankroll management. Statistical analysis suggests that Bonus Buy sessions exhibit higher volatility than organic play, as players concentrate their bankroll into fewer, higher-stakes bonus rounds.
Experienced players often calculate the cost-per-spin equivalent when using Bonus Buy. At 75x stake for typically 8 to 12 free spins after gambling, the effective cost per free spin ranges from 6.25x to 9.375x the base stake, significantly higher than base game spins. This premium reflects the enhanced win potential of the free spins environment but requires proportionally larger bankroll reserves to sustain multiple purchase attempts.
Understanding CherryPop's paytable structure enables players to recognize high-value situations and adjust their expectations based on visible symbol distributions.
The 13-symbol paytable creates a dense symbol distribution that affects hit frequency and average win sizes. Low-value card symbols (10 through A) deliver modest returns, typically ranging from 0.2x to 2x stake for five-of-a-kind combinations. These symbols appear most frequently and generate the base-level wins that trigger PopWins sequences.
Mid-tier fruit symbols (grapes, melons, oranges) offer improved payouts between 3x and 7x stake for maximum combinations. High-tier symbols (horseshoes, clovers, bells, diamonds) provide 8x to 12x stake returns. The premium cherry symbol, restricted to PopWins replacements and free spins, delivers the maximum 15x stake payout for five symbols.
The both-ways pay system effectively doubles the frequency of winning combinations compared to traditional left-to-right slots. This mechanic particularly benefits players during the early stages of PopWins sequences, as initial wins can form from either direction, increasing the probability of triggering the expansion mechanic. During maximum expansion states with 59,049 ways to win, the bidirectional system creates 118,098 theoretical win ways, though the game caps this at the stated 59,049 figure for calculation purposes.
CherryPop's high volatility profile demands disciplined bankroll management and strategic bet sizing to sustain play through inevitable dry spells while maintaining exposure to significant win potential.
Conservative play requires a minimum bankroll of 200x to 300x the chosen bet size for base game sessions. This allocation provides sufficient buffer to weather extended losing streaks while awaiting free spins triggers. Players utilizing Bonus Buy should maintain bankrolls of at least 500x to 750x their base stake to accommodate multiple purchase attempts, as single bonus rounds frequently fail to return the 75x purchase cost.
Optimal bet sizing balances the desire for meaningful wins against the need for session longevity. Players should calculate their target win amount and work backward to determine appropriate stake levels. For example, a player seeking a 1,000 currency unit win with a realistic 100x multiplier scenario should bet 10 units per spin. However, this approach must align with available bankroll to ensure adequate spin volume.
The 0.20 to 40 currency unit betting range accommodates micro-stakes players and high rollers alike. Recreational players typically find optimal value in the 0.40 to 2.00 range, while experienced players comfortable with high volatility may stake 5.00 to 20.00 per spin when pursuing maximum win potential.
CherryPop occupies a specific niche within the PopWins series, distinguished by its theme, feature set, and mathematical profile.
PopRocks, the inaugural PopWins title, established the core mechanic with an Asian theme and maximum win potential of 20,000x. WildPops introduced wild symbol mechanics and maintained similar volatility characteristics. CherryPop advanced the series by incorporating the Gamble Wheel, Bonus Buy, and refined multiplier progression, while adopting a Western fruit machine aesthetic that broadened market appeal.
Subsequent titles like CherryPop Burst and MonkeyPop 2 built upon CherryPop's foundation with additional features, but the original CherryPop remains popular due to its balanced feature set and proven payout potential. The game's 56,386x maximum win, while lower than some competitors, occurs with greater frequency than the theoretical maximums of ultra-high variance alternatives.
CherryPop's aesthetic choices significantly impact player engagement and session enjoyment, particularly during extended play periods.
The neon-infused 1980s design employs a pink and purple color palette with glowing symbol borders and smooth animation transitions. The deliberately retro styling evokes classic fruit machines while maintaining modern production values. Symbol designs are clean and easily distinguishable even during rapid PopWins sequences, reducing visual fatigue during long sessions.
The background features a soft-focus gradient that avoids distracting from reel action while providing visual depth. Animation quality remains consistent across devices, with mobile implementations maintaining the desktop experience's fluidity despite smaller screen sizes.
The soundtrack features understated electronic music with 1980s synthesizer tones that complement rather than overwhelm gameplay. Sound effects for wins, pops, and feature triggers provide clear audio feedback without becoming repetitive or annoying during extended sessions. Players can adjust or mute audio independently, accommodating various play environments.
CherryPop's HTML5 architecture ensures consistent performance across desktop and mobile platforms, with interface adaptations optimized for touch controls.
The game scales effectively to smartphone and tablet screens, with touch-optimized buttons for bet adjustment, spin activation, and feature interaction. The 16:9 aspect ratio works well in landscape orientation on most devices, while portrait mode remains functional though less visually optimal. Load times on modern mobile devices typically range from 3 to 8 seconds depending on connection speed.
Battery consumption during mobile play remains moderate, with typical drain rates of 8% to 12% per hour on standard smartphone batteries. Graphics quality automatically adjusts based on device capabilities, ensuring smooth performance on mid-range hardware while maximizing visual fidelity on premium devices.
CherryPop stands as a landmark title in the PopWins series and the broader slot market, successfully merging nostalgic fruit machine themes with innovative mechanical design. The game's core strength lies in its PopWins system, which creates engaging gameplay loops where each win builds toward greater potential. The free spins feature with progressive multipliers and persistent reel expansion delivers the substantial win potential that high-volatility players seek, while the Gamble Wheel adds a strategic decision point that increases player agency.
The Bonus Buy feature addresses player demand for immediate access to bonus rounds, though its 75x cost requires careful consideration within overall bankroll strategy. With a maximum win of 56,386x stake and RTP between 96.1% and 96.2%, CherryPop offers competitive returns within its volatility class. The game's award-winning status and continued popularity more than four years post-release demonstrate its enduring appeal and solid design fundamentals.
For players comfortable with high volatility and drawn to expanding reel mechanics, CherryPop represents an excellent choice that balances innovation with accessibility. The retro aesthetic provides broad appeal, while the mathematical model satisfies experienced players seeking significant win potential. Whether played organically through base game progression or via Bonus Buy for concentrated sessions, CherryPop delivers a complete slot experience that justifies its position as a PopWins series flagship title.
The maximum win in CherryPop is 56,386x your base stake, which translates to 2,255,440 currency units at the maximum bet of 40 per spin. This win potential is achieved through the combination of maximum reel expansion, high multipliers during free spins, and premium symbol combinations.
PopWins triggers on every winning combination. Winning symbols are removed and each empty position is replaced by two new symbols, causing reels to expand vertically. In base game, reels expand from 3 to 6 rows high, while during free spins they can reach 9 rows, creating up to 59,049 ways to win.
The Bonus Buy costs 75x your stake and provides immediate access to free spins via the Gamble Wheel. Whether it is worth using depends on your bankroll size and play style. It offers time efficiency and concentrated volatility but requires larger bankroll reserves to sustain multiple purchases if early rounds do not return the investment.
CherryPop's standard RTP is 96.1% to 96.2%, which is above average for high volatility slots. However, some jurisdictions and operators offer reduced RTP versions at 94% or 90.5%. Always check the game information screen to verify the active RTP setting before playing.
Free spins begin with a 2x multiplier that increases by 1x with each PopWins occurrence. When reels expand from 6 to 7 rows, the multiplier increases by an additional 3x. At maximum expansion, each subsequent pop adds 4x to the multiplier, enabling totals exceeding 20x during extended bonus rounds.
Yes, CherryPop is fully optimized for mobile play on iOS and Android devices. The HTML5 build ensures consistent performance across smartphones and tablets with touch-optimized controls and automatic graphics scaling based on device capabilities.
The Gamble Wheel appears before free spins begin, allowing you to risk your awarded spins for a chance to win more. You start with 5 free spins and can gamble for up to 16 total spins, though you risk losing all spins if the wheel lands unfavorably. This feature adds strategic depth and player choice to bonus round initiation.
CherryPop accommodates bets from 0.20 to 40 currency units per spin, making it accessible to casual players while offering sufficient stake levels for high rollers. This range allows players to adjust their exposure based on bankroll size and risk tolerance while maintaining access to all game features.
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The original PopWins slot that started the series, featuring Asian-inspired themes and the innovative expanding reels mechanic that became a signature of AvatarUX games.
The second title in the PopWins series, PopRocks expanded on the original concept with enhanced features and maintained the high-quality gameplay that defines the series.
CherryPop received the 2021 Game Innovation of the Year Award, recognizing its contribution to slot game mechanics and player engagement through the PopWins system.
Four years after its October 2020 release, CherryPop remains one of the most popular slots in the PopWins series, demonstrating enduring player appeal and solid game design.
Following CherryPop's success, AvatarUX continues to develop new PopWins titles including CherryPop Burst, MonkeyPop 2, and other innovative variations on the expanding reels mechanic.