Dragon Link at a Glance
- Developer
- Aristocrat
- First released
- 2017
- Type
- Series of land-based pokies
- Theme
- Asian-inspired themes across all titles
- Grid
- 5 reels × 3 rows
- Key feature
- Hold & Spin, triggered by 6 orb symbols
- Jackpots
- Mini, Minor, Major and Grand
- Grand jackpot
- Won by filling all 15 positions in Hold & Spin
- Free games
- Triggered by scatters; features vary by title
- RTP
- Varies by machine, within the minimums set by each state or territory
The Dragon Link Series
The first Dragon Link titles were Autumn Moon, Golden Century, Happy & Prosperous and Panda Magic. Later additions include Genghis Khan, Peace & Long Life, Golden Gong, Peacock Princess, Silk Road and Spring Festival.
All titles share the same Hold & Spin feature, triggered by a common orb symbol, but each has its own theme, symbols and free games feature. Dragon Link machines are often installed in banks, with players choosing between titles that share a linked Grand jackpot. Many machines also offer several denominations, letting players choose the value of each credit.
How Dragon Link Works
Dragon Link games use a five-by-three reel layout with paylines. Players choose the denomination, the number of lines and the bet per line, and together these set the cost of each spin. Always check the total bet shown on the screen, because small denominations can make a machine look cheaper than it is.
The Hold & Spin Feature
Hold & Spin works the same way across all Dragon Link titles:
1. The trigger. Land six orb symbols on a single spin.
2. The orbs lock. The triggering orbs stay in place, and the rest of the grid clears.
3. Three respins. You receive three respins, in which only orbs or blanks can land.
4. The counter resets. Each new orb locks in place and resets the respins to three.
5. The feature ends when you run out of respins or fill all 15 positions.
6. Prizes are paid. The values on all orbs, including any jackpot prizes, are added together and paid.
In many titles, Hold & Spin can also trigger during free games. See Slot Bonus Features Explained.
Dragon Link Jackpots
| Jackpot | How it typically works |
|---|---|
| Mini | Usually a fixed prize, linked to the bet level |
| Minor | Usually a fixed prize, linked to the bet level |
| Major | Often a progressive prize on the individual machine |
| Grand | Won by filling all 15 positions; Aristocrat describes it as a progressive prize, often linked across a bank of machines |
Jackpot settings are chosen by the venue and can differ between machines, denominations and regions. Filling all 15 positions is very rare, so the Grand jackpot should be treated as a long-shot possibility. See Progressive Jackpots Explained.
Free Games by Title
Free games are usually triggered by three scatter symbols and can often be retriggered. The main difference between Dragon Link titles is what happens during free games:
| Title | Free games feature |
|---|---|
| Happy & Prosperous | Lower-paying royal symbols are removed |
| Panda Magic | Lower-paying royal symbols are removed |
| Autumn Moon | Mystery or reveal-style symbols |
| Golden Century | Mystery or reveal-style symbols |
| Genghis Khan | Multiplying symbols and wilds |
| Peace & Long Life | Multiplying symbols and big symbols |
| Peacock Princess | Large symbols in the middle of the reels |
| Spring Festival | Large symbols in the middle of the reels |
| Silk Road | Expanding or big symbols |
| Golden Gong | Expanding symbols |
Feature details can vary between versions and regions, so check the help screens on the machine you are playing. See Free Spins Explained.
Dragon Link vs Lightning Link
| Dragon Link | Lightning Link | |
|---|---|---|
| First released | 2017 | 2015 |
| Themes | Asian-inspired across the series | Varied, from desert to ocean to Asian |
| Hold & Spin | Same core mechanic, triggered by orbs | Same core mechanic, trigger symbol varies by title |
| Jackpots | Mini, Minor, Major and Grand | Mini, Minor, Major and Grand |
| Main difference | Free games features and themes | Free games features and themes |
If you know how one series works, the other will feel very familiar. Read our Lightning Link review for more.
RTP and Volatility
Dragon Link machines do not usually display an RTP, and the figure can vary depending on how each machine is configured. Every gaming machine in an Australian venue must meet the minimum return set by its state or territory regulator. In New South Wales, GambleAware NSW explains that gaming machines are required to return 85% to 92% of all money bet over their lifetime. See Pokies RTP Explained.
Part of the return is set aside for the jackpots, so much of the game's value is concentrated in rare events. Long gaps between Hold & Spin features are normal. See Slot Volatility Explained.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Familiar, easy-to-follow Hold & Spin feature
- Wide variety of free games features across the titles
- Four jackpot levels
- Multi-denomination machines offer a choice of credit values
Cons
- RTP is not usually displayed and can vary by machine
- The Grand jackpot requires filling all 15 positions, which is very rare
- Part of the return is reserved for jackpots
- Small denominations can make the true cost of a spin easy to underestimate
Who Might Like Dragon Link?
Dragon Link may appeal to players who enjoy the Hold & Spin style and want variety in themes and free games features. As with all venue pokies, the larger jackpots are rare and the machines are designed to return less than is wagered over time. Every spin is random, and no strategy can change the outcome.
Similar Games
Lightning Linkthe original Aristocrat Hold & Spin series
Wolf Goldan online game with a similar Money Respin feature and fixed jackpots
Big Bass Bonanzaan online game built around collecting cash valuesBrowse all titles in our Slot Game Reviews.
Playing Responsibly
Jackpot displays and the Hold & Spin feature are designed to be exciting, which can make it easy to keep playing. Take only your session budget in cash, set a time limit and stop when you reach either one. If you want to stop playing at particular venues, ask about venue self-exclusion. Our guides on setting gambling limits and recognising gambling harm explain practical steps, and Gambling Help Online offers free, confidential support 24/7 on 1800 858 858.