Cubes 2
Cubes 2 is about as stripped back as a modern slot gets. There are no characters, no fruit and no card ranks: just plain coloured cubes on a grid that starts at 5×5 and can grow, one ring at a time, all the way to 11×11. Hacksaw Gaming released this sequel to its original Cubes in February 2021, raised the volatility to 5 out of 5 and lifted the maximum win to 11,000x the bet, with a bonus round built around sticky colours and fixed Color Blast prizes.
Minimalist presentation aside, Cubes 2 has more going on than it first appears: expanding grids, corner multipliers that take their value from the size of the cluster, and two different free spins rounds. This review explains each mechanic, the published RTP, bonus buy prices and how to approach a game with a hit rate this low.
Where to Play Cubes 2
Cubes 2 is part of the Hacksaw Gaming catalogue and is stocked by most casinos that offer the studio’s games. The casinos below carry Hacksaw titles, accept Australian players and are reviewed on BetsAuthority. Check the RTP shown in the game’s info screen before playing for real money.
Quick Facts About Cubes 2
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Slot | Cubes 2 |
| Provider | Hacksaw Gaming |
| Release | February 2021 |
| Layout | 5×5 grid expanding up to 11×11 |
| Pay system | Cluster pays, 5+ connected cubes of the same colour |
| RTP | 96.33% (bonus buy about 96.30%) |
| Volatility | High (5 out of 5) |
| Bet range | 0.20 to 100 per spin (casino limits may differ) |
| Maximum win | 11,000x the bet |
| Hit frequency | About 15.7% |
| Multipliers | Corner X multipliers worth the size of the cluster |
| Bonuses | Free Spins with Color Blast, Multi Color Free Spins |
| Wilds / scatters | None |
How Cubes 2 Works
Every spin fills the grid with coloured cubes. A win needs at least five cubes of the same colour connected horizontally or vertically. A five-cube cluster pays just 0.10x the bet, while clusters of 25 or more of one colour pay up to 40x. There are no wild or scatter symbols at all; everything is driven by colour, cluster size and the grid itself.
The defining feature is the expanding grid. After a winning spin, the grid grows by one cube in every direction, so 5×5 becomes 7×7, then 9×9, then 11×11 at most. A larger grid means more cubes and more chances for big clusters. As soon as a spin produces no new winning cluster, the grid resets to 5×5. With a hit frequency of roughly 16%, most spins pay nothing and the grid stays small, which is why the game is rated at the top of Hacksaw’s volatility scale.
Corner X Multipliers
The four corners of the grid hold X multiplier cubes. When a winning cluster includes a corner X, the X turns into a number equal to the number of cubes in that cluster, and the win is multiplied by that number. If more than one X is involved, their values are added together before being applied. A 20-cube cluster touching a corner therefore pays x20, which is how relatively small clusters can still produce meaningful wins.
Free Spins and Color Blast
The regular free spins are triggered by landing five winning clusters of different colours in one spin sequence. Published figures suggest this happens about once every 223 spins on average. A pick game then decides which colour becomes sticky for the round. Winning cubes of the chosen colour stay in place from spin to spin, and the grid does not reset between free spins, so the board gradually fills.
During regular free spins, corner X multipliers are replaced by Color Blast prizes based on how many sticky cubes of your colour are on the grid:
| Sticky cubes | Color Blast prize |
|---|---|
| 50 | 500x the bet |
| 70 | 2,500x the bet |
| 90 | 7,000x the bet |
Those fixed prizes give the round clear targets, and the combination of Color Blast and regular cluster wins is how the game reaches its 11,000x ceiling.
Multi Color Free Spins
The second bonus triggers when all four corners show the same colour on the opening spin. The Multi Color round uses a similar pick game, but here you can collect up to four sticky colours. Color Blast prizes are not part of this round; corner X multipliers are used instead, and the maximum win in Multi Color Free Spins is 7,500x the bet.
Bonus Buy
Where the casino and jurisdiction allow, both rounds can be purchased:
| Option | Cost |
|---|---|
| Free Spins (with Color Blast) | 129x the bet |
| Multi Color Free Spins | 109x the bet |
At a A$1 stake that is A$129 or A$109 per buy. Bonus buys do not guarantee a large win, and some markets do not permit them at all.
RTP: Check Before You Play
Cubes 2 is listed with an RTP of 96.33% for regular play and roughly 96.30% for the bonus buy. As with most Hacksaw games, operators may be offered different configurations, and the graphics do not change between them. Open the info screen at your casino and confirm the figure before you play for real.
Worked Example: A Corner Multiplier Win
At a A$1 bet, suppose a cluster of 12 green cubes forms and touches the top-left corner. The corner X becomes x12. Using an illustrative base pay of 0.5x for that cluster (check the paytable for the real value), the win becomes 0.5 x 12 = 6x, or A$6. If the same cluster also touched a second corner, the two X values would be added to x24, and the payout would double to A$12. The grid would then expand to 7×7 for the next spin.
Bankroll Tips for Cubes 2
- With only about one winning spin in six, budget for a long session: at least 300 spins at your stake.
- Expect the grid to reset often; long expansion runs are rare.
- Keep bonus buys to a fixed, pre-set number per session.
- Set loss and time limits and use your casino’s deposit limits.
- Remember that results are random. A run of near-misses does not make the bonus more likely.
Pros and Cons of Cubes 2
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unique minimalist design | Very low hit frequency of about 16% |
| Grid expands up to 11×11 | 5/5 volatility, long losing runs |
| Corner X multipliers tied to cluster size | No wilds or scatters |
| Color Blast prizes up to 7,000x | Plain visuals will not suit everyone |
| 11,000x maximum win | Bonus buy not available everywhere |
Who Cubes 2 Suits
Cubes 2 suits players who like abstract, puzzle-style games and are comfortable with long stretches where nothing happens. The grid growing from 5×5 to 9×9 or 11×11 is the main feature, and because there are no themed symbols, the focus stays entirely on colour, cluster size and corner positions. It suits people who want a clear goal in the bonus, since the 50, 70 and 90 sticky cube targets are easy to track. It is a poor fit for anyone who wants frequent small wins to keep the balance ticking over; the low hit rate means a session can drop quickly before any feature lands.
Demo Play vs Real Money
The demo shows how rarely the grid expands and how the pick game shapes the free spins. Everything runs on the same maths as the real game, with virtual credits.
For real money play, choose a licensed casino with visible RTP information, prompt withdrawals and responsible gambling tools. You can compare sites in our casino reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cubes 2 is listed at 96.33% for regular play and about 96.30% for the bonus buy. Check the game info at your casino to confirm the version.
Yes. It is rated 5 out of 5, and only about one spin in six produces a win.
The maximum win is listed as 11,000x the bet. In Multi Color Free Spins the cap is 7,500x.
Land five winning clusters of different colours in one spin sequence for regular free spins, or four corners of the same colour on the opening spin for Multi Color Free Spins.
In regular free spins, 50, 70 or 90 sticky cubes of your chosen colour award fixed prizes of 500x, 2,500x or 7,000x the bet.
No. There are no wild or scatter symbols; wins come from same-colour clusters and corner multipliers.
Responsible Gaming Note
Cubes 2 is entertainment, not a way to make money. Only play if you are 18 or older, set limits before you start and stop when you reach them. If gambling stops being fun, free and confidential support is available 24/7 from Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858.
Final Verdict
Cubes 2 proves that a slot does not need characters or a storyline to be gripping. The expanding grid, cluster-sized corner multipliers and sticky-colour free spins create real tension, and Color Blast gives the bonus clear targets. It is also one of the more punishing Hacksaw games in terms of hit rate, so test it in demo mode, check the RTP at your casino and play with a budget built for long dry spells.
