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Hexbreak3r
Introduction
Hexbreak3r, or Hexbreaker 3, is a highly popular slot game produced by IGT that can sometimes be played at an advantage. This aspect makes the game appealing to some players.
The core concept of the game revolves around varying the number of symbols on each reel, ranging from 3 to 8. When a player lands a horseshoe symbol, that reel will extend by at least one position, potentially reaching up to four positions. If a horseshoe appears on a reel already displaying eight symbols, the player will trigger a win and that reel will revert to showing three symbols. This offers an advantage to players when the reels are sufficiently long.
Base Game Rules
Here are the key rules for playing Hexbreak3r. While this may not be an exhaustive list, it covers the vital aspects that players need to know.
- Players can wager amounts of 80, 160, 240, 320, or 400 credits, with one credit typically equal to one cent, leading to total bets ranging from $0.80 to $4.00.
- Payouts on the pay table are directly proportional to the amount wagered.
- Each level of betting has its own progressive jackpot, starting at a multiplier of 141.25 times the bet.
- Every individual machine offers five different states, corresponding to the various betting options available.
- This slot game operates on a 'ways to win' basis rather than relying on traditional paylines.
- A total of five reels are present in the game, with each reel capable of displaying between three and eight symbols.
- Due to the variable length of the reels, the number of ways to achieve a win can vary significantly, starting from as few as 3.5= 243 to 85= 32,768.
- The presence of a horseshoe symbol causes the corresponding reel to advance by at least one position, and this increase can often be one or two positions, with some cases reaching up to four.
- When a reel extends, the horseshoe will move above the highest symbol on that reel, creating a temporary empty spot. All symbols that were beneath the horseshoe will shift up one position, plus one additional symbol will appear at the base of that reel.
- Above the eighth symbol displayed on each reel lies the 'Luck Zone.'
- The 'Luck Zone' features distinct wins or bonuses assigned to each reel. The position of reel 3 in the Luck Zone is marked with a black cat, which guarantees the progressive jackpot.
- If a horseshoe lands on a reel already featuring eight symbols, the player receives the payout for that reel and it resets to show only three symbols again.
- The 'Bonus' symbol is restricted to reels 2, 3, and 4, taking up three positions across these reels.
- When a player collects three full Bonus symbols, they are granted access to the bonus game.
- Below is the payout structure for the base game.
- Wins pay in both directions.
- Wild symbols can replace any symbol except for the Bonus and Horseshoe symbols.
Hexbreak3r Pay Table — Initial Spins with an 80¢ Bet
Symbol | 5 Pay | 4 Pay | 3 Pay |
---|---|---|---|
Black cat | 15 | 15 | 15 |
Crow | 10 | 10 | 10 |
13 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Salt | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Voodoo doll | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Spade | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Heart | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Diamond | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Club | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Bonus Game Rules
The rules for free spins during the Bonus round are largely the same as those for the base game, with a few exceptions noted below.
- The Bonus round features a free spins game that has no limit on the number of spins.
- The Bonus kicks off with five reels, each starting with three symbols positioned at the top of the display.
- When a horseshoe is landed during the Bonus, the reel containing it will expand downward by one position.
- The area at the bottom of the Bonus screen is referred to as the Jinx Zone. Each reel within the Jinx Zone will showcase a symbol at its base.
- Certain symbols in the Jinx Zone feature an emblem resembling the sun and a set win amount. If a reel hits such a symbol, the corresponding winnings are awarded, and that reel resets to display three positions.
- The middle reel in the Jinx Zone is distinguished by a white cat symbol. If this reel hits the white cat, the player shall receive the progressive jackpot, after which that reel will also revert to three positions.
- Other reels in this zone display the Jolly Roger symbol (skull and bonus). If a reel lands on this symbol, the player receives the fixed payout indicated, and the bonus round concludes.
Hexbreak3r Pay Table — Free Spins
Symbol | 5 Pay | 4 Pay | 3 Pay |
---|---|---|---|
White cat | 15 | 15 | 15 |
7 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Clover | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Lady bug | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Lucky penny | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Spade | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Heart | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Diamond | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Club | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Rule Screens
If my explanations above are unclear, I encourage you to consult the rule screen directly below. Click any thumbnail for an enlarged view.



















Advice
Please consider the following advice seriously but with caution. This analysis is based on informed speculation and insights from several experienced advantage players who have generously shared their knowledge, unlike most in the field. Always trust your judgment when assessing whether the odds favor you.
When I mention 'combinations,' I'm referring to the total number of possible outcomes created by the reel lengths on all five reels. For instance, in the image shown, the calculation would be 6*4*3*6*6 = 2,592. This total is conveniently displayed in the bottom left corner of the game screen.
The term 'height' signifies how many symbols are currently displayed on a reel. For example, in the accompanying image, reel 1 has a height of 6.
The recommendations provided are based on the average casino conditions, where I assume an RTP (Return to Player) rate of around 90%, inclusive of point rewards. In scenarios where the odds are close, players should lean towards casinos that offer more generous payouts rather than those known for tight returns.
With that in mind, my initial guidance on playing Hexbreak3r is to engage if any of the following conditions are satisfied:
- The total number of combinations is at least 3,500.
- The height of reel 3 stands at a minimum of six, with five being marginal.
- Any reel positioned under a Bonus in the Luck Zone has a height of eight.
- If either reel 2 or reel 4 reaches a height of 8 and is winning in the Luck Zone with at least 20 times the stake.
Take note that the reels do not advance at the same pace. Reel 3 progresses very slowly, about one position every 1,900 spins, while reels 2 and 4 tend to advance more quickly. Generally, faster advancing reels correlate with lower prizes within the Luck Zone.
It is important to highlight that the game panel where players select their credit amount often highlights at least one option in yellow alongside the text 'hot bet.' However, the exact criteria to qualify as a 'hot bet' are unclear. Use this insight as you wish.
Final Word
As of June 2022, some casinos have implemented measures to combat players who exclusively engage with slots in an advantageous manner, which could lead to these players being barred.
External Links
Discussion Further discussion about Hexbreak3r can be found in my forum at Wizard of Vegas.