Wanted Dead or a Wild is the slot that helped make Hacksaw Gaming a household name among high-volatility players. A gritty spaghetti-Western of gunslingers and bounty hunters, it runs on a 5×5 grid with 15 paylines, carries a default RTP of 96.38%, and reaches a top win of 12,500× your stake. It was released on 29 September 2021. If you came from our Duel at Dawn guide, note that this is a separate game — the two share the studio and the Western flavour, not a series.
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A high-volatility Western
Make no mistake about the maths: Wanted Dead or a Wild is a high-volatility (4/5) game, which means long quiet stretches punctuated by the occasional very large hit. The base game is a standard 15-line setup, but the personality comes from the features — and from the knowledge that the biggest results are concentrated in the bonus rounds rather than spread across ordinary spins.
DuelReels and the three bonus modes
The signature mechanic is DuelReels, triggered by VS symbols. When they land, reels expand into wild reels, staging a showdown that can transform a board in an instant. It is the moment the game is built around, and it is what gives Wanted Dead or a Wild its reputation for sudden swings.
Beyond the base game there are three distinct bonus modes, each with its own character:
- Duel at Dawn — a high-noon showdown round (note: this is a bonus inside Wanted Dead or a Wild, not the separate Duel at Dawn slot this site is about).
- Dead Man's Hand — a second route into the feature set.
- The Great Train Robbery — a round built around sticky wilds.
Where your operator and jurisdiction permit it, a Feature / Bonus Buy option lets you pay for direct access. A buy changes how fast you reach a feature, not the long-run return.
RTP and configurations
The default RTP is 96.38%, a competitive figure for a Hacksaw slot. As with the rest of the catalogue, the game can be supplied in lower RTP configurations (94.55%, 92.33% and 88.42% also exist), so the version you play is the operator's choice. Always check the figure in the game's own info panel before you bet — the same step we recommend on the Duel at Dawn RTP page.
How it compares to Duel at Dawn
There is a neat coincidence here: Wanted Dead or a Wild contains a bonus called "Duel at Dawn", while Duel at Dawn is a separate Hacksaw slot with its own VS DuelReel mechanic. The two are not connected beyond the studio and the Western setting. Both are 5×5 grids, but Duel at Dawn runs 19 paylines and a different feature set. To explore more of the studio's library, see the Hacksaw Gaming hub.
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is the RTP of Wanted Dead or a Wild? The default RTP is 96.38%. Lower configurations (94.55%, 92.33% and 88.42%) also exist, so confirm the figure in the game's info panel at your casino.
What is the maximum win? The top win is 12,500× your stake, reached through the DuelReels and the three bonus modes. It is a rare outcome given the game's high volatility.
Is Wanted Dead or a Wild the same as Duel at Dawn? No. Wanted Dead or a Wild has a bonus mode named "Duel at Dawn", but Duel at Dawn is a separate Hacksaw Gaming slot with its own mechanics. They share only the studio and the Western theme.
How volatile is it? It is high volatility (4/5) — expect long gaps between big wins, with the largest results concentrated in the bonus rounds.
Can I buy the bonus? Where your operator and jurisdiction allow it, a Feature / Bonus Buy gives direct access to a feature for a fixed cost. It does not change the long-run RTP.
Is it legal for me to play? That depends on where you are, and you must check the rules that apply to you. Online gambling is 18+ — see our responsible gaming page and play within your means.