Fire in the Hole xBomb: Collapsing Mine, xBombs and Payouts
Nolimit City released Fire in the Hole xBomb in 2021, and the mining-themed game still holds a spot in UK casino lobbies. The layout starts with 6 reels and 3 rows, then it grows during a single spin. The original title runs at an RTP of 96.06% and caps payouts at 60,000x the bet.
The Collapsing Mine mechanic drives the whole design. Most players open the Fire in the Hole slot for that grid growth, and every win clears symbols to open extra rows. The base setup pays 486 ways, and a fully opened mine reaches 46,656 ways to win.
The 2021 game also started a series. Nolimit City followed it with Fire in the Hole 2, then with Fire in the Hole 3 in 2025. This post covers the mechanics, the numbers, and the changes across all three titles.
Grid Growth and the Collapsing Mine
The mine sits at three active rows on the first drop of every spin. A winning combination removes the matching symbols from the reels, and fresh symbols fall into the gaps. Each clear can open another row, so the ways to win climb inside the same spin.
The grid holds up to 6 rows at full depth. More rows mean more symbol positions and more paths across the six reels. The top figure lands at 46,656 ways to win. The layout follows a few fixed points:
- Reels stay at 6 on every spin;
- Rows start at 3 and expand to 6;
- Ways to win rise from 486 to 46,656;
- Wins remove symbols and trigger the next drop.
xBomb Wilds and Wild Mining
The xBomb Wild substitutes for every symbol except the Bonus symbols. A win sets off the explosion, and the blast removes the symbols next to the wild. The multiplier then rises by +1 for the next collapse.
All xBomb Wilds explode ahead of the next collapse, and Wild Mining is the single exception. An xBomb Wild also explodes on any win, even a win without that wild in the combination. Wild Mining starts from a line of identical symbols that lands without a payout; then it clears the row and leaves wilds in the centre of the grid. The main modifiers across the series work like this:
| Feature | Effect | Titles
|
| Collapsing Mine | Removes winning symbols and opens new rows | All three games |
| xBomb Wild | Substitutes for all symbols except Bonus, explodes, and adds +1 to the multiplier | All three games |
| Wild Mining | Clears a non-paying line of identical symbols and leaves wilds in the centre | All three games |
| xSplit | Divides symbols to double their size | Fire in the Hole 3 |
| xHole | Pulls in regular symbols and scatters them back out | Fire in the Hole 3 |
Key Numbers on the 2021 Release
The first game keeps its figures simple. One RTP setting, one max win label, and a grid that moves between two sizes. These numbers give UK players the quickest read on the title:
- RTP of 96.06%;
- Max win of 60,000x the bet, shown as xBet MAX;
- 486 ways to win at the start of a spin;
- 46,656 ways at full grid depth;
- Release year: 2021.
Sequels and the 2025 Release
Fire in the Hole 2 arrived after the first game and kept the mining theme. Fire in the Hole 3 landed in 2025, and one source cites 03/06/2025 as the release date. Light & Wonder distributes the third game within the Nolimit City portfolio, and it also runs through the studio’s own platform.
The third title adds more extras in the base game and more Enhancers inside the Lucky Wagon Spins bonus round. The RTP sits at 96.05%, with 96.04% cited on one source, and the ceiling rises to 70,000x the bet. Reviewers rate the volatility as high to extreme, and the stake range spans a 500x spread between the smallest and largest bet.
Ice blocks hide the newer tools in the 2025 game. Explosions clear that ice and reveal xSplit or xHole. The grid still opens at 3 rows on 6 reels and tops out at 46,656 ways.
Playing the Series from the UK
Every casino that offers these titles to British players needs a licence from the UK Gambling Commission. The age limit stands at 18+, and each licensed site runs identity checks at sign-up. Deposit limits and reality checks sit in the account settings.
An extreme volatility rating means long gaps between wins, so stake size matters more than usual on a 70,000x game. GAMSTOP blocks access across all UKGC-licensed sites for anyone who wants a break. BeGambleAware offers free advice and support in £ terms for anyone worried about their play.
FAQ
What is the RTP of Fire in the Hole xBomb?
The 2021 original returns 96.06%. The third title lists 96.05%. One source cites 96.04% instead.
How much can these games pay?
The first title caps at 60,000x the bet. The 2025 sequel raises that cap to 70,000x. Both figures need a full grid.
How does the xBomb Wild work?
It stands in for all symbols except Bonus symbols. A win sets off the blast. The multiplier rises by +1 for the next collapse.
What starts Wild Mining?
A line of identical symbols lands without a payout. The row clears. Wild symbols stay behind in the centre of the grid.
How many ways to win does the grid offer?
The spin opens with 486 ways on 6 reels and 3 rows. Extra rows push the count to 46,656.
Who made the series?
Nolimit City developed all three titles. The studio released the first game in 2021. Light & Wonder distributes the 2025 sequel.
