Special Modes Calculator

Last updated: 2026-07-14

Calculate whether PrizePicks Demons, Goblins, or Underdog Scorcher entries are worth the trade-off. Compare boosted multipliers against adjusted hit rates.

Demons is the better play
+$1.40
Demons mode wins here — about $1.40 more back per entry than Standard, as long as your hit rate doesn't drop more than 9 points from your usual rate.
Harder picks with boosted multipliers. Higher payout but lower hit rates. (PrizePicks)
%
Demons estimated rate: 47% (-8 points vs. standard)
Standard, what you'd make
+$0.07
20x at 55%
Demons, what you'd make
+$1.47
50x at 47%
Entry amount
$10.00
Room before it flips
9 pts
hit-rate drop still OK

How Special Modes Change the Math

Special modes like Demons and Scorchers boost your multiplier but feature harder picks. The question is whether the increased payout compensates for the lower hit rate. Enter your base hit rate above, and the calculator estimates your adjusted rate for the special mode and compares EV against a standard entry.

When Demons Beat Standard

Demons are mathematically better when your hit rate drops by less than the threshold shown in the calculator. For example, if a 50x Demons multiplier versus a 20x Standard multiplier only requires your hit rate to drop by 12% or less, Demons are the better play as long as the actual difficulty increase stays below that threshold.

Custom Multiplier Override

PrizePicks and Underdog change their special mode multipliers frequently. If the actual multiplier differs from the default, enter the real number. The calculator updates EV and the break-even analysis to reflect the current offering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are PrizePicks Demons?
Demons are PrizePicks entries featuring harder picks with boosted multipliers. The picks are more difficult (lower expected hit rate) but the payout multiplier is higher than standard Power Play. Demons are +EV when the multiplier boost exceeds the hit rate reduction.
What are PrizePicks Goblins?
Goblins are PrizePicks entries featuring easier picks with reduced multipliers. The picks are more likely to hit but pay less than standard Power Play. Goblins trade upside for consistency, making them suitable for players who prefer lower variance.
Are PrizePicks Demons worth it?
Demons are worth it when the boosted multiplier compensates for the lower hit rate. Use the calculator above to compare Demons EV against Standard EV at your estimated hit rate. If your hit rate drops by less than the calculator threshold, Demons are the better choice.
What is an Underdog Scorcher?
Scorchers are Underdog Fantasy boosted entries that offer higher multipliers on selected picks. Like Demons on PrizePicks, the picks may be harder, but the increased payout can make the trade-off worthwhile if the multiplier boost is large enough.
How much harder are Demon picks?
The exact difficulty varies per pick, but Demon props are typically estimated at 5-10% lower hit rates than standard picks. A player who hits 55% on standard picks might hit 47-50% on Demon picks. The calculator lets you adjust this estimate to see the impact on EV.
How do I use the custom multiplier input?
Special mode multipliers change frequently. If the current Demons multiplier differs from the default, enter the actual multiplier offered. This ensures the EV calculation reflects the real payout, not an estimate.
Can I compare special modes across platforms?
The calculator compares any special mode against the standard entry type on the same platform. For cross-platform comparison, use the platform comparison tool to see which platform offers better base multipliers, then evaluate special modes as enhancements.
What hit rate adjustment should I use?
Start with the default adjustment (shown in the calculator) and modify based on your experience. Track your actual Demon/Goblin/Scorcher results over at least 50 entries to estimate your true adjusted hit rate. The calculator default is conservative.

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