Under the Waves Slot: Demo Play, Review, Casinos List

Under the Waves is a 1x2 Gaming 20 fixed betways, Medium-high variance release, which offers a RTP of 96.0 % and x1000 as the maximum available win (released on Oct. 10, 2019). Those are the bonus features of this slot: Bonus game, Free spins, Wild, Scatter.

Blue Depths And Slot Setup

I think Under The Waves holds a pleasing ocean look that can calm players who enjoy aquatic slots. It came out on October 10, 2019 from 1x2 Gaming, a producer I would rank on a good level among all provider options out there. The slot uses 5 reels and 20 paylines, and each line pays left to right starting from reel number one. Visually, it’s rather bright, but I do not find the animations overly flashy. I guess some people might appreciate that straightforward design, while others who crave endless eye candy may find it a bit plain. Either way, the color scheme definitely suits the undersea theme.

As for the bet mechanics, you can wager anywhere between 0.20 EUR and 50 EUR per spin. My preference is to stick to mid-range bets, but I know some folks love pushing it to the limit. The maximum win floats around x1,000 your total bet, which I think is a bit on the modest side if you compare it to certain blockbusters. Still, it’s decent enough if you get a lucky combo. A quick word about symbols: the shark and the mermaid happen to be among the top payers. That stands out to me, because they each give up to 1,000 coins for five in a row. I also like that the sound design leans more peaceful than intense, so your ears won’t ring if you play for longer. In addition, the mobile version runs well, so I haven’t encountered lags or visual glitches.

Inside The Reels

My attention instantly goes to the watery scenery that frames the play area. Coral, bubbles, and subtle wave effects fill the background, so I sense a mild aquatic vibe rather than a dramatic deep-sea expedition. The game has 5 reels in a standard 3-row format, so it’s not a tall grid. Every now and then, I find some smaller details floating across the screen, but they never overshadow the main reel set. In my opinion, it’s a nice middle ground if you prefer a simpler appearance.

In terms of payline structure, there are 20 fixed lines, so you won’t see adjustable paylines here. You always play all lines at once, which can give your spins a more balanced feel. I sometimes think that fewer lines might let me track combinations easier, but 20 lines is fairly easy to follow. The orange tropical fish acts as the Wild, so keep an eye out for it bridging wins. As for audio, I find it subtle, with light watery tunes that slip into the background. That can help me stay focused on the reels instead of being distracted. And if I want to spin while I’m out, it’s nice that the mobile version remains smooth, at least in my experience.

Payback Rate And Variation

One of the most critical aspects for me is the slot’s RTP, which clocks in at 96%. That’s a fair figure in my mind, since many modern slots hover around the mid-90s. At this exact level, I would place the house edge at 4%. I wouldn’t call it extraordinary, but it’s not bad either. I always say that a higher return is better for players over extended sessions, so 96% can keep you afloat if you’re careful with bankroll management.

Under The Waves uses volatility that leans toward medium-high. Because of that, I would suggest stepping in with at least 300 bets in your balance, so you can ride out any losing stretches. Payouts might not happen super often, but they have the potential to be more substantial when they do. I personally prefer higher volatility, but medium-high often feels like a decent middle ground if you want a shot at chunkier wins without it being overly punishing. Basically, I think it offers a fine risk-versus-reward balance, though I know it might still feel risky to some.

Treasure Chest Bonus Round

I find the bonus game triggered by landing treasure chest scatter icons. You need three, four, or five on the same spin to set it off. In my view, it’s a pretty standard Bonus Game, but it can still be entertaining. Basically, you get a “pick me” style scenario where you choose from several chests to reveal instant cash rewards. If you managed to line up more than three chest scatters, you unlock more picks, which can be helpful.

When I tried it, I usually got smaller prizes, but I suspect there’s potential for bigger amounts if luck is on your side. I must say I liked how the game quickly transitions into the bonus round, with slight changes to the underwater background. I know some people crave fancier mini-games, but I still found it refreshing to break up the base spins. One tip: it seems wise to slow down and think which chest you might pick, though the outcome is presumably random. I just enjoy that sense of control even if it might be purely psychological.

Free Spins With Sticky Surprise

There is a Free Spins feature that’s triggered by the shipwreck scatter, and I believe it’s where the slot really starts showing some potential. Three, four, or five shipwreck scatters award 10, 14, or 18 spins. That’s a respectable spread in my eyes. On top of it, if a mermaid lands on the reels during free spins, she becomes a sticky wild that remains locked for the duration of those remaining spins. That can seriously influence your payouts, especially if a few mermaids lock in early.

I saw that the free spins can re-trigger as well, though I had to line up enough scatters again in one go, which didn’t happen for me often. Still, the possibility is there. When I watch these spins roll out, it feels like the game’s entire personality changes, because suddenly the pace picks up with the sticky mermaids. While I’m not always lucky enough to see big hits, the potential for covering multiple lines with sticky symbols is a highlight. I suspect some players will find that thrilling, though if you prefer quick hits, you may need patience to land this round.

Additional Underwater Elements

• Scatter Symbol: There are actually two. The treasure chest scatter triggers the bonus round, and the shipwreck scatter triggers free spins. It’s nice that each scatter leads to a different feature.

• Wild Symbol: Represented by the orange tropical fish, it replaces regular pay symbols on a line. I often find it useful for bridging combos in the base game.

• Sticky Wild (Mermaid): Appears only in free spins and remains locked in place once she shows up.

Benefits And Drawbacks

Pros:

• Two separate features (pick-me bonus and free spins) that keep the action lively

• Sticky mermaid wilds can lead to sweet combinations in free spins

• Simple layout and gentle sound design

Cons:

• The x1,000 top prize might feel small if you aim higher

• Medium-high volatility could drain smaller bankrolls quickly

• Graphics may be a bit plain for some tastes

Under The Waves FAQ

What Is The Biggest Win You Can Get On Under The Waves? The maximum payout is x1,000 your total stake, so if you bet bigger, you can collect more but it’s capped at that ratio.

Can I Try Under The Waves For Free? Absolutely. A demo version is often provided, so you can spin it for fun without risking money.

What Is The RTP Of Under The Waves? It stands at 96%. That’s near the average for many modern slots, though not on the higher side.