The Best High Volatility Slots in 2025

The high volatility slot games are not two or three— they are many! In fact, they may even number in the hundreds, given the different preferences of the players. Nonetheless, we’ve chosen to write a guide that pinpoints the best six, a piece that will shorten the list and allow you to focus only on the “crème de la crème!” So, if you’re eager to uncover the top nine high-variance slots, indulge yourself with this read and explore our top picks and all the must-knows!

What is a Slot Game with a High Volatility Rating?

In essence, high-volatility slots are just a normal game of luck where you adhere to the same rules. They come with the same themes and bonus features—they’re just regular slots! The only, and actually most significant, difference is their volatility levels.

The variance, as we also call it, is something that determines how frequent and big the wins you can expect from the slot are. There are usually three levels:

  1. Low Volatility — slots labeled with this tech stat usually offer frequent but smaller wins.
  2. Medium Variance — these are the games that strike the balance, wins are not so rare but not so big either, kind of in the middle.
  3. High Volatility — the slots in which you can score big wins, but that happens much more rarely.

Given this, you can understand that high-volatility slot games cater to specific audiences. Usually, people who are more prone to risk and enjoy slots online for a longer time (more experienced). That’s because these video slots can be more nerve-wracking and tend to require a bit more strategizing.

6 Best High Volatility Slots for 2025

The time has finally come to introduce you to the list of 6 best high-volatility slots for 2025! We’ve chosen these games based on popularity, volatility, bonus features, and, of course, their maximum potential win!

Dead or Alive 2

First, we’ve chosen to rank one of the best, well-known, high-volatility Wild West slots!  It’s a game where bandits, saloons, and shootouts abound on the grid. Dead or Alive 2 is renowned for its extreme volatility and the game features which include three free spin modes. Among them is High Noon Saloon, which has sticky wilds and multipliers for jaw-dropping payouts! The high risk-reward ratio is somewhat balanced by an RTP set at a healthy 96.8%. The games boast a max potential win of 111,111x your stake, which makes it a thrill ride for seasoned players hunting for mega jackpots.

Pros
  • Massive payout potential.
  • Engaging theme and graphics.
  • Three exciting free spin modes.
  • Sticky wilds in some of the bonus rounds.
Cons
  • Extremely high volatility.
  • Free spins can be hard to trigger.

Book of Dead

Next comes a highly volatile slot that will set you on a trip to ancient Egypt featuring Rich Wilde on his treasure hunts. This game’s simple beauty lies in free spins with expanding symbols that can potentially create stupendous payouts on every single spin. The RTP sits at 96.21%, and the game is of high variance, making wins rare but large. The combo of RTP and variance is quite balanced, which makes up for a great gambling experience. This slot has a maximum win of 5,000x your bet strikes, which makes it a mainstay among fans of traditional high-variance slots.

Pros
  • Simple but exciting gameplay.
  • Expanding symbols that can increase the win chances.
  • High RTP for a high-volatility slot, over the sector’s average!
  • Perfect for fans of Egyptian themes.
Cons
  • Smaller max win during base gameplay.
  • Lacks variety in features and can get boring after 100 rounds.

Bonanza Megaways

Our third pick allows you to dig through a gold mine and set on an adventure filled with cascading reels. The game’s a Megaways one with up to 117,649 ways to win! The innovative Megaways mechanic of this slot is further complemented by free spins with an unlimited win multiplier, turning even small payouts into massive wins. It has an RTP of 96% (just about average) and extremely high variance, so there’s no looking back if you’re a risk-taker! With a max win of 12,000x your stake, this slot guarantees rewarding, adrenaline-filled gambling sessions!

Pros
  • Innovative Megaways mechanic, which offers over 100k ways to win.
  • Unlimited multiplier in the free spin mode!
  • Cascading reels keep the action flowing on and on.
  • Immersive mining theme and design that catch the eye.
Cons
  • It’s a game with high betting limitations.
  • Free spins are hard to trigger!

Razor Shark

Explore an aquatic adventure in this exciting high-variance slot with mystery stacks and gold coins that activate surprisingly good payouts! In Razor Shark, you’ll see free spin rounds that include increasing multipliers, which create astonishing excitement every time you spin the reels. In terms of technicals, the RTP of 96.7% is combined with high variance, making this slot more rewarding for patient players who can expect to hit big payouts. It’s a long-turn game with a max win of 50,000x your stake!

Pros
  • Unique underwater theme with great animations.
  • Increasing multipliers in free spins!
  • Gold coins offer surprise payouts that can trigger anytime.
  • Great and immersive gameplay!
Cons
  • Mystery stacks can feel somewhat random.
  • It’s hard to trigger the bonus rounds

Money Train 2

With this one, you definitely hop on the money train, but in a post-apocalyptic world. Players can expect to find exciting features, including Wilds and an exciting Money Cart bonus round. With its high volatility and RTP of 96.4%, this slot is a popular choice for those chasing jackpots, mainly because of the balance of the technical stats and huge winnings. With that said, the max payout is the wild 50,000x your stake!

Pros
  • There are many engaging and unique bonus features!
  • Massive win potential in the bonus rounds!
  • Engaging gameplay animations.
  • Eye-catching post-apocalyptic design.
Cons
  • The base game may get boring!
  • It’s somewhat hard to trigger the Money Cart feature.

Gonzo’s Quest Megaways

Following up, we ranked a well-known title. This time, however, it comes like a Megaways with super high volatility! In this game, you join Gonzo on his quest for treasure in the jungle filled with avalanche reels and rising multipliers that can bring you big wins. It’s a game with an extra layer of thrill that comes from the free spins mode, which features multipliers and lots of winning opportunities. The title has an RTP of 96% and high volatility; this keeps the action throughout the whole gambling session. Lastly, the game features a max win of 21,000x your stake, which is a high-roller’s dream come true!

Pros
  • Avalanche reels keep gameplay dynamic and rewarding.
  • Free spins with multipliers are lucrative for those seeking stupendous jackpots.
  • Stunning visuals and an immersive theme are typical for the classic game.
  • Popular among players who seek Megaways games!
Cons
  • Some players may feel the gameplay repetitive.
  • It’s not easy to make use of the multipliers.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the High Variance Slot Games

Whenever you’re considering high-volatility slots, whether to play them or not is still a question. The answer to this one would come after you take note of all aspects of these games. Therefore, to further assist you with the choice, we’ve prepared a table showcasing the most notable advantages and disadvantages of these online casino games:

AdvantagesDisadvantages
These games leave you the chance to win life-changing sums larger than in low or medium-volatility slots!The wins are infrequent, which can easily lead to long losing streaks.
The high-risk-reward dynamic creates a better and more exciting gameplay experience that's filled with adrenaline.Betting on high-variance slots requires a higher budget. The bets are larger, and you play these games for longer, so you need more money!
Most of these games are suitable for jackpot hunters. They feature massive wins through jackpots or multipliers!These slots are not beginner-friendly due to their high-risk nature. Players can quickly lose their bankroll!
High variance slots are offering much more exciting bonus features like Megaways mechanics, progressive jackpots, and so on.
The bonus rounds in these games are not only unpredictable but often repay the value of the bets you make!

How to Choose a Suitable High-Volatility Slot for You

Selecting a high-volatility slot for yourself is not easy, but it must be done! You’ll have to make this choice to satisfy your needs when choosing this form of online casino entertainment. We say so because there’s no really fixed model, an approach that fits every online casino gambler. Nonetheless, we’ve prepared a step-by-step guide that you can use as a starter!

  1. Start by Assessing Your Risk Tolerance: The first thing you have to do is determine how comfortable you are with infrequent wins and long gambling sessions.
  2. Understand Yourself and Set Goals: Try to determine whether you’re playing for a huge win or simply because you enjoy the thrill and unique bonus mechanics. You must do that so you don’t get to feel like you’re doing a chore after the first 10 spins!
  3. Do Your Own Diligence with the Providers: Research the available providers of high-volatility slot games. They all specialize in specific themes, bonus mechanics, and styles. By doing so, you can easily say which is the best provider for Megaways slots, which offer high-volatility games with stupendous jackpots, and so on.
  4. Read Slot Reviews and Try the Demos: The next step is to pinpoint a selected few high-variance slot games online that suit you. Read the online reviews (you can do it on our site), check the player’s opinions, and try the demo versions. You do so while considering the variance, RTP, betting ranges, themes, etc.
  5. Identify What You Enjoy the Most: Once you’ve done all the research, note down the things you enjoy, such as the bonus features, the style, the gameplay, graphics, and animations. Pick the high-volatility slot that you enjoy the most!

With these noted, you’re good to go! Following these five steps guarantees that you’ll have an easier time choosing a high-variance online casino slot based on enough research and narrowing down the available options.

Additional Things to Consider When Selecting a High-Variance Online Slot

While the above mentioned is pretty much enough to help you choose a suitable game for yourself, we’d like to present you with a few more things that you have to consider when making a choice. These are things that we also checked and even used when making the list of the 9 best high-volatility slot games!

  1. Look for Games with Unique Features—This simply allows players to select games that are enjoyable and won’t feel like a waste of time!
  2. Don’t Neglect the Bonus Range—It’s vital to adhere to your standard and pick a game that accommodates your bankroll without burning a hole in your pocket!
  3. Check out the Paytables—Not everyone does it, and it’s not a must-do, but it’s still helpful when choosing a game! Check em out and know which combo pays what.

Top 10 Tips to Win When Playing Slots with High Volatility

Knowing the basics is not enough if you wish to have a higher chance of winning when playing a high-volatility slot! That’s why, to assist you in this somewhat perilous journey, we’ve prepared some tips. Adhere to this advice in time, and you’ll boost your winning chances!

  1. Try to Fully Understand What High Volatility Is Before Playing Such Slots! You should try to grasp the identity of these games, not just to think that they’re games that drop higher jackpots but more rarely! They’re much more than that, and you should fully understand their nature before you pick them! Learn the types and their most common mechanics and bonus features.
  2. Playing High Volatility Slot Demands a Strict Budget: Getting set up for a high-risk gambling experience requires you to stick to a budget! Make a plan and choose how much you’re willing to lose, a sum that will not hinder your life in any way. Once you do so, you’ll be able to play without being put under high stress and pressure, as long as you stick to the budget limitations!
  3. Always Pick the Right Game That Will Bring You the Most Fun! It’s possibly one of the simplest tips, yet many do not even consider it! Pick a game that will bring you fun—a high-volatility slot that’s enjoyable! Something that will entertain you every time you spin the reels, with colorful animations, a great theme, and great bonus features!
  4. Use the Casino Bonuses and Promotions to the Max: This one’s wise if you do not have a substantial sum that you can spare, even if things go south and you lose your bankroll. It’s wise to leverage the bonuses, especially if they’re free spins or free cash in your favor! Do claim any you can, use them on the selected games, cover the wagering terms, and aim to win by using the casino money, not yours!
  5. Not Sure if It’s the Right High Volatility Slot? Try Its Demo First! If you are unsure whether you’ve made the right choice for a high-variance slot on which you will risk your money, don’t rush! Do not play with real money before testing the demo version of the game! Most of the best online casinos allow you to try the demos first; if not, check our site, where you’ll see the free demos!
  6. Approach with the Right Betting Strategy: One of the most important tips we can give you is to not go all in from the start. Playing a high-variance slot game is risky, so start with small bets. Don’t size to the minimum if you have, and keep it low until you get a feel for where the game’s going and how it actually plays. Once you’re more confident, gradually increase the bets while observing the returns and losses!
  7. When Picking a Game with High Volatility, Make Sure It Also Has High RTP! This is important because a slot’s volatility determines how often you can expect wins, but the RTP shows what percentage of your total bets you may expect to regain over time! If you pick a high-volatility slot, you’re bound to lose more often, but if it has a high RTP, you’re likely to recover most of your losses!
  8. Use Autoplay Features with Big Caution! These can easily eat up your budget if you choose to leave it on for too many rounds or with too high a stake! Once set, such mechanics can easily distract you, and you’ll lose your sense of time. You won’t even have the same entertaining gambling experience, as you’ll not be doing the main thing—spinning the reels by yourself. On another note, if not careful, you may even burn your whole bankroll, losing control over your spending!
  9. Pick High Volatility Slots with Great Bonus Features: Doing so will not only guarantee a more exciting gambling session but will somewhat potentially boost your chances. Most bonus features exist precisely for that—to entertain and to boost your chances! Look for titles that offer free spin rounds and multipliers and have cascading reels and sticky wilds!
  10. Stay Disciplined and Time Your Game Sessions! You must stick to your budget, plan, and strategy to avoid unnecessary losses! When playing high-volatility online slots, you should also stick to a time limit. Do not play for countless hours. Play for a set amount of time, take a break, clear your mind, and choose whether or not to resume. This will help you avoid emotional decisions!

Conclusion: Are High Volatility Slots Worth It?

Nearing the end of our guide, we ought to answer, are high volatility slots worth it? To put it as a simple conclusion, YES—that’s because there are games of high thrill that offer huge potential winnings! This makes them worth it, and we’ve showcased that in our piece! In the guide, you’ve seen what a high-volatility slot is, the list of the nine best, how to choose such a game, and even five valuable tips that will help you win big in any high-variance online slot! Knowing that you can pretty much judge whether or not they’re worth it for yourself, all that’s left to say is good luck, and may fortune befall you!

FAQ:

Yep, of course, if you're aiming for big wins! The high volatility slots are most often the games that offer stupendous jackpot rewards. Moreover, many of these have specific features, like the Megaways mechanic. So, if any of these are your goals, you should aim to play high-variance online slots. 
It strictly depends on your goal. If you're looking for more frequent small wins, predominantly just to have fun with the slot, then yes, low-volatility slots are better. In contrast, if you want to feel the thrill of every spin and potentially win big, pick high-variance slots. 
The volatility of an online casino slot can be checked on the provider's site, from the info button within the game, or on a review platform. If you check the slot reviews on our site, you'll see the RTP and Volatility for each listed game! 
Possibly one of the best and most easily recognizable online slots with high volatility is NetEnt's Dead or Alive 2. It's a game of good RTP, fantastic features, and a maximum potential payout of as high as 100k times your bet! 
Not all online casino slots can regulate their volatility. This is possible only for some games from specific providers that have implied such a feature. An example would be Big Time Gaming and Pragmatic Play!