Secrets of Atlantis: a calm slot with a high return
Secrets of Atlantis is one of NetEnt's quieter releases, an underwater slot with a soft look and a single strong mechanic. There is no jackpot and no parade of features, just a nudging wild that triggers re-spins and a high return to player that makes it a sensible choice for players who want value over fireworks. It rewards patience rather than excitement.
The mechanics
Secrets of Atlantis is a five reel game with four rows and forty fixed paylines, themed on a sunken city. The defining feature is the Nudge wild: when a wild lands it covers a full reel and then nudges down one position on each subsequent re-spin, awarding a re-spin each time until it slides off the grid. Stack more than one wild and the re-spins keep coming, which is where the better wins come from. The base game is otherwise straightforward, with no bonus buy, no avalanche and no separate free spins screen.
RTP and volatility
The return to player is high, in the region of 97 percent in the standard build, which is one of the main reasons to play it. The volatility is low to medium, so wins land at a reasonable pace and the swings are gentler than a high-variance slot, though the ceiling is moderate as a result. That combination makes Secrets of Atlantis a strong pick for steady, longer sessions and a reasonable home for free spins from a bonus. Our RTP guide explains why a high figure still does not promise a winning session, and our volatility guide covers the gentle swing you should expect here.
The Nudge wild re-spins
The Nudge wild is the whole engine of Secrets of Atlantis. A full-reel wild lands, pays on its position, and then nudges down one row on each re-spin, granting another re-spin every time it moves until it leaves the grid. Because the wild covers a full reel, every re-spin can produce wins across the forty paylines, and landing multiple wilds extends the sequence and the value. There is no traditional free spins round, so the re-spin chain is where the meaningful payouts come from. The top win is moderate, in line with the low to medium variance, but a good multi-wild re-spin sequence is a satisfying result.
How to play Secrets of Atlantis
The low to medium volatility means you can play Secrets of Atlantis at a steady stake across a long session without the sharp swings a high-variance slot forces on you, which suits its calm character. Use the demo to watch how the Nudge wild behaves and how often it stacks before you deposit. Set a session budget, treat the frequent small wins and the occasional strong re-spin chain as the entertainment they are, and remember the high RTP is a long-run average, not a session guarantee. Our slots guide covers stake sizing for this kind of game, and our bonuses guide is useful if you plan to play it with offer spins.
The verdict
Strengths: a high RTP, an elegant Nudge wild mechanic, and low to medium volatility that suits relaxed, longer play. Weaknesses: a moderate ceiling, no separate free spins round, and a calm pace that will not satisfy players hunting a big hit. Secrets of Atlantis is an underrated value slot and a smart choice for players who care about return and steadiness over spectacle. Find a licensed casino in our reviews, and read about its maker in our NetEnt review. 18+.
Secrets of Atlantis FAQ
How does the Nudge wild work in Secrets of Atlantis?
A wild lands covering a full reel, pays on its position, then nudges down one row on each re-spin, awarding a re-spin every time it moves until it slides off the grid. Multiple wilds extend the sequence and the potential value.
Does Secrets of Atlantis have free spins?
No traditional free spins round. The value comes from the Nudge wild re-spin chain instead, which can run for several re-spins when one or more full-reel wilds land.
Where can I play Secrets of Atlantis?
Secrets of Atlantis is available at most licensed casinos that carry NetEnt games. Try the free demo first, then choose a regulated operator from our reviews and check the bonus terms before depositing. 18+.