Curious what African Drum actually feels like to play? Here's our full, no-fluff take. This is a Retro Gaming release, sitting firmly in the a very high volatility profile bracket and paying back 95.85% RTP. The maximum win sits at 5,000x, so there's serious upside on the table. It's finished with a clean, modern look and plays out on 5 reels and 25 paylines. It first went live in 2020 and still earns its place today. But is it actually worth playing? Read on.
Written by Sarah Mitchell · Last updated: January 2026
African Drum comes to us from Retro Gaming. Presentation-wise it's built with crisp artwork and atmosphere, and it leans toward very high variance at a published RTP of 95.85%. Under the hood you'll find a 5-reel grid running 25 paylines.
Where African Drum earns its keep is the feature set. Look out for scatter symbols that unlock free spins and extra bonus rounds. The very high volatility means patience is rewarded — expect quiet spells broken by bigger hits. All told, it's a solid entry in the Retro Gaming catalogue.
At 95.85%, the RTP is slightly below the industry average of ~96%. While this is typical for many popular slots, players should be aware of the slightly lower theoretical return.
Very high volatility delivers the most extreme payout profile — long dry spells punctuated by potentially massive wins. Only recommended for experienced players with substantial bankrolls and high risk tolerance.
About 1 in 3 spins results in a win. This is a moderate hit frequency that balances win frequency with payout size.
African Drum features scatter symbols that can trigger free spins rounds. Landing the required number of scatter symbols anywhere on the reels activates the free spins feature, giving you extra chances to win without additional bets. During free spins, special modifiers may apply to boost your winning potential.
3.0 / 5 — Good
African Drum by Retro Gaming is a solid offering that delivers good entertainment value. The 95.85% RTP combined with very high volatility creates a well-balanced gaming experience.