If you're trying to work out whether Ancient Gems is worth your time, this hands-on review breaks it down. This is a Advantplay title, sitting firmly in the very high variance bracket and paying back a return-to-player rate of 97.03%. It's dressed up with a gem theme and plays out on 5 reels and 10 paylines. It first went live in 2021 and still earns its place today. If everything lines up, Ancient Gems can pay up to 5,000x your bet. So does it deliver? Let's get into it.
Written by Emma Roberts · Last updated: March 2026
Ancient Gems comes to us from Advantplay, built around a gem theme. It runs on a 5-reel grid running 10 paylines with a very high-variance maths model, and a return-to-player rate of 97.03%.
The mechanics are what make Ancient Gems interesting. 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. On balance, Ancient Gems is a dependable option worth a few spins in the demo first.
At 97.03%, this slot offers an excellent return to player rate, well above the industry average of ~96%. This makes it one of the more generous slots available in terms of long-term payout potential.
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.
Ancient Gems 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
Ancient Gems by Advantplay is a solid offering that delivers good entertainment value. The 97.03% RTP combined with very high volatility creates a well-balanced gaming experience.