If you're trying to work out whether Cursed Seas is worth your time, this hands-on review breaks it down. This is a Hacksaw Gaming release, sitting firmly in the very high volatility bracket and paying back a published RTP of 95.72%. If everything lines up, Cursed Seas can pay up to 125,000x your bet. Expect a hit frequency around 10%, which sets the rhythm of play. Visually it's leaning into a pirate aesthetic, with the action running on a 5-reel grid running 15 paylines. So does it deliver? Let's get into it.
Written by Rachel Kim · Last updated: January 2026
Cursed Seas comes to us from Hacksaw Gaming, built around a pirate theme. It runs on 5 reels and 15 paylines with very high volatility, and a return-to-player rate of 95.72%.
The mechanics are what make Cursed Seas 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. All told, it's a serviceable entry in the Hacksaw Gaming catalogue.
At 95.72%, 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.
At approximately 1 in 10 spins, wins are infrequent. However, when wins do occur, they tend to be considerably larger to compensate.
Cursed Seas 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.
0.5 / 5 — Below Average
Cursed Seas by Hacksaw Gaming provides a straightforward slot experience. While it may not break new ground, it offers very high volatility gameplay that will appeal to certain player preferences.