Our review of Highlands cuts through the marketing and looks at what matters: how it plays and how it pays. This is a GMW title, sitting firmly in the a medium low-variance maths model bracket and paying back a published RTP of 95.14%. Top wins are capped at 2,000x your stake, a respectable ceiling for the format. You get 5 reels and 10 paylines, all built with crisp artwork and atmosphere. Originally released in 2021, it has aged well. But is it actually worth playing? Read on.
Written by Daniel Chen · Last updated: February 2026
This game, Highlands, is the work of GMW, built with crisp artwork and atmosphere. It runs on 10 paylines across 5 reels with medium low volatility, and a return-to-player rate of 95.14%.
Dig into the bonuses and Highlands starts to stand out. Look out for scatter symbols that unlock free spins and extra bonus rounds. The medium low volatility makes it forgiving on the bankroll, ideal for relaxed, longer sessions. All told, it's a solid entry in the GMW catalogue.
At 95.14%, 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.
Medium-low volatility offers a good balance of regular wins with occasional larger payouts. Expect frequent hits with modest amounts, suitable for casual players who want low-risk entertainment.
About 1 in 3 spins results in a win. This is a moderate hit frequency that balances win frequency with payout size.
Highlands 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
Highlands by GMW is a solid offering that delivers good entertainment value. The 95.14% RTP combined with medium low volatility creates a well-balanced gaming experience.