Curious what Ways of Athena actually feels like to play? Here's our full, no-fluff take. This is a Thunderkick game, sitting firmly in the a high volatility profile bracket and paying back a return-to-player rate of 94.21%. The maximum win sits at 25,000x, so there's serious upside on the table. You get 10 paylines across 5 reels, all built around a gods and fantasy theme. So does it deliver? Let's get into it.
Written by Michael Torres · Last updated: January 2026
Ways of Athena is a release from Thunderkick, themed around gods and fantasy and powered by 10 paylines across 5 reels. The result is a high-variance maths model paired with a published RTP of 94.21%.
The mechanics are what make Ways of Athena interesting. Look out for scatter symbols that unlock free spins and extra bonus rounds. The high volatility means patience is rewarded — expect quiet spells broken by bigger hits. On balance, Ways of Athena is a no-frills option worth a few spins in the demo first.
The RTP of 94.21% is below the industry average of ~96%. This is common for older slots or those with special features. The lower RTP may be offset by unique mechanics or higher maximum win potential.
High volatility means longer gaps between wins, but when wins do land, they can be significantly larger. A bigger bankroll and patience are recommended for this type of slot.
About 1 in 3 spins results in a win. This is a moderate hit frequency that balances win frequency with payout size.
Ways of Athena 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.
2.6 / 5 — Average
Ways of Athena by Thunderkick provides a straightforward slot experience. While it may not break new ground, it offers high volatility gameplay that will appeal to certain player preferences.