In the fast-moving world of online slots, two iconic titles from Playtech—Great Blue and Highway Kings—remain player favorites. Both are known for their classic gameplay styles and nostalgic appeal. But in 2025, when payout potential matters more than ever, one key question remains: Which of these two classics offers better returns today?

This article dives deep into their RTP rates, volatility, bonus features, and overall player value. Whether you’re a seasoned slot enthusiast or just getting started, this guide will help you make an informed choice.

Great Blue: The Deep-Sea Adventure

• Developer: Playtech
• Reels/Paylines: 5 reels / 25 paylines
• RTP (Return to Player): 94.3%
• Volatility: Medium

Great Blue immerses players in an underwater adventure, offering high volatility gameplay with the potential for significant wins, especially during its free spins feature.

Highway Kings: The Road to Steady Wins

• Developer: Playtech
• Reels/Paylines: 5 reels / 9 paylines
• RTP (Return to Player): 97.06%
• Volatility: Low

Highway Kings takes players on a trucking journey, delivering straightforward gameplay with a higher RTP, making it appealing for those seeking consistent returns.

RTP and Volatility Breakdown

Slot Game	RTP (%)	Volatility
Great Blue	94.3	Medium
Highway Kings	97.06	Low

When comparing these two Playtech classics, Highway Kings comes out on top in terms of Return to Player (RTP), offering a generous 97.06%, which is well above the industry average of 96%. This means that over a long period of gameplay, players are statistically more likely to receive a higher percentage of their bets back.

In contrast, Great Blue features a lower RTP at 94.3%, but compensates with a medium volatility level. This strikes a balance between risk and reward—offering a mix of moderate payouts and occasional large wins, particularly through its bonus rounds.

If you’re seeking more consistent, lower-risk returns, Highway Kings is the clear winner. However, for players chasing bigger thrill and win potential in a single spin, Great Blue still holds its charm.

Bonus Features and Win Potential

Great Blue Features

• Free Spins & Sea Shells Bonus: Triggering three or more pearl scatter symbols activates the Sea Shells Bonus, awarding 8 free spins with a 2x multiplier. Players then select two out of five shells, potentially increasing the total to 33 free spins and up to a 15x multiplier. This bonus round can be retriggered during free spins. 
• Wild Symbol: The orca symbol serves as the wild, substituting for other symbols (except scatters) and doubling the payout of any win it contributes to.
• Scatter Symbol: The pearl shell acts as the scatter. Landing five scatter symbols can award up to 500x your bet.

Highway Kings Features

• Wild Symbol: The red truck symbol functions as the wild, substituting for other symbols and doubling the payout of any win it contributes to.
• Scatter Symbol: The exhaust pipe symbol serves as the scatter, offering payouts when appearing anywhere on the reels. Two scatters pay 1x, three pay 5x, four pay 10x, and five pay 100x your bet.

Great Blue offers more dynamic bonus features with its free spins and multipliers, enhancing its win potential.

4.  Mobile & Platform Accessibility in 2025

• Great Blue: Available on desktop and mobile platforms, including iOS and Android, ensuring seamless gameplay on the go.
• Highway Kings: Also accessible on multiple devices, offering flexibility for players.

Both games are equally accessible, providing players with the convenience of playing anytime, anywhere.

Player Experience & Popularity Trends

As we move further into 2025, player sentiment and gameplay trends reflect clear preferences tied to individual gaming styles and risk appetite.

Great Blue continues to attract thrill-seekers and high-volatility enthusiasts. Its deep-sea theme, dynamic bonus rounds, and potential for massive multipliers—up to 15x during free spins—give it an enduring appeal. However, its relatively low RTP (94.3%) means players must be prepared for dry spells. The slot is especially popular in Asian and European markets, where players often gravitate toward high-risk, high-reward mechanics.

On the other hand, Highway Kings has cultivated a loyal following among casual players and budget-conscious spinners. Its simple 5×9 layout, coupled with a standout RTP of 97.06%, appeals to those seeking more frequent, smaller wins. Its vintage, road-trip-inspired visuals may lack modern flash, but they offer a sense of nostalgia that resonates with long-time slot fans. The game is widely accessible and optimized for mobile, making it a staple on iGaming platforms worldwide.

According to Google Trends, searches for “Highway Kings RTP” have surged 12% YoY, while “Great Blue slot bonus round” remains a top query in regions like Southeast Asia and Latin America.

Final Verdict: Which Slot Pays More in 2025?

When it comes to sheer return potential, Highway Kings is the better-paying slot in 2025—on paper. Its 97.06% RTP significantly outperforms Great Blue’s 94.3%, and its low volatility makes it ideal for players looking to stretch their bankroll and enjoy sustained gameplay.

However, the definition of “pays more” depends on your player profile:

• If you’re a risk-averse player who values consistency and a mathematically stronger edge over time, Highway Kings is the optimal choice.
• If you’re a risk-tolerant player looking for high variance, adrenaline-fueled sessions, and potentially massive payouts, Great Blue delivers a more exciting experience—especially during its iconic free spins feature.

“There’s room for both titles in a smart player’s rotation. It’s about knowing your goals—grind or gamble,” says Jack Chen, a casino strategy consultant and game tester.

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