Secret of the Stones

First Impressions

Secret of the Stones is a visually rich slot from NetEnt, instantly pulling you into a mystic Celtic world straight from the first spin. The objective is classic: line up matching symbols across five reels and up to 25 paylines, all while hoping that the enigmatic stones reveal generous secrets through bonus features. This game feels tailored for those who want an atmospheric and relaxed spinning session, though there are moments of suspense during bonus rounds that can please players chasing bigger wins.

How the Game Works

At its heart, Secret of the Stones slot is straightforward and easy to pick up, making it suitable for both casual spinners and players with more experience. You'll find five reels, three rows, and up to 25 adjustable paylines. The symbols are strongly themed—expect intricately carved stone animals, ancient trees, traditional card letters given a stylized Celtic twist, and the Druid himself acting as the wild symbol.

Special attention should be given to the scatter symbol. Three or more scatters anywhere on the reels trigger the highlight of the game: a free spins feature with an interactive picking bonus. Before your 10 free spins start, you choose from 20 hidden stones, with each pick awarding extra wilds, multipliers, or additional free spins, depending on how many scatters you landed. Wilds substitute for all symbols except scatters and can appear stacked, offering more chances at big wins.

Betting is adjustable to your comfort level. Coin values start low, with a range from 0.02 to 0.5, and bet levels from 1 to 10. This allows spins as modest as $0.25 all the way up to $125, depending on your choices. Autoplay is available for those who prefer to watch the action unfold hands-free.

Visuals and Atmosphere

This game stands out immediately for its art. Secret of the Stones is one of NetEnt’s prettier releases, set against a digital watercolor backdrop that channels the misty, enchanted woods of ancient Britain and Ireland. Every symbol feels sculpted from stone, tied together through intricate Celtic knot designs. The animations are subtle, neither flashy nor dated, letting you focus squarely on the spinning action while still feeling totally immersed.

Audio isn’t neglected, either. The soundtrack leans into eerie, folk-inspired melodies, with reel sounds reminiscent of stone meeting stone. It's ambient, atmospheric, and stays the right side of unobtrusive. If you prefer spinning in silence, there's an easy mute option right in the controls.

Playing on Different Devices

Secret of the Stones was originally built with desktop players in mind, which means the experience is nearly flawless on computers and laptops—responsive controls, clear layouts, and swift loading. Everything is logically placed, so newcomers won’t feel overwhelmed.

One limitation, however, is that Secret of the Stones is not available on most mobile or tablet platforms, which is quite rare for a NetEnt title. So if you’re a mobile-first or on-the-go player, this game won’t be a match until a newer mobile version is released.

What to Expect from Wins and Bonuses

The Secret of the Stones slot reports an RTP (Return to Player) around 96.7%, which is comfortably above average for online slots. Depending on where you play, the volatility is advertised as low to medium-high—though the dominant player experience is frequent smaller wins punctuated by bursts of excitement during free spins.

Bonus features keep things interesting. Scatter-triggered free spins always add a sense of anticipation, and the stone-picking bonus before the round begins brings real variety to each session. Adding multipliers or turning symbols into wilds can turn a simple spin into a memorable payout.

During a typical session, wins land often enough to delay the need for extra deposits, but expect gradual instead of explosive growth to your balance. Big wins are possible, but they usually rely on stacking wilds or hitting the best combinations during the bonus round.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Secret of the Stones is impressively well designed visually, and the theme doesn’t feel forced or tacked-on—everything works together, from symbols to music, to create a real sense of place. Bonus rounds are interactive and enjoyable, and frequent smaller payouts help keep longer play sessions engaging. Options for setting bet levels and paylines make it suitable for a wide range of budgets and risk appetites.

On the downside, the lack of mobile support is a significant issue in today’s market. Players who enjoy chasing big jackpots may also find the low-to-medium volatility a bit underwhelming, as most wins are moderate rather than transformative. The base game offers standard slot mechanics, so those seeking truly groundbreaking features or complex bonus structures might feel it falls a little flat compared to newer, experimental slots.

Is This Slot For You?

Secret of the Stones is an easy recommendation for those who prioritize beautiful visuals, a relaxed pace, and frequent—if modest—payouts over huge risk-and-reward streaks. New slot players will feel right at home with the intuitive layout and straightforward mechanics, while more advanced players might appreciate the interactive bonus feature, even if they wish for a touch more volatility.

It’s an especially good fit for casual players and desktop users who want a bit of ambient mystique while spinning, or for anyone who enjoys Celtic and fantasy themes. VIPs or high-rollers seeking thrilling swings or mobile-first users should probably skip it for now, unless a new version emerges.

If you're unsure whether this is your style, trying the Secret of the Stones demo or searching for Secret of the Stones free play is a smart move. It’s a cost-free way to discover if the mystical atmosphere and rewarding bonus picks appeal to you, without risking a penny.