Whether you began your slot games adventure at the old-school Vegas slot machines or have been playing online from the start, you might be used to simple slot games with a certain number of symbols per reel and a few paylines. This all changes when you play a Megaways slot.
Using innovative technology, Megaways slots allow the number of symbols appearing on a reel to vary per spin. This means there can be hundreds of thousands of ways to win on any spin because you only need to land the same symbol anywhere on successive reels.
Here we’ll go into some detail about the best Megaways slots out there.
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What are Megaways Slots?
Megaways slots were first developed by the Australian slot game provider Big Time Gaming. But nowadays, other providers license the mechanic so that you can find a good selection of these games at your favourite online casino.
The first Megaways slot was Bonanza (which we’ll go into more detail about later), which was launched in 2016 – since then, these slots have grown hugely in popularity.
As the number of symbols on each reel can change for every spin, you have many more chances of matching symbols than when you play a standard slot game. As Megaways slots often have over 117,000 ways to win, it makes sense that the potential payout amounts can be out of this world.
Of course, when there are so many more potential combinations, you also increase your chances of triggering a bonus round, which can sometimes be the most fun and immersive part of a slot game.
How do Megaways Slots Work?
If you’re wondering how Megaways slots work, it’s all based on math. These slot games use a mathematical model randomly changing the number of symbols on each reel. This can be between two and seven, and depending on the number of reels the slot has, it can lead to up to 117,649 ways to win.
If you compare this to a regular slot with about 20-30 paylines, you’ll understand why Megaways are so popular.
To determine how many ways to win on a specific slot, you can multiply the number of possible symbols per reel by the number of reels. So, for example, if you have a six-reel slot:
7x7x7x7x7x7 = 117,649
To win on a regular slot game, you’ll need to match symbols on particular paylines. But if you’re playing a Megaways slot, you need to match three or more symbols from left to right anywhere on adjacent reels, and you’ll trigger a win. Of course, the amount you win will depend on the symbols you match. Similarly to other slot games, most Megaways slots have high and low-value symbols.
Best Megaways Slots
Now that we’ve answered the question “what are Megaways slots?”, you’re ready to start playing. Nowadays, numerous software providers develop these slots, so hundreds are out there.
As with all slot games, some Megaways slots are better than others. There are factors like RTP, potential payouts, and themes to consider when choosing a Megaways slot to play.
We’ve put together our Megaways slots list below to help you find the perfect one for you.
88 Fortunes
If you loved the original 88 Fortunes slot, you’d enjoy the Megaways version by Scientific Games. It’s brimming with opulent, golden symbols, and you can play for between 0.88 and 88 of your currency per spin in keeping with the theme.
When you increase your wager, some of the standard symbols will turn gold, increasing your potential payouts. The RTP of this slot is 96.06%, which is pretty good, and as there are six reels, you can look forward to the full 117,649 ways to win.
To trigger the bonus round, you need to land three scatter symbols, and then you’ll enter a Coin Pick round – if you match three coins, you can get 10, 12 or 15 free spins with multipliers of 6x, 4x and 2x, respectively.
Buffalo Rising
Make your way down to the American plains and try out Buffalo Rising, a six-reel Megaways slot with 117,649 ways to win. The RTP of this game is 96.50%, and you can play for between 0.10 and 10 per spin.
Developed by Blueprint Gaming, Buffalo Rising Megaways will see you searching for symbols that include moose, wolves, and the buffalo, which is the highest-value symbol and can land you the biggest win, especially if you match five of them.
You’ll also be looking out for the scatter symbols, and if you land four of these, you’ll trigger the bonus round. Choose up to 15 free spins with different multipliers, or select a mystery number of free spins for an extra thrill.
Bonanza
Bonanza was the first of all Megaways slots, so it’s great for first-timers. Developed by Big Time Gaming, Bonanza is mining-themed, so you’ll be looking out for vibrantly-coloured precious gem symbols to trigger a win.
Bonanza has a special “Reactions” feature, where if you have a win, the winning symbols will disappear and make room for more symbols and potentially another win. If you land the scatter symbols (G,O,L and D) , you’ll trigger the free spins feature, and what’s even better, theReaction feature still takes place even on free spins.
This slot game has an RTP of 96%, which is in line with other modern slots, and with six reels, you can look forward to 117,649 ways to win.
Aztec Gold
iSoftBet’s Aztec Gold will transport you back to an ancient treasure-filled world. The golden riches theme is what we look for in a slot game, and some of the high-value symbols include jungle animals like jaguars and snakes.
When playing, look out for the Aztec Gold Cash Respin feature, which you’ll unlock when you land five Sun Disc scatters. These will lock into place during your spins, and any more scatters will award you with additional spins.
Aztec Gold Megaways has six reels (117,649 ways to win) and a theoretical RTP of 95.99%. You can win up to 19,00x times your stake, anywhere from 0.20 to 20 per spin.
Vikings Unleashed
You’ll take a voyage across the seven seas when you play Blueprint Gaming’s Viking’s Unleashed Megaways slot. As is the case with most Megaways games, there are 117,649 ways to win), the RTP is 96.5%, and you can potentially win up to 50,000x your stake.
Look out for themed symbols like magicians, adventurers and course, Vikings. There are also scatter symbols; if you land four or more of these, you’ll trigger the free spins feature. You can get up to 27 free spins, and within the round, there is no limit to the multiplier.
There’s also a cascading reel feature where if you trigger a win, the winning symbols will disappear and be replaced with new symbols – in other words; it’s an extra chance at a win each time!
Extra Chilli
Extra Chilli might be one of the best Megaways slots for you if you want to turn up the heat. From the pioneers of the Megaways industry, Big Time Gaming, Extra Chilli is a spicy slot that includes hot symbols like different coloured chillies.
If you land three scatters, you’ll trigger some free spins, but there are other ways to get these, like getting a bowl of chillies symbol below the main gameplay area.
The RTP of this slot game is 96.41%, and it’s a high-volatility slot. It has six reels, so there are the standard 117,649 ways to win, and you can win up to 20,000x your bet. If you loved the original Bonanza slot, this follow-up has excellent new features.
Gods Of Olympus
There are many Ancient Greek-themed slot games, but we think Olympus is one of the best Megaways slots. In this Blueprint Gaming slot, the symbols to look out for are the Gods, with Zeus being the main one.
The RTP of this slot is 96.03%, and you can win up to 10,000 times your bet amount. This slot has a maximum of five symbols per reel, so the total number of ways to win is 15,625.
The free spins round is one of the most exciting we’ve seen. Depending on how many scatters you land, you’ll get a certain amount of free spins. Within the bonus round, you can get huge multipliers, additional free spins and more.
White Rabbit
White Rabbit Megaways by Big Time Gaming has five reels, so while it doesn’t have the full amount of paylines, there are still a respectable 16,807 ways to win. This game has an RTP of 97.77% and medium-high volatility.
This slot game is based on the classic Alice in Wonderland, so symbols include characters like the Queen of Hearts and the Cheshire Cat. To get to the bonus round, you’ll need to land three scatters, and an exceptional feature here is that the gameplay area can expand for even better chances to win.
Irish Riches
This top Megaways slot by Blueprint Gaming is a great way to channel the Luck of the Irish! The main symbols here are emeralds for the Emerald Isle and, of course, pots of gold. This is a six-reel slot with 117,649 ways to win, and you can look forward to a good RTP of 96.93%
There’s a bonus round that you’ll trigger when you land three scatters, plus this slot features cascading reels that replace winning symbols with new ones. A most exciting feature of Irish Riches is that it’s linked to the Jackpot King network, which means that you could have a chance to win huge prizes, including a progressive jackpot.
Medusa
Medusa Megaways is another game based on mythology. This one, by NextGen Gaming, is a six-reel slot with 117,649 ways to win and a 96.28% RTP. As you journey through Ancient Greece, you’ll look to match symbols like warriors, Pegasus, and Medusa herself. If you’re lucky, you could walk away with a win of up to 50,000x your stake.
The bonus features have themed names like Medusa’s Gaze, Snake Strike and Temptation, and if you land three scatters, you’ll get into the free spins round. There’s an unlimited multiplier, and if you’re feeling extra lucky when you finish your spins, you can choose to re-play the round for a chance at an even bigger win.
How to Play Megaways Slots?
As all slot games – including Megaways – use Random Number Generator technology, there’s no real skill or strategy. The best thing to do is to read up on the available games and choose the one you prefer based on theme, number of ways to win, max win amounts, and bonus rounds.
Often, you can demo the games before you decide to play with real money, which allows you to get a feel for things before committing. Always start with a stake that you feel comfortable with, even if this means playing low-value spins.
Megaways Slots Features:
Megaways slots have many unique features, often more than you’d expect to find when playing a regular slot game. These are a few of the main features to look out for.
Cascading Reels
The cascading reels feature means that when you trigger a win, the winning symbols will disappear and be replaced with other symbols. You have an extra chance of winning without needing to pay for another spin. Cascading reels can usually happen multiple times, so this feature won’t stop until you stop winning.
Free Spins
Free spins are exactly what they sound like – spins that you don’t pay for. You can trigger them by landing certain symbols while playing. These are valued at the same stake as what you’re playing for, but they can come with multipliers, meaning that you might win a lot more from free spins than regular spins.
Unlimited Win Multiplier
Within the bonus round on specific Megaways slots, you’ll start with a certain multiplier. On games with unlimited multipliers, your multiplier will increase every time you have a win up to an unlimited number. This is how you could potentially win big on a free spins round.
Mystery Symbols
Mystery symbols aren’t part of the usual suite of symbols used in a game, but they can have a purpose in helping you secure a big win or open up a bonus feature. Usually, a mystery symbol appears as something like a question mark but can transform into another symbol to trigger a win.
Bonus Games
Bonus games are special features triggered by landing certain symbols or buying the bonus. These games tend to be a little more interactive than regular spins and even better than free spins in some cases, as they take the form of a mini-game.
Bonus Buy Feature
Some of the best Megaways slots now allow you to buy your way into the bonus round. If you find this a more entertaining way to play, we’d recommend giving it a try. You usually have to pay a certain amount (like 100x your stake), and then you’ll get the free spins or other bonus features.
Megaways Slots RTP
The RTP (Return to Player Percentage) of a game is the amount of money staked on a game that should theoretically return to players over time. For example, if a slot game has an RTP of 96%, players should get back 96 on every 100 staked. This isn’t exact, and it works over a period of time, so it might not apply to an individual gaming session.
All modern slot games, including the best Megaways slots, should have an RTP of between 95% and 98%. You’ll probably notice that most Megaways slots have an RTP of around 96%, but this can be a little more, for example, if you use a bonus buy feature.
Conclusion
It’s worth playing Megaways slots, as they offer many ways to win. Even better, they’re usually jam-packed with unique features that increase your chances to win and can be fun and interactive.
With so many fun themes to choose from, we’re confident you’ll find a Megaways slot that suits you.
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