No other casino game can match the appeal of slots, and their ever-increasing popularity stems from their affordability, variety, extra features, and availability.
Game-making studios’ attempts to enhance the entertainment value of slots have resulted in the creation of the so-called Megaways slots, which stole the limelight right away. These games have taken the gambling industry by storm, and the mind-blowing winning opportunities they offer make players gravitate toward this type of slot.
Gambling enthusiasts who have never tried slots that use this ground-breaking mechanic do not have to search hard, because a constantly growing number of software developers now focus on creating them. Read on to learn more about this game-changing mechanic and the fan-favorite games that feature it.
The Ins and Outs of Megaways Slots
The Megaways mechanic has brought far-reaching changes to the way slots work, so we will explain what it is all about. Many reel spinners have probably noticed that more and more software developers are adding Megaways to their titles, but Big Time Gaming designed and patented this game engine. It all started with the release of Bonanza Megaways, the first slot to employ this innovative mechanic.
These games typically use six reels, and the number of win lines changes each time players hit the spin button. The reel-modifying mechanic changes with every round, and the more symbols that land on the reels, the better.
At first, players may find it confusing, because they expect a multi-payline slot. However, these games do away with the traditional paylines players are used to seeing in standard slots.
As a result, such slots are far more action-packed. Unlike ordinary games that have a predetermined number of ways to win, with Megaways slots, the winnings opportunities are almost endless, which is the source of their appeal.
How Does the Megaways Mechanic Work
Now let’s get to the heart of the matter and explain how the Megaways mechanic works and how it is set up. As mentioned, the hallmark of these slots is that the number of win lines is not fixed; it changes with every spin. For example, in a slot with six reels, the number of icons that can land on each reel ranges from two to seven. By comparison, slots that rely on the 243-ways-to-win mechanic have three rows and five reels.
Because the reel modifier produces different outcomes on every spin, players can determine the number of active Megaways in the current round only by multiplying the number of symbols that have landed on each reel.
If two symbols appear on each reel, the total is 324 Megaways (2x2x2x2x2x2). The maximum of 117,649 Megaways is triggered when all six reels display seven symbols each (7x7x7x7x7x7). It should be noted, however, that some Megaways slots include an extra reel pinned above the main grid. The number of icons it contains varies by game, but it typically adds four extra symbols.
As you can see, the number of Megaways adjusts according to the changing rows; in our example it can drop to 324 or rise to 117,649.
Reel spinners should remember that the number of Megaways varies greatly between the different slots, and in some titles it can reach 586,971. Players may also encounter slots with 4,096, 15,625, 16,807, or 46,656 ways to win, but the underlying principle remains the same. Of course, players should know that the chances of hitting all possible Megaways on a single spin are extremely slim.
The variable number of rows is not the only difference. Players should also remember that the way winning combinations are completed is also not the same as with regular slots. You will receive a payout whenever matching icons land on adjacent reels, regardless of their exact positions. Importantly, winning combinations can form from left to right and right to left.
Providers of Megaways Slots
The team at Big Time Gaming developed the innovative slot mechanic, but numerous other software developers have since embraced it, which is hardly surprising considering how popular these games have become.
After the mechanic took the industry by storm, both established and up-and-coming studios turned their attention to it. Many providers now use the Megaways engine to breathe new life into titles that have already become fan favorites.
NetEnt, iSoftBet, and Red Tiger are just a few of the studios that have launched games powered by Big Time Gaming’s engine. Others, such as Blueprint Gaming, Relax Gaming, Iron Dog Studios, WMS, and Barcrest, have followed suit.
Microgaming also reached an agreement with Big Time Gaming to use the Megaways engine. In early 2020, the Isle of Man-based provider released Shamrock Holmes Megaways, its first title featuring the mechanism. This detective-themed video slot offers up to 117,649 ways to win.
Microgaming Megaways Releases
iSoftBet Megaways Releases
Blueprint Gaming Megaways Releases
Relax Gaming Megaways Releases
Iron Dog Studios Megaways Releases
WMS Megaways Releases
Barcrest Megaways Releases
Microgaming Megaways Releases
- Shamrock Holmes Megaways
- Ancient Fortunes: Poseidon Megaways
- 8 Golden Skulls of Holly Roger Megaways
- Forgotten Island Megaways
- Juicy Joker Megaways
iSoftBet Megaways Releases
- Aztec Gold Megaways
- Majestic Megaways
- Dragon Match Megaways
- Western Gold Megaways
- Moriarty Megaways
Blueprint Gaming Megaways Releases
- Return of Kong Megaways
- Deal or No Deal Megaways
- Buffalo Rising All Action Megaways
- Diamond Mine Megaways
- Gods of Olympus
Relax Gaming Megaways Releases
- Temple Tumble Megaways
- Machina Megaways
- Hypernova Megaways
Iron Dog Studios Megaways Releases
- Rainbow Wilds Megaways
- Megaways Jack
- 1 Million BC Megaways
- Pirate Kingdom Megaways
- Astro Newts Megaways
WMS Megaways Releases
- Spartacus Megaways
- Montezuma Megaways
- Raging Rhino Megaways
Barcrest Megaways Releases
- Beetlejuice Megaways
- Rainbow Riches Megaways
What Bonus Features to Expect from Megaways Slots
Megaways slots are instant attention-grabbers, not only because of the increased winning opportunities they offer, but also because of their special features. However, the reel-modifying mechanic should not make players assume that these slots lack flair or bonus content.
When it comes to bonus features, Megaways slots are similar to regular slots, and players can enjoy nearly the same array of extras.
Free Spins
The Buy Bonus Feature
Wild Win Multipliers
Cascading Reels
Mystery Bonus Feature
Free Spins
First, the free spins feature is one of the most widely used special features not only across Megaways slots but across slots in general. Players may enjoy the spinning action even more because some of these games include free-spin rounds with no cap on re-triggers. Depending on the slot you choose, you might also come across games that award free spins during which a preset number of Megaways is active.
The Buy Bonus Feature
Another special feature that software providers often add to their Megaways slots is the Buy Bonus feature, and White Rabbit by Big Time Gaming was the first game to showcase it. As the name suggests, activating this mechanic lets players skip the wait and jump straight into the side game.
Of course, this convenience comes at a price, and the amount deducted from the balance is between 50x and 100x the stake. Some games are even more extreme, charging up to 200x the stake for the Buy Bonus feature.
Wild Win Multipliers
While spinning the reels of Megaways slots, players may also encounter wild win multipliers. The way these multipliers work can vary greatly from one slot to another, but players should note that they usually appear only on specific reels. Either way, landing such symbols can lead to sizable prizes, so it is worth checking whether a slot offers this mechanic.
Cascading Reels
Cascading reels, featured in most Megaways slots, can also lead to impressive payouts. This bonus feature is activated whenever a winning combination is formed; the symbols involved disappear, making room for new ones that may create another win. The cascade continues until no further winning combinations appear.
Mystery Bonus Feature
Some Megaways slots keep players on the edge of their seats by including a mystery bonus feature. When mystery symbols appear, they transform a randomly picked symbol into one of the icons already on the reels, which can lead to generous prizes.
These are the most common bonus features you can expect when enjoying Megaways slots, but there is still much more to explore.
Megaways and Jackpot Slots Which Are Better
While learning the nuts and bolts of Megaways slots, some players wonder whether these games outperform titles linked to progressive jackpot prizes. It is hard to give a definitive answer, because both types of slot have their own appeal.
With Megaways slots, the winnings players can potentially come by can turn out to be quite handsome, but the amount they can walk away with is always capped. In progressive jackpot slots, however, the prize pool grows continuously until a lucky player hits the jackpot.
Both Megaways and progressive jackpot slots have their strengths and drawbacks, but if you want to win big, progressive jackpot slots are your best bet.
What Are Megacluster and Megaquads Slots
Slots have undergone massive innovation in recent years, giving players a much wider variety of reel set-ups and bonus mechanics.
Developers therefore need to be imaginative to ensure their games whet players’ appetite for spinning adventures. Several game-changing payout technologies have appeared over the years, and cluster pays and Megaways slots are just two examples. Megacluster slots are among the newest innovations in the world of online slots, and once again, Big Time Gaming is the software developer behind this trailblazing technology.
The studio has been striving to create slots that replicate, or at least approach, the popularity Megaways titles have achieved, which is understandable. In Megacluster slots, players still use the standard cluster-pay mechanics, where a cluster of identical symbols landing vertically, horizontally, or diagonally counts as a win. The expanding reel area, however, is what makes these games stand out. Initially, these slots operate on a 4×4 grid, providing only 16 Megaclusters.
When a winning cluster lands, the symbols in it disappear, and four smaller icons of the same type replace each one, rather than the traditional cascading reels used in Megaways slots. This increases the chance of further wins, and the chain reaction continues until no new clusters are formed. Once no more wins occur, the grid reverts to its original shape.
Megacluster Slots
| Name |
Kluster Krystals Megacluster |
| Release Date |
2021 |
| Software Studio |
Relax Gaming |
| Theme |
Crystals |
| Reel Grid |
5×5 |
| Bet Limits |
$0.10-$100 |
| Maximum Win |
9,921.7x the staked amount |
| Special Features |
Symbol upgrade, multiplier feature, free spins, and three mini features, including Krystal Vanish, Krystal Boost, and Krystal Kut |
| Theoretical Return |
96.49% |
| Volatility Level |
High volatility |
| Name |
Cyberslot Megaclusters |
| Release Date |
2020 |
| Software Studio |
Big Time Gaming |
| Theme |
Space theme |
| Reel Grid |
3×3 |
| Bet Limits |
$0.20-$20 |
| Maximum Win |
23,960x the staked amount |
| Special Features |
Reactions, three wild icons, roaming wild, win multiplier, and free spins |
| Theoretical Return |
96.54% |
| Volatility Level |
High volatility |
Big Time Gaming is once again in the spotlight because it also introduced slots with the Megaquads reel mechanic. The biggest peculiarity of such slots is that there are four reel matrices to look out for. All four matrices feature four rows and four reels, and each offers 256 ways to win. When you consider all four grids together, this adds up to a total of 1,024 ways to form a winning combo on every spin.
Megaquads Slots
| Name |
Slot Vegas Megaquads |
| Release Date |
2020 |
| Software Studio |
Big Time Gaming |
| Theme |
Las Vegas |
| Reel Grid |
Four separate 4×4 reel engines |
| Bet Limits |
$0.20-$20 |
| Maximum Win |
25,200x the staked amount |
| Special Features |
Symbol multiplier feature, rainbow wild bonus feature, and free spins feature |
| Theoretical Return |
96.59% |
| Volatility Level |
High volatility |
As you can see, such slots offer plenty of action, and playing them is essentially like betting on four games at once.
The Best Slots that Rely on the Megaways Mechanic
Gonzo’s Quest Megaways
Odin Infinity Reels Megaways
Gods of Olympus Megaways
Wheel of Fortune Megaways
Divine Fortune Megaways
Gonzo’s Quest Megaways
| Gonzo’s Quest Megaways |
| Provider | NetEnt and Red Tiger |
| Theme | Mayan theme |
| Number of Reels | 6 |
| Megaways | Up to 117,649 |
| Minimum Bet | $0.10 |
| Maximum Bet | $100 |
| RTP | 96.00% |
| Bonus Features | Avalanche feature, Avalanche multiplier, earthquake feature, free fall feature, and unbreakable wilds feature |
Gonzo’s Quest Megaways is a recreation of the iconic NetEnt-powered slot Gonzo’s Quest, which caused a stir among reel spinners. Like the original, the Megaways version lets players accompany Gonzo on his quest for El Dorado and enjoy every moment of their betting session.
This version is no less entertaining, especially because the winning opportunities have increased to 117,649, and players can walk away with up to 21,000x the stake.
The game’s layout is typical for the genre, featuring six reels that can each display up to seven symbols. Players should note, however, that this is a high-variance slot, so larger wins may take longer to land.
The crisp visuals are impressive, yet it is the bonus features that elevate the experience. The Avalanche feature and its corresponding multiplier can produce hefty payouts, but they are not the only extras. Players may also benefit from the unbreakable wilds feature, where wilds involved in a win remain on the reels, and from the earthquake feature, which removes all low-value symbols from the grid.
Finally, keep an eye out for the Free Fall feature, which awards a varying number of bonus spins, during which the win multiplier remains active.
Odin Infinity Reels Megaways
| Odin Infinity Reels Megaways |
| Provider | ReelPlay |
| Number of Reels | The number of the reels starts from 3 and can increase infinitely |
| Megaways | Infinite |
| Theme | Norse mythology |
| Minimum Bet | $0.30 |
| Maximum Bet | $90 |
| RTP | 96.18% |
| Bonus Features | Rounds of free spins, jackpot feature, and symbol multiplier feature |
Odin Infinity Reels comes from the portfolio of the up-and-coming developer ReelPlay and can be played for as little as $0.30 or as much as $90. As its name suggests, the game is based on Norse mythology, but the theme is not the only draw. It combines the Megaways and Infinity Reels mechanics, which truly makes it stand out from the crowd.
When the game starts, players see only three reels; an extra reel is added whenever the rightmost reel improves a winning combination. This process continues until no further wins are formed. Each reel can display up to five symbols.
The slot is attractive partly because a single spin can yield up to 20,000x the stake. Odin Infinity Reels Megaways boasts an RTP of 96.18%, which is above the industry average and adds to its appeal.
The game offers three bonus features, with the jackpot being the most enticing. It triggers after a streak of wins that expands the reels to 12 or more, awarding a non-progressive jackpot of 888x the selected bet amount. The slot also includes a free-spins feature, activated when five Gungnir symbols land at once. Two wheels then appear: one awards up to 12 free spins, and the other determines the free-spin level.
Finally, a symbol multiplier increases in value with each winning combination, and, best of all, it has no upper limit.
Gods of Olympus Megaways
| Gods of Olympus Megaways |
| Provider | Blueprint Gaming |
| Theme | Greek mythology |
| Number of Reels | six |
| Megaways | Up to 15,625 |
| Minimum Bet | $0.10 |
| Maximum Bet | $10 |
| RTP | 96.03% in the main game; 96.65% and 96.91% after the bonus bet feature is activated |
| Bonus Features | Bonus guarantee feature, four types of free spins features, and randomly activated power spins modifiers |
Designed by Blueprint Gaming, Gods of Olympus Megaways is another compelling slot that uses the Megaways engine. The look and feel of this video slot remain consistent whether you play on desktop or on the go.
There is no denying that this video slot is aesthetically pleasing, and players who enjoy titles based on Greek mythology will certainly appreciate its well-crafted graphics and animations.
During play, players are presented with six reels, each of which can hold up to five symbols. This setup delivers as few as 64 Megaways and as many as 15,625, making Gods of Olympus well worth a spin.
But the appeal of Gods of Olympus extends beyond its visuals. The game includes randomly activated Power Spins modifiers that grant access to one of five features: Wild Thunder, Colossal Thunder, Mystery Thunder, Respin Thunder, and Bonus Thunder.
Each feature introduces its own perks, such as extra scatter symbols, mystery symbols, wild multipliers, or sticky icons. The slot is far from light on extras, also offering four distinct free-spin modes.
Players can even purchase direct entry to a chosen feature through the Buy Bonus option. Every spin carries the potential for a maximum payout of 10,000x the stake.
Wheel of Fortune Megaways
| Wheel of Fortune Megaways |
| Provider | IGT |
| Theme | TV show |
| Number of Reels | six |
| Megaways | Up to 1 million |
| Minimum Bet | $0.20 |
| Maximum Bet | $200 |
| RTP | 96.46% |
| Bonus Features | Rounds of free spins, megastacks feature, and expansion symbol |
Wheel of Fortune Megaways is a video slot themed after the famous TV show that attracts millions of viewers. Developed by IGT and Big Time Gaming, it is one of the most impressive Megaways slots, offering up to one million ways to win. In the base game, the number of Megaways is 117,649.
The game’s RTP is an above-average 96.46%, and bet limits ranging from $0.20 to $200 make it suitable for players with any bankroll. The maximum payout is also impressive, capping at 80,150x the stake.
Players appreciate this slot not only for its distinctive payout structure but also for its bonus features. The game-show setting is immediately recognizable, yet the Wild Megastack feature often steals the spotlight. When triggered, it creates a wild megastack composed of seven wild symbols. Even better, the feature can activate during free spins, at which point the megastack grows to ten wilds.
The free spins feature is another highlight. Depending on the number of scatters that land, players receive between 12 and 18 free spins. During the round, each reel can expand to show up to ten symbols. If all reels reach their maximum height, the number of Megaways climbs to one million, giving players a shot at the top prize.
The potential for big wins rises even further because, in addition to Wild Megastacks, a special expanding symbol is active during free spins.
Divine Fortune Megaways
| Divine Fortune Megaways |
| Provider | NetEnt |
| Theme | Greek mythology |
| Number of Reels | six |
| Megaways | 117,649 |
| Minimum Bet | $0.10 |
| Maximum Bet | $100 |
| RTP | 96.09% |
| Bonus Features | Free spins, falling wilds re-spin feature, wild on wild feature, and expanding wilds |
Divine Fortune is another iconic NetEnt slot that has been reinvented with the Megaways mechanic. In this version, players spin six reels with up to 117,649 ways to win. Achieving the maximum number of Megaways requires seven symbols on each reel.
Divine Fortune Megaways is truly engaging, and the maximum possible win of 38,000x the stake only enhances its appeal. To start playing, wagers can be set between $0.10 and $100, after which players can try to trigger one of the slot’s many bonus features.
Much like other NetEnt releases, Divine Fortune also stands out with its glossy visuals, but the gameplay is equally impressive. Landing four to six scatters activates the free-spins feature, awarding between 10 and 20 free rounds. During the feature, three special symbols may appear, and expanding wilds come into play.
The slot’s extras are quite uncommon. The Falling Wilds Re-Spin feature, for instance, is rarely seen elsewhere. Likewise, the Wild-on-Wild feature can deliver substantial payouts by filling a reel with up to seven stacked wilds.
