Megaways slots are a type of online slot game powered by a dynamic reel mechanic that generates a variable number of symbols on each reel. This gives you up to hundreds of thousands of ways to win with every spin. The Megaways engine delivers fast-paced, unique spins and is typically paired with cascading reels, mystery symbols, and free spins with multipliers.
Megaways Slots
Megaways Pros and Cons:
Pros
- Exciting gameplay variation: The Megaways mechanic makes each spin unique. You never know precisely how many symbols and possible winning combinations will be in place from one moment to the next. The variety of bonuses also helps make for a more unpredictable experience.
- Revolutionary design and creativity: The Megaways system has continued to evolve since it emerged, and developers keep finding new ways to deliver fresh experiences. These include Mystery Free Spins, Pickle Rick Free Spins with increasing win multipliers, Federation Wild Spins with cloning symbols, and a cash-collection mechanic.
- Huge payouts available: Megaways games can award spectacular payouts. For example, Fishin’ Frenzy Megaways pays up to 50,000x your bet, while Great Rhino Megaways has a top prize of 20,000x your bet.
- Something for everyone: There are wide range of themes to choose from, whether you want to try something dark and mysterious (such as Blood Suckers Megaways) or a lighter game, such as Big Bass Bonanza Megaways. Whatever theme you’re looking for, there are enough Megaways titles to appeal to most tastes.
Cons
- Volatility levels: Many Megaways releases are highly volatile. As a result, payouts can be impressive in some cases, but they occur less often than in games with lower volatility. That can bring you long periods of occasional small wins with no hint of a more generous prize.
- Restrictive wagering ranges: The range of bets available in some Megaways releases may be too limiting for specific players, especially high rollers. Check the bet limits before you play to ensure they align with your gambling preferences.
- Intimidating and complicated structure: The Megaways system can be daunting to new players. Cascading symbols and dynamic reels make for a more complex setup than you may be used to if you tend to play traditional slots only. It’s essential to ease yourself into the Megaways experience and acclimate to its fast-moving style.
Features of Megaways Slots
The best Megaways slots include several bonus features. These are crucial for boosting their appeal to players, but they also help to keep the gameplay exciting and fresh. Features offer a quick break from the basic slot spinning, and may transfer the action to different settings or use more dramatic visuals.
Variable Number of Symbols
When you hit the spin button of a Megaways slot, each of the reels will display a random number of symbols, usually from two to seven. This format gives you the chance to land massive winning symbol combinations.
| Type | Reels | Symbols per Reel (Visible) | Total Symbols on Screen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic 3-Reel | 3 | 3 | 9 |
| Video Slot 5x3 | 5 | 3 | 15 |
| Video Slot 5x4 | 5 | 4 | 20 |
| Megaways | 6 | 2–7 (changes every spin) | 64–117,649+ ways to win |
Here are five of the most common features you can expect to find in Megaways releases:
- Cascading reels: Cascading reels are a popular addition to standard slots and are common in most Megaways games. The concept is simple: winning symbols vanish from the reels and new ones fall into the empty positions to replace them. They may form new winning combinations, bringing you another prize on the same paid spin. Numerous cascades can occur on each spin. Bonanza Megaways helped popularize cascading reels.
- Free spins: Free spins features are standard in most slots, including the best Megaways slots. You may trigger these bonus rounds if you land multiple Scatter symbols or use the bonus buy function. These features often include multipliers (see below) and special symbols.
- Increasing multipliers: Megaways games often include increasing multipliers with no limit on how high they can go. These are common in free spins features, and usually increase when cascading reels trigger after a win. As a result, this allows you to win much bigger prizes than are available in the base game.
- Modifiers:Megaways slots can include various modifiers that trigger randomly and change the gameplay in a specific way. These could be expanding symbols, extra Wilds, multipliers, mystery symbols that transform into others, or other bonuses.
- Bonus buy: If you want to play a bonus feature as soon as possible, without waiting for it to trigger organically, you can use the bonus buy function. You’ll need to pay a price, such as 100x your bet or more.
Megaways Bonus Rounds (Free Spins)
To trigger bonus rounds in Megaways slots, you typically have to land a specific number of scatter symbols. Bonus rounds can also be activated via methods like symbol collection, random triggers, and feature buy options.
In Bonanza Megaways, you must land four scatter symbols that spell out the word G-O-L-D to unlock the Free Spins bonus round.
Bonus Rounds can come with a variety of features, extras, and modifiers, such as expanding wilds, progressive multipliers, super-sized symbols, and opportunities to retrigger the feature for extended winning action.
| Slot Game | Bonus Trigger | Spins Awarded | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonanza Megaways | 4 Scatter symbols spelling out G-O-L-D | 12 Spins | Progressive multiplier |
| Twin Spin Megaways | 5 Scatters | 15 Spins | Maximum ways to win, multiplier wilds |
| Dazzle Me Megaways | 4 Scatters | 8 Spins | Guaranteed wild reel on every spin |
| Great Rhino Megaways | 4 Scatters | 5-15 Spins | Progressive multiplier |
What are Megaways Slots?
You may find the revolutionary structure of Megaways titles daunting at first glance, and run a quick search for “Megaways slots explained” online before you start playing. However, these slots are fairly simple to understand.
Here is a simple breakdown of the essentials of Megaways slots online:
- Dynamic reel structure: The main difference between Megaways games and conventional slots is the fluid, fast-moving structure. The number of symbols and possible winning combinations changes from spin to spin. Each reel may show between two and seven symbols, with some landing in a bigger size than others. This variation creates unique reel layouts on every spin.
- Variable ways to win: In Megaways games, you must land matching symbols across adjacent reels (starting at reel 1). Usually, winning combinations consist of three to six identical symbols, though Wild symbols can stand in for others. This system differs from conventional slots that only feature fixed paylines, usually in small numbers. The number of current ways to win is displayed at all times, so you always know how many potential winning combinations are available. It’s common for Megaways games to have 117,649 ways to win, but some have more than 200,000.
- Exciting randomization: The unpredictable nature of Megaways slots provides a fresh, fun alternative to more generic games that may become stale over long play sessions.
- Bonus features: Most Megaways titles boast a substantial selection of bonus features. These vary from slot to slot, but add depth to the experience. They also bring you more opportunities to win.
Comparison Between Megaways Slots & Traditional Slots
How are Megaways slot games different from standard slots? Understanding these differences will help you know what to expect of both game types.
With that in mind, let’s compare Megaways and traditional slots:
- Fluctuating winning ways and symbols: The most significant difference between Megaways games and other slots is the dynamic reels. Each time you tap the ‘spin’ button, the symbol arrangement will change: you may have a 3-4-4-7-6-2 layout, then a 5-5-2-6-6-4, followed by something totally different. The winning combinations available will change again and again, too. But in most traditional slots, the number of symbols on a reel and paylines will stay the same. Some Megaways games adapt and expand on existing conventional slots, such as Divine Fortune Megaways.
- Potential for bigger wins: The payouts available in Megaways releases can far exceed those on offer in traditional slots. For example, Vikings Unleashed Megaways is highly volatile and awards up to 50,000x your bet (thanks to its growing multipliers). That can boost their appeal to players who focus on the size of the potential wins when choosing games.
- Exciting graphics and themes: The quality of the visuals and the theme can have a significant impact on a slot’s appeal. Fortunately, Megaways slots often feature impressive visuals, smooth animation, and captivating themes. Dragon’s Fire Megaways, for instance, boasts an immersive fantasy theme and smouldering fire effects that seem to pop out of the screen.
New Megaways Slots
Best Megaways Slots RTP
Best-Paying Megaways Slots
Megaways Slots vs. Normal Video Slots
Megaways slots and traditional video slots differ in structure, volatility, payout potential, and overall gameplay experience. Below is a direct comparison of their core features.
| Feature | Megaways Slots | Normal Video Slots |
|---|---|---|
| Reel Structure | Random number of symbols per reel on every spin, generated by a dynamic reel system. | Typically a fixed 3 to 5-reel structure. |
| Ways to Win | Varies per spin, often up to 117,649+ ways to win. | Usually between 10 and 50 fixed paylines. |
| Volatility | Most often medium to high volatility. | Ranges from low to high volatility. |
| Max Payout Potential | Generally higher potential, frequently up to 50,000x or more. | Typically between 500x and 5,000x your bet. |
| Bonus Features | Commonly includes cascading reels and multipliers. | Often features free spins, wilds, bonus games, and jackpot wheels. |
| Game Innovation | Variable reel modifiers randomize winning combinations on every spin. | Fixed payline mechanics with consistent symbol counts per reel. |
| Popularity | Appeals to players who enjoy dynamic, layered, and complex gameplay. | Preferred by players who like straightforward, easy-to-follow mechanics. |
| Symbol Count per Reel | Typically 2 to 7 symbols per reel, changing every spin. | Usually fixed at 3 to 5 symbols per reel. |
| Themes | Diverse themes, often adventure or action-focused. | Wide range of themes including fruit machines, horror, food, mythology, and more. |
How to Play Megaways Slots
You complete the sign-up process at an online casino, and you want to take one of the best Megaways slots for a spin right away. What do you do?
To help you get started, here’s a quick and straightforward guide:
- Find the right Megaways slot for you: Browse the range of Megaways games available at your chosen casino carefully, instead of loading the first one that catches your eye. Check out the RTP, the bet limits, and other key details. You can take your pick of themes, whether you want to play an adventurous title like Gonzo’s Quest Megaways or something with a darker edge, such as Blood Suckers Megaways.
- Choose your starting bet: Setting the correct stake for your bankroll and personal wagering limit is crucial. The default bet may be higher than your usual starting stake, so check before diving in. You can change your bet with a quick button tap between paid spins.
- Browse the paytable: Before playing any Megaways slot, take a few minutes to explore the paytable. This should include a complete list of the paying symbols and their values as well as information on the features, RTP, and payouts.
- Start spinning: When you’re satisfied with your starting stake and you’ve checked the paytable, it’s time to hit the ‘spin’ button. The reels will roll, and a random number of ways to win will apply depending on how many symbols land.
- Be prepared for potential cascading wins: Any winning symbols will be removed and replaced by new ones for games featuring cascading reels. That could lead to further wins on that paid spin, pushing your winnings higher.
- Watch out for bonuses: If you manage to trigger bonus features through a certain combination of symbols, or they activate randomly, the gameplay will change slightly. You may get increasing multipliers, respins, free spins, or various other bonuses.
- Look into the bonus buy feature: You can pay a price to trigger bonuses instead of waiting for them to start as usual. While this might save time, it will also mean spending more. Only use the bonus buy feature if you want to pay extra.
- Go hands-free with autoplay: Autoplay is common in Megaways slots. You can set up several automated spins to play at a specific stake by activating this. Players may prefer to use this instead of playing manually.
- Organize your bankroll carefully: Set a limit for your spending before you start playing any Megaways game. Only gamble what you can afford to lose, and keep track of your bankroll to avoid running out of funds sooner than expected. Various responsible-gaming tools and resources are available for players who struggle to control their spending.
Megaways Strategies
Strategies may be more commonly associated with intricate casino games, such as poker and roulette, rather than slots. However, given the unpredictability and volatility of Megaways games, they can be more complex and daunting than standard slots. As a result, you may prefer to use a strategy to get more out of your gaming time.
Here are six strategies for Megaways slots:
- Prioritize slots with a generous RTP: Return to Player (RTP) rates represent the amount that a slot can theoretically pay out in winnings over time. The average for a slot is 96%, equal to $96.00 for each $100 wagered in the long run. Go for games with a high RTP for the best potential winnings. For example, Blood Suckers Megaways has a fantastic RTP of 97.66%.
- Remember volatility when setting your betting limit: As Megaways titles are generally highly volatile, take care when managing your bankroll. Choose a reasonable wagering limit and stop yourself before you exceed that. Keep your bets low to avoid playing through your allocated funds too quickly, which is a risk in high-volatility slots.
- Take advantage of Megaways demos: If you can find a demo of a Megaway slot that catches your eye, play that before the entire game. Demos offer a chance to test the gameplay, volatility, and features with virtual credits (instead of real money). This will give you a clear insight into how the slot works and help you decide whether it’s right for you, with no risk.
- Consider bonus features when choosing Megaways slots: Bonus features can have a big impact on your experience of a Megaways game, so check what’s available before you start playing. They could get in the way of your enjoyment if you find them frustrating, tedious, or unnecessary. But if they make a slot more exciting and interesting to you, that could transform an otherwise average game into something you’ll want to return to.
- Take regular breaks: Setting a time limit for your gambling sessions can help you avoid wagering more than you should and missing out on other activities. Take breaks regularly: make yourself a drink or snack, or get some fresh air. If you leave your screen for a while, you should return to it with a renewed focus and clarity.
- Be careful when you use bonus buy features: The bonus buy option can help you skip straight to a bonus round, but try to use it at the right time to get the most out of it. If you’re getting close to the end of your gambling session and want to try the feature, you may prefer to wager the rest of your allocated budget instead of waiting for it to trigger.
Comparison Between 4 Megaways Slots
Below is a side-by-side comparison of four popular Megaways titles, highlighting their developers, maximum win potential, features, volatility levels, and RTP percentages.
| Feature | Piggy Riches Megaways | The Dog House Megaways | Monopoly Megaways | Buffalo King Megaways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Developer | Red Tiger Gaming | Pragmatic Play | Big Time Gaming | Pragmatic Play |
| Max Win | 10,474x | 12,350x | 14,700x | 5,000x |
| Features | Free spins, progressive multiplier, expanding wilds, avalanches, Megaways | Free spins, sticky wilds, multiplier wilds, Megaways, bonus buy | Free spins, reel adventures, progressive multiplier, Megaways | Free spins, multiplier wilds, bonus buy, Megaways |
| Volatility | High | High | High | High |
| RTP | 95.71% | 96.55% | 96.5% | 96.52% |
The Dog House
The Dog House Megaways is an enhanced revamp of Pragmatic Play’s original slot, combining a pup-tastic theme with the ever-popular Megaways system.
About Megaways
BigTime Gaming (BTG) introduced the Megaways mechanic in 2016. Most assume that it all started with the release of the wildly popular Bonanza Megaways, but the real debut of this innovation was the introduction of Dragon Born Megaways earlier that year. Bonanza ended up being the flagship for BTG’s creation, introducing players to a new and exciting slot experience with big winning potential from variable reels.
Megaways Slots Themes
Adventure: From the depths of South American Jungles to the towering pyramids of ancient Egypt, adventure-themed Megaways slots take you on fantastic journeys to realms unknown. If you have a courageous spirit, you’ll love slots like Aztec Gems Megaways and Captain Kraken Megaways.
Classic: Classic fruit machine-style slots pay homage to where it all began. The iconic card suit and fruit symbols from 1800s one-armed bandit machines are given a modern gloss and paired with colourful, more basic visuals that give you that old-fashioned feeling with cutting-edge features. Notable Megaways titles in this genre include Dazzle Me Megaways and Money Stacks Megaways.
Nature: Take a walk on the wild side in untamed locations from across the globe. Titles like Golilla Gold Megaways and Buffalo King Untamed Megaways transport you way off the beaten path so you can witness nature in all its glory while you spin.
TV and Movies: your favourite films and series can transcend the screen and find new life on the reels. Join characters from your childhood, or newer creations, in memorable settings and locations with features that play into the premise. Check out Rick and Morty Megaways and The Goonies Megaways to take your entertainment to an interactive level.
Software Providers Producing Your Favorite Games
Several successful software providers have released Megaways games. When you see a specific brand name attached to a slot, that may indicate a high-quality title worth your time.
Here are five of the biggest names behind Megaways slots:
- Big Time Gaming: No list of software providers creating Megaways games would be complete without BTG. This brand started it all, and it has licensed the mechanic to various other companies since. But BTG will always be the most important name in the world of Megaways.
- Blueprint Gaming: Blueprint Gaming has created its line of Megaways slots. Some are based on well-known licensed properties, such as The Goonies Megaways (inspired by the beloved 1980s movie). It has also released multiple Deal or No Deal Megaways titles, suitable for TV show fans and casual players alike. Others include Pirates Bounty Megaways and Eye of Horus Megaways.
- Pragmatic Play: Pragmatic Play’s Megaways portfolio includes Mustang Gold Megaways, Buffalo King Untamed Megaways, Revenge of Loki Megaways,and Sumo Supreme Megaways. This selection of titles alone demonstrates the level of diversity available in Pragmatic Play’s Megaways range.
- Red Tiger Gaming: Red Tiger Gaming has dabbled in various themes for its Megaways releases. Wings of Ra Megaways has an Egyptian theme, while Zeus Lightning Megaways transports you to ancient Greece. Piggy Riches 2 Megaways stars wealthy porcines, and Primate King Megaways drops you into a jungle with a pretty giant gorilla.
- iSoftBet: BTG entered a deal to share its Megaways mechanic with iSoftBet in 2019. Since then, iSoftBet has released Olympus Hades Megaways, Tales of Silver Megaways, Fu Fortunes Megaways, and many more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are five of the most frequently asked questions about games with the Megaways mechanic:
What is the maximum number of ways to win in Megaways slots?
Megaways titles often include up to 117,649 ways to win on each spin. However, some newer Megaways games far exceed this number: Great Rhino Megaways has a maximum of 200,704 ways to win.
What are cascading reels?
Cascading reels trigger after each winning spin. The winning symbols vanish from the reels, leaving space for new ones to fall in and fill the empty positions. This may create consecutive wins on the same spin.
Are Megaways slots fair?
Yes, Megaways games utilize Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure fairness and randomness. Regulators also inspect and certify them to provide players with complete peace of mind.
Can I win real money in Megaways slots?
You can definitely win real money in Megaways titles. However, it’s vital that you only play at online casinos that are properly licensed and regulated by a reputable body. Sites operated by unethical teams may fail to award prizes that players are entitled to.
Can I play any Megaways slots for free?
Yes, you’ll find plenty of Megaways games with free-to-play demo versions at online casinos. This gives you a valuable chance to test a game and make sure it suits you before you wager any real money.
