Since Big Time Gaming launched Bonanza on the unsuspecting public back in 2016, it seems we can’t get enough of Megaways slots. If you like high volatility slots with plenty of ways to win, the chances are you’ve played at least one of these high octane slots that offer players up to 117,649 ways to win.
Megaways is a shape-shifting game modifier that adjusts the number of symbols on the reels at random. On every spin, a varied number of symbols can appear on the reels, giving hundreds of thousands of different winning combinations. All you need to do is land matching symbols on adjacent reels to earn a payout, which can often be thousands of times your stake. No wonder Megaways are so popular.
There are plenty of big numbers flying around which can make Megaways games seem more complex than they actually are. The good news is that most Megaways slots do the maths for you, and pop up the number of winning ways on any spin.
A standard Megaways slot has 6 reels with between two and seven symbols on the reels. The number of symbols is chosen at random by the Megaways mechanic. There are literally hundreds of thousands of ways to win – from a minimum of 64 if all six reels show two symbols to a maximum 117,649 if all six reels show seven symbols:
– 2x2x2x2x2x2=64
– 7x7x7x7x7x7=117,649
Some Megaways games push the number of winning lines even higher. White Rabbit has 248,832 ways while Holy Diver has an incredible 586,971 ways in the bonus game.
The great thing about Megaways slots is that you don’t just get to play with all those win ways. Most Megaways games also feature exciting gameplay that goes beyond wilds and free spins to really maximise the winning potential of these exciting slots.
Cascades, avalanches, tumbling reels – whatever you call them they’re the yin to Megaways’ yang. This mechanic features in Bonanza, the game that started it all, and really optimises the number of wins you can create from one Megaways spin when winning symbols explode off the reels and more symbols drop down in their place for a potential winning streak.
Increasing multipliers build on the cascading reels mechanic by adding a multiplier that increases in value after every cascade win. In the base game, a progressive multiplier will reset after a winning streak but Extra Chilli and Buffalo Rising Megaways take things a step further and drop an increasing multiplier into the free spins round that doesn’t reset after every win.
When you start playing Megaways slots, you’ll soon recognise the mystery symbols feature. When these symbols land they’ll transform into one common symbol, sometimes right across the grid to deliver multiple wins.
Big Time Gaming has added a new innovation to slots like Royal Mint Megaways with the option to buy a bonus for a multiple of your initial stake.
Playing Megaways slots isn’t complicated. Just look out for matching symbols on adjacent reels to score a win – you’ll find the payout details in the paytable. But beware, these compelling games are usually highly volatile so the really huge wins are rare.
Big Time Gaming has already licensed the mechanic to developers including Red Tiger Gaming, Blueprint and Relax Gaming, each of which has added a twist on the winning formula.
There are already plenty of Megaways slots to choose from but these are our choice of the best games around:
The original and still one of the very best, Bonanza is packed with cascade wins, unlimited multipliers and free spins.
BGT pushed the number of ways to 248,832 in the bonus where the reels can grow 12 high. Win up to 75 free games or buy a feature in this beautiful and compelling slot.
Introducing the innovative Reel Adventures mechanic, BGT pushed the number of ways to 586,971 in the free spins feature with potential wins topping out at 23,306x your stake.
Relax Gaming’s Temple Tumble plays out on a 6×6 grid with blocking symbols that alter the number of ways. Add in cascading wins, shifting rows and three different free spins features and you have a highly playable slot.
Blueprint Gaming has fully embraced the Megaways engine and this slot has it all, from mystery symbols and wild multipliers to a nifty retriggering bonus guarantee all wrapped in mega-volatility.
Definitely! Megaways slots are packed with features and thousands of ways to win. Megaways has been a real game-changer, creating the potential for massive wins in non-progressive jackpot slots. There’s plenty of choice so check out our reviews for the best Megaways slots around.
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