Slot Megaways Games: How They Work

Back in 2016, Big Time Gaming released a new slot game called Dragon Born Megaways. It was the very first slot to feature a neat game mechanic called Megaways. This mechanic became so popular that it has since spawned over 120 other Megaways games.

The most notable aspect of the Megaways mechanic is that the reel configuration changes with each spin, giving players thousands of ways to win. This makes each spin feel totally different and adds a layer of unpredictability. This guide will explain the Megaways mechanic in detail, discuss the advantages, and offer tips on playing these trendy casino games.

🎰 What are Megaways slots?

Megaways is a slot mechanic that was developed by Big Time Gaming and introduced in 2016 with the Dragon Born Megaways slot. However, it was the release of Bonanza Megaways later that year that truly catapulted the game mechanic to worldwide acclaim. The unique trait of Megaways slots is that the number of symbols on each reel changes from spin to spin. For example, you may see a single symbol on a reel after one spin, and then six or seven symbols on that same reel on the next spin.

Most Megaways slots offer up to 117,649 winning combinations, but there are a few exceptions, like 1 Million Megaways BC, which, as the name implies, can produce over 1 million ways to win. Another thing that draws slot enthusiasts to Megaways slots is the RTP. Most Megaways slots offer RTPs in the range of 96% to 97%. Plus, Megaways slots are known for providing above-average maximum win potential. Two examples are Primal Megaways and Max Megaways, which offer maximum payouts of 50,000X and 139,200X your stake, respectively.

🟣 How Megaways mechanics work

Until Dragon Born Megaways was released, slot games came with fixed paylines. The number of symbols on each reel never changed, nor did the number of ways to win. Big Time Gaming replaced this classic mechanic with a dynamic reel system, which the company called Megaways. With this, the number of symbols that can appear on the reels changes with every spin. In most cases, that number randomly ranges between two and seven.

Because the number and size of the symbols on each reel constantly change, so does the number of ways to win. So, how do these slots work, and how do Megaways games decide how many symbols show up? Well, it’s all driven by a certified Random Number Generator (RNG).

In terms of winning, Megaways slots operate similarly to most other slot games. You usually need to land at least three consecutive identical symbols on a payline starting at the left-most reel. As an added bonus, most Megaways slots incorporate the 'Cascading Reels' mechanic. So, when you nail a winning combination, the winning symbols disappear and are then replaced by new symbols. This gives players an opportunity to win multiple payouts each round.

Megaways slots can also come with other popular features like multipliers, free spins, and bonuses.

🎉 Popular Megaways slots to try

Bonanza Megaways: Big Time Gaming’s Bonanza Megaways made its online casino debut in 2016. It was among the first wave of Megaways slots to hit the market. The slot serves up to 117,649 ways to win, and it features six dynamic reels that can produce between two and seven symbols. It’s a high-variance, mining-themed game with an RTP of 96%. The maximum win potential of 26,000X is pretty attractive for a fixed jackpot slot.

Extra Chilli Megaways: Extra Chilli Megaways was released in 2018, and it is loaded with exciting features, including cascading reels, free spins, unlimited multipliers, and a 'Free Spins Gamble' feature. Its highly volatile nature, 96.42% RTP, and 20,000X maximum payout make it an attractive option for most players. However, a bet range starting at $0.20 might be a barrier for small-stakes players.

Gonzo’s Quest Megaways: Released in 2011, Gonzo’s Quest is one of NetEnt’s most successful slots. In 2020, Red Tiger collaborated with NetEnt to add a new twist to it and integrate the Megaways mechanic. Gonzo’s Quest Megaways features six dynamic reels and between 64 and 117,649 ways to win. It also includes cascading reels, multipliers, free spins, and an exciting 'Earthquake' feature that shakes the reels, destroys low-value symbols, and replaces them with premium ones.

Monopoly Megaways: Monopoly Megaways was released in 2019 by Blueprint Gaming. Blueprint Gaming had to acquire a license from BTG to use its Megaways engine, and it also had to get a license from Hasbro in order to use the Monopoly brand and imagery. The game features six dynamic reels, cascading reels, and a symbol collection system. You’ll see Mr. Monopoly moving across the board to trigger bonuses, multipliers, and free spins.

Lil’ Devil Megaways: If you are motivated by the potential to win big, then Lil’ Devil Megaways is the slot game for you. Released in 2019 by BTG, this Gothic-themed slot offers 117,649 ways to win, a 96.43% RTP, and features like expanding wilds, multipliers, cascading reels, and two types of free spins. However, the main attraction is the maximum win potential of 100,504X. That’s massive for a fixed jackpot.

❤️ Why players love Megaways slots

With the Megaways mechanic, no two spins are the same. The mechanic blends seamlessly with other modern features like cascading reels, free spins, bonus games, and symbol collection. These online slots also tend to offer higher RTP and some of the biggest fixed jackpots. Most importantly, the Megaways mechanic adds more thrill to the reels.

📝 Tips for playing Megaways slots

Regardless of whether you play Megaways slots or any other type of casino game, the most important thing is that you play within your means. Establish an affordable budget and scale your bet sizes accordingly. This will ensure that you can easily endure long losing streaks.

Before you play for real money, it’s a good idea to test these games for free in demo mode. This allows you to become familiar with the Megaways mechanic as well as game-specific features without risking money. While the thought of hitting a big win is always there, focus on having fun. Enjoy the gameplay, visuals, sounds, and overall experience of Megaways slots.