Introduction
Megaways slots are the second most popular entertainment at online casinos. In this article, let’s find out what it is, what determines slot popularity, and what are the main peculiarities.
The world of online gambling became acquainted with an innovative Megaways slot mechanism in January 2016, when Big Time Gaming released their first game based on this mechanic – Dragon Born. This slot was the first-ever Megaways game, and its release overwhelmed the industry. The company showed that a fixed number of symbols on the reels is not an obligatory condition for slots. But first things first.
What is the Megaways Gameplay?
Big Time Gaming has become a pioneer in this sphere. They created a new type of slots. The innovation was the following: each reel showed a different number of symbols (starting from 2 and more) during each spin. It means that one and the same reel can have, for instance, 3 symbols during a spin and change its number for 6 symbols during the next spin. As a result, the total number of possible winning combinations during each spin increased up to 117 649.
If we consider Dragon Born, the number of symbols in the game was from 2 to 7 on each reel. The game was a stream of fresh air in the industry. Thus, it’s no wonder that it gained incredible popularity.
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Blueprint was the first one who assessed the potential of this slot mechanic. The club bought the right to create its own Megaways slots in April 2018. Many other software developers, including Red Tiger, Relax, iSoftBet, Fantasma Games, NextGen Gaming, Kalamba Games followed them later. Below, let’s consider each of these online casinos.
Big Time Gaming
As it was mentioned above, the company is the founder of Megaways slots. Games of this software provider are characterized by high dispersion. As a rule, this is a huge number of winning options plus a bonus game with a growing multiplier and restarting free spins. This type of divertissement is popular among streamers due to the generous multipliers that can appear there.
As you already know, Dragon Born was the first released Megaways slot. It was followed by Queen of Riches and, then, Start Quest. Bonanza was the fourth game of the series, and it has become one of the most popular and well-known ones in the gambling community.
The main peculiarity of the last slot is that it was the first game, in which another innovative option – Dual Reaction – was used. It is a horizontal track that was placed above the reels, along which symbols roll in carts. These symbols also participate in the formation of winning combinations on the main reel grid.
Furthermore, the developer began to pack its Megaways slots with other functions. For example, White Rabbit already has the opportunity to buy Feature Drop and Extending Reels bonus rounds when the reels grow due to additional symbols. As a result, up to 12 symbols can be placed on one reel increasing the number of winning options up to 248,832.
Later, the company released Extra Chilli, which is unofficially called Bonanza 2. The game also has an additional horizontal reel (but now it is located under the reels). Gamblers can buy a bonus round. A new feature has been added, where a player can take risks after starting the bonus round. During the risk game, players can increase the number of free spins from 8 to 24.
Blueprint
As we mentioned above, the provider was the first company that bought a license in 2018. It has a rich collection of Megaways slots., which is headed by Buffalo Rising. The game was the first experience of the software provider in a new field of online entertainment. The slot offered gamblers to buy a bonus round. When Big Time Gaming introduced the risk game, Blueprint also added this option to their slots. For instance, Vikings Unleashed provides the chance to risk by increasing a multiplier or the number of free spins.
The whole list of the company’s Megaways slots is huge. They were so passionate about the process that created even more games than Big Time Gaming did.
Red Tiger
This software provider is not so fanatic towards Megaways games. It releases other games along with the regarded slots. The company bought the license in 2018 and since that time, released only one Megaways-based slot. Actually, the provided released more than 10 projects, but only Mystery Reels Megaways gained popularity.
Although the game has few innovations, it is still popular. For example, gamblers can’t buy a bonus game; there is no additional reel. It draws players due to its huge multiplier – x10,000. In addition, gamblers can risk getting more free spins. Its advantage is that in no case, you’ll lose the whole bonus game if you want to risk. The maximum loss is to get twice fewer free spins than you had before the bonus game.
Microgaming
Microgaming has got the license of Big Time Gaming to use the Megaways mechanics in their slots on October 13, 2020. So, fans of the club are waiting for novelties and hope to play Immortal Romance Megaways.
NetEnt
Here’s another club that added the games with the regarded mechanic to the list of their entertainment. Together with Red Tiger, the company produced a sensation in the world of gambling. Piggy Riches Megaways has become incredibly popular. Actually, it was a remake of NetEnt’s original game – Piggy Riches. Partners added new options and functions to a 5-reel slot.
Twin Spin Megaways is another product of the club. This is one of their first titles with the mechanic. The company moved further and combined a Megaways mechanic with a Twin Reel feature. As a result, they introduced a brand new slot game that drew gamblers’ attention and gained success.
Other
Relax Gaming also has several slots of this mechanic in its list. Temple Tumble is one of them. The game has a maximum of 6 reels. As a result, the number of possible winning combinations is decreased to 46 656. Machina is another Megaways slot of the software provider. It has the same number of winning options. But, there, players can buy a bonus game. Three jackpots are also added.
Fantasma Games has only one slot with the technique. It is called Flower Fortunes Megaways. The game is characterized by an х18,480 multiplier and 531 441 chances to get a winning combination. An initial playing field is 6×5 but as a gambler raises his/her level, the number of symbols on reels is on increase.
NextGen Gaming introduced Meduza Megaways. It is a classic slot with 117 649 lines and a horizontal reel. Players can buy access to a bonus round.
Pragmatic Play also has several slots, one of which heads our TOP-10 list.
iSoftBet has recently bought the license. Their first product based on this mechanic was Aztec Gold Megaways. Recently, the company has introduced another slot. Morgana Megaways drew players and gained popularity.
The Megaways system even leaked into the land-based casino world when land-based gambling equipment supplier Storm Gaming Technology acquired the rights to the mechanic.
List of Most Played Megaways Slots (Top-10)
Now, it’s time to make the list of the best Megaways slots.
1. The Dog House Megaways (Pragmatic Play)
This is an updated version of the exciting slot. Pragmatic Play released The Dog House in 2019. Later, the provider updated it adding Megaways mechanic to it. Nowadays, the game is a high-dispersion slot with 96.6% of RTP. Gamblers can try the game during Megaways slots demo play.
The number of reels also changed. Thus, the initial version is a 5-reel slot with 20 paylines. An upgraded game comprises 6 reels with a changing number of symbols on each.
The game takes place in a dog’s house. Bones, dogs, straps are the symbols used in the game.
2. Gonzo’s Quest Megaways (Red Tiger Gaming)
Like the previous one, this slot is based on a classic slot called Gonzo’s Quest. The company ungraded the existing game, added new functions, and released the Megaways slot. It is equipped with all the options that are typical for the mechanic. Gonzo’s Quest Megaways volatility is above the average. Its RTP level is 96%.
Gonzo goes in search of treasure. Adventure is the theme of the slot. Stone sculptures and ancient ruins are the main symbols of the game.
3. Return of Kong Megaways (Blueprint Gaming)
The company released a classic slot of the same name in 2016. Return of Kong Megaways is an upgraded version of it. Still, although both games have the same names and the latter is based on the first one, there are few similarities between them. only the main hero remains the same. It is a big gorilla. The rest is different. Slots have diverse functionalities, functions, bonuses, etc. Megaways slots RTP is 96%; its dispersion level is above the average.
4. Genie Jackpots Megaways (Blueprint Gaming)
This is another upgraded version of a classic slot. The software provider released the initial game in 2015. Later, it was updated and equipped with a pack of new functions. Nowadays, it has 4 bonuses. Genie Jackpots Megaways is of high and medium dispersion. Its RTP is 96.5%. The size of a bet varies from 0.10 to 10 coins.
Genie Wilds, Treasure Chest, Genie Jackpots, Turban, and Scimitars are the most profitable symbols. Other low-level ones include classic ace, queen, king, jack, ten, and nine symbols.
The slot provides the following features. Genie can appear at any moment of the game and present a bonus. Bonus can take one of the following forms: Wild Megaways (these are additional symbols that are added to reels and increase a gambler’s chances); Genie Wilds (the function turns the whole reel into a wild one); Genie Win Spin; Bonus Megaways.
5. Pirate Kingdom Megaways (IronDog)
A distinctive feature of the slot is that reels become sticky during free spins. Another pleasant peculiarity is an unlimited progressive multiplier. The range of bets varies from 0.2 to 20 EUR. Pirate Kingdom Megaways slot has 6 symbols that are able to be beneficial to gamblers. The Pirate Captain is the most wanted one as it gives 25x for 6 on a payline. The list of bonuses is standard. It includes a multiplier, free spins, special symbols. Note that the slot does not have a bonus game.
6. Safari Gold Megaways (Blueprint Gaming)
When starting the slot, you’ll plunge into the world of wild Savanna. The game’s graphics is well-designed. Breathtaking sunset and baobab in the background set the right mood. The playing field is standard and is 6×5. The symbols used include 4 animals (an elephant, a buffalo, a lion, a cheetah) and names of playing cards.
Cascadian reels are the first feature of the game. The essence is that after each winning, the symbols that were engaged in it are removed from the playing field and are replaced by others. So, gamblers have an opportunity to win several prizes during one spin.
A Mystery Symbol is another peculiarity. When a lion symbol appears on the field, it is transformed into a set of chaotic images.
The dispersion is above the average. It is possible to try a Megaways slots demo version first.
7. Curse of the Werewolf Megaways (Pragmatic Play)
Spend several hours among werewolves and help countryside citizens to resist the curse. It is an exciting slot from Pragmatic Play. Its graphics are perfect. Werewolves are the theme of the game. The number of symbols on one reel varies from 2 to 6. The slot has 96,5% of RTP, which is quite high. The level of volatility is also high.
The slot has three features. There are a Bonus symbol, Mystery Symbols, a Wild one. The second one turns the symbol into another random image. If you manage to get from 3 to 6 bonus symbols during one spin, you’ll be lucky to get free spins (as a rule, their number varies from 8 to 15).
Try one of the best Megaways slots for free and take the first step to winning big money.
8. Legacy of Ra Megaways (Blueprint Gaming)
It is a 6-reel slot with a high level of volatility and 96% of RTP. When choosing the game, you’ll drown in the atmosphere of ancient Egypt. Legacy of Ra Megaways is perfectly styled. Players will find images of pyramids, camels, columns. The symbols used on the playing field include the names of playing cards (the cheapest ones); Scarab beetles, birds, Gods (symbols of the average value); a woman-researcher (the most expensive one). The last symbol allows multiplying your bet x35.
In this slot, gamblers can buy free spins or activate them by getting at least three Scatter symbols on the screen.
9. Buffalo Rising Megaways (Blueprint Gaming)
Go to the North American desert to find luck and win big money. It is a high-dispersion game with 96.5% RTP. In addition to low-cost symbols (which are the manes of playing cards like in other games), thematic ones include a buffalo, a wolf, a deer, a bear. The Buffalo Rising Megaways slot uses a Cascade feature. Like in Safari Gold Megaways, winning symbols are replaced by others to allow gamblers to win two times during one spin. Free spins are also present. It is possible to play this one and other Megaways slots online. Choose a suitable casino and start a pleasant gambling experience.
10. Aztec Gold Megaways (iSoftBet)
This is an exciting and popular slot with mid-high risks and 96% of RTP. The symbols used during the game include some animals (an eagle, a snack, a leopard), the names of playing cards (cheap ones), Aztec King with burning eyes is the most profitable one. If you get the last one, you’ll get 50x for 6 paylines.
The main features include multipliers, jackpots, wilds and scatters, free spins. Aztec Gold Megaways also has a Cascade function mentioned above. Three diverse fixed jackpots are present. Note that the maximum bet available is 10 EUR.
Pros & Cons
Let’s structure the above-mentioned information and consider what advantages have this system.
- An unfixed number of symbols on reels. This is the main feature of these slots. From 2 to 7 symbols can appear on reels.
- Additional opportunities and more chances to win. The number of possible winning combinations increases up to 117 649.
- New features and bonuses. A bonus game with free spins, more profitable multipliers, secret symbols.
- A horizontal reel is present in many games. This increases winning options.
- The size of bets is various. It is possible to choose a suitable sum and make a bet.
- The majority of casinos offer Megaways slots free play. Gamblers can try it in a demo mode.
- Perfect graphics, improved functionalities, and a lovely design. As a rule, Megaways slots are based on simple games. Moreover, the majority of offered slots are rather new. Thus, software developers did their best to please even demanding players and make the gambling process more exciting.
As for disadvantages, there are a few of them.
- Like any other gambling activity, it is risky. Although there are many chances to gain profit, remember that there is always a probability to lose.
- Some slots can be unavailable in some countries or regions.
Conclusion
Megaways slots have become a stream of fresh air in the gambling industry. This type of entertainment gained popularity due to its innovative mechanic. Now, reels do not have a fixed number of slots. This attracts gamblers and opens new chances for winning combinations.
Bet Time Gaming was the pioneer of this divertissement. The software provider introduced brand new slots to the gambling community and succeeded. Since that time, the majority of software providers acquired the license to produce slots with Megaways mechanic. The leading clubs have such games on their lists. Their games have even more bonuses, more chances to win, more reasons to feel excitement.
FAQ
✔️ These are modified slots where the number of symbols within one reel is not fixed. Each reel can show from 2 to 7 symbols during one spin. The mechanism is chaotic. It is impossible to predict the number of symbols. Some advanced slots have also an additional horizontal reel. As a result, the number of winning combinations increases up to 117 649.
✔️ Simple (classic) slots have a fixed number of symbols. For example, a slot has a 6×6 playing field. It means that only 6 symbols will appear on each reel during one spin.
Megaways slots mix everything up. The number of symbols is not limited by the number of cells. For example, one reel can show from 2 to 7 symbols. You spin the reel, and 5 symbols appear on one reel. The next time, the same reel may contain either 7 or 4 symbols.
✔️ This type of divertissement is characterized by bigger payouts, more chances to win, and higher volatility. Moreover, gamblers experience pleasant thrill during the game, which excited them and encourage them to play more.
✔️ This type of slot is rich for bonuses. Each game has a specific list of features. But usually, developers offer free spins, bonus games, multipliers, secret or bonus symbols.
✔️ As a rule, the percentage is equal or a bit higher than the average indicator of the industry. In most cases, the figure is more than 95%. But the indicator may vary from club to club.
