Megaways is a function within online slot games that usually provides up to 117,649 ways to form symbol combinations. The mechanic was initially developed and released by the Australian-based company Big Time Gaming in 2016 and has gained huge popularity in the online gaming community.
This article will explain how the Megaways mechanic works while providing insight into three of the best games, which include the dynamic feature.
How Does The Megaways Mechanic Work?
The Megaways slot mechanic introduces a flexible reel system where the number of symbols on each reel varies with every spin, creating thousands of potential ways to form combinations. Typically, Megaways slots feature six reels, with each reel displaying between two to seven symbols; the more symbols on each reel, the more potential combinations are available.
Unlike traditional slots with fixed paylines, Megaways games form combinations by matching symbols on adjacent reels, starting from the leftmost reel. This system can generate up to 117,649 ways to form combinations when the maximum number of symbols appears across all reels.
A notable feature in Megaways slots is cascading reels. When a combination is formed, the successfully landed symbols disappear, and new symbols cascade down to fill the gaps, potentially creating additional combinations from a single spin.
These games often incorporate bonus features like free spins, typically triggered by scatter symbols, as well as multipliers, which increase during cascading sequences or in special rounds, offering even more variety to the gameplay.
An Example Of Megaways In Action
When playing a Megaways slot, here’s how a spin might look:
The player spins the reels that land with four symbols on the first reel, six on the second, five on the third, seven on the fourth, three on the fifth, and two on the sixth. That results in 4 x 6 x 5 x 7 x 3 x 2 = 5,040 possible ways to land combinations in play.
If a combination forms, the cascading feature removes the matching symbols, and new symbols drop down for another chance to form more combinations.
Games Utilising The Megaways Mechanic
There are countless titles developed by a host of different iGaming casino software providers that contain the Megaways mechanic courtesy of Big Time Gaming licensing the game engine to be used outside of their company. However, it’s no surprise that enthusiasts and casual players alike drift towards the classic Big Time Gaming Megaways titles due to the company’s establishment and mastery of the innovative mechanic.
Dragon Born
Dragon Born was the first slot game to introduce the Megaways mechanic. Developed by Big Time Gaming, it features up to 117,649 ways to form combinations across six reels. The game is set in a fantasy world of knights, queens, and dragons, with high-quality graphics and detailed symbols. One of its key features is the Full Reel Wild, which expands to cover the entire reel and adds a multiplier to any combinations formed. Dragon Born also offers free spins through the Diamond Scatter feature, with the number of free spins increasing depending on how many scatter symbols appear. Landing three scatters results in six free spins, while four scatters give 12 free spins, five scatters offer 25 free spins, and six scatters grant 50 free spins. These spins take place on extended reel sets, adding further depth to the gameplay. The game combines classic fantasy themes with the innovative Megaways system for a unique experience.
Bonanza Megaways
Despite not being the first title released by Big Time Gaming to utilise the Megaways mechanic, Bonanza Megaways is one of the most iconic and influential slots of its kind. Set in a mining landscape, this game offers up to 117,649 ways to form combinations on its six reels. The cascading reels feature means that every time a combination is made, the successfully landed symbols explode, allowing new ones to fall into place. This could lead to consecutive combinations in a single spin. A key feature of the game is the Gold Scatter, which triggers the free spins round when the letters “G-O-L-D” appear on the grid, which could result in multipliers that increase with each cascading combination. When this occurs, the base game is transferred to a red-filtered background, which adds to the visual aesthetic of the gaming experience.
White Rabbit Megaways
Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, White Rabbit Megaways by Big Time Gaming features 248,832 ways to form combinations with the extension of reels in the bonus game, more than the standard amount presented even by the Megaways mechanic. However, the base game provides up to 16,807 ways to form a combination across five reels for every spin until the add-on is triggered. A standout feature of the title is the Caterpillar Bonus, which could add up to four random wilds with multipliers to the reels. Another key element is the Extending Reels feature, triggered during free spins, where reels could expand to up to 12 symbols high in alignment with the number of cupcake symbols appearing consistently. Should the cupcake symbols enable a reel to expand to 12 symbols, the free spins element will be re-triggered, granting the player another 15 spins on the game table.
Summary and Responsible Gambling
Megaways has revolutionised online slots by introducing a dynamic reel system that provides up to seven symbols on each spin, potentially creating thousands of ways to form combinations. Originally developed by Big Time Gaming, this mechanic has become popular worldwide, especially in the UK. Features like cascading reels, free spins, and increasing multipliers offer a fresh take on traditional slot functions. Iconic games like Dragon Born, Bonanza, and White Rabbit Megaways have embraced this mechanic, each integrating unique elements to further the gameplay.
While Megaways slots offer variety and entertainment, it’s important to approach them with caution and a clear understanding of responsible gambling.
