How Megaways Slots Work: The Full Guide with Tips and Tricks

If you've ever wondered what Megaways slots are all about and how they compare to other types of slots. In this guide, we'll break down how Megaways work, why they're different from traditional slots, and how they compare to slot types like Hold and Win, xNudge, Stackways, Tumble, and Cascading slots. We'll also throw in some useful tips and tricks to improve your gameplay.

What Are Megaways Slots?

Megaways slots are a unique type of online slot that changes the number of symbols on each reel with every spin. This means the game layout is always shifting, giving you thousands—sometimes even hundreds of thousands—of ways to win. This is what makes Megaways different from regular slots where the number of ways to win is fixed.

Here’s how Megaways work in simple terms:

• Variable Reel Setup: Unlike classic slots with a fixed number of symbols on each reel, Megaways slots can show a different number of symbols per reel on every spin. One reel could have 3 symbols, and another could have 7.
• Massive Winning Combinations: The number of possible winning combinations changes with every spin. Megaways slots can offer up to 117,649 or more ways to win depending on how many symbols land on the reels.
• How to Win: In Megaways slots, you usually win by matching symbols on adjacent reels, starting from the leftmost reel. The more matching symbols, the bigger the payout.

Comparison with Other Slot Types

1. Hold and Win Slots

• How It Works: In Hold and Win slots, landing a certain number of special symbols triggers a bonus game where you can hold onto symbols that increase your chances of winning. The goal is to fill the reels with as many winning symbols as possible.
• Comparison: While Megaways is all about huge combinations, Hold and Win focuses on locking symbols for bigger bonuses. Hold and Win slots offer fewer ways to win but can have large payouts when you trigger their special features.

2. xNudge Slots

• How It Works: xNudge slots feature nudging wilds that shift up or down to create bigger wins. When a wild symbol lands partially on the reel, it "nudges" into full view to improve your chances of winning.
• Comparison: xNudge is more about maximizing the power of individual symbols, whereas Megaways focuses on having lots of symbols and possible combinations. xNudge slots are ideal for players who like to see big symbols leading to bigger wins.

3. Stackways Slots

• How It Works: Stackways slots introduce stacked symbols, which fill entire reels with the same symbol, increasing the chances of forming winning lines.
• Comparison: Both Megaways and Stackways can create lots of potential winning combinations. However, Stackways rely on a few high-paying symbols landing in stacks, while Megaways focus on a vast number of possible combinations through changing reels.

4. Cascading Slots

• How It Works: Cascading slots make symbols "fall" or "cascade" after a winning combination, with new symbols taking their place. This feature allows players to win multiple times in a row on a single spin.
• Comparison: Cascading slots and Megaways are similar in their fast-paced gameplay. However, cascading focuses on chaining wins from one spin, while Megaways is all about having a massive number of potential winning combinations on each spin.

5. Tumble Win Slots

• How It Works: In Tumble Win slots, symbols that are part of a winning combination disappear after they pay out, allowing new symbols to drop into place. This can create multiple winning combinations from a single spin, much like cascading slots.
• Comparison: Tumble Win slots and Megaways share a similar fast-paced dynamic where new symbols replace winning ones, offering the chance for multiple wins in a row. However, while Megaways focus on constantly changing reel configurations and massive potential combinations, Tumble Win slots prioritize the chain reaction of wins from a single spin. Tumble wins offer more gradual, continuous payouts, whereas Megaways provide large variability in win potential from spin to spin.

Our Favorite Megaways Slots

Here’s a look at some of the best Megaways slots that we think stand out for their exciting themes, unique features, and potential for big wins:

1. Mustang Gold Megaways™

Take a thrilling ride through the Wild West with Mustang Gold Megaways. This 7x7 slot uses the Megaways mechanic to create countless winning combinations across the reels. Cowboys, horses, and bulls form part of the action, while the game’s tumble feature enhances wins during the base game.

• Key Features: The game boasts Wild symbols, Collect symbols, and Cash icons that combine to increase your winning potential. If you land four Free Games scatters, you unlock the Free Spins round, with sticky Gold Collect Symbols triggering even more rewards. You can gamble for additional free spins, with up to 100 free spins up for grabs.

2. Beware The Deep Megaways™

Beware The Deep Megaways invites you to dive into the ocean’s depths, where each reel dynamically changes in height. With up to 117,649 ways to win, you’ll be matching treasure chests, rum, and bells for big rewards. Symbols that form wins disappear, allowing new ones to fall into place.

• Key Features: The game offers two bonuses that players can gamble to increase the number of spins or the starting multiplier. Wild sharks help form winning lines, making it easier to rack up wins as you explore the deep.

Buffalo King Untamed Megaways™

Head to the American prairies with Buffalo King Untamed Megaways. Wild animals dominate the reels, and Wilds with multipliers up to 5x enhance your win potential. The game offers a solid Megaways experience with loads of free spins.

• Key Features: Four Scatters award 10 to 20 Free Spins, and Wilds that appear during a winning combination increase multipliers. Additional free spins can be retriggered with further Scatter symbols, offering between five and 20 extra spins.

Revenge of Loki Megaways™

Step into the Norse underworld in Revenge of Loki Megaways. Loki, the master of illusion, takes center stage in this six-reel slot. With every tumble, Loki’s Super Symbol can transform into high-paying icons, making it easier to win.

• Key Features: Free spins are triggered by spelling "Loki" with four Scatter symbols, with up to 18 free spins to start. Loki can turn other symbols into Wilds, boosting win potential during the Free Spins round. The Tumble feature can rack up wins as new tiles replace winning ones.

5. Barnyard Megahays Megaways™

Get ready for a farmyard frenzy in Barnyard Megahays Megaways, where animals like cows, pigs, and dogs appear as high-paying symbols across the ever-changing reels. Tornado icons sweep the farm, activating random features like instant rewards up to 100x.

• Key Features: Free spins are triggered by Haystack symbols and Tornadoes, awarding either 10 or 20 free rounds. During the Free Spins mode, all special symbols are removed and instantly paid out, with additional free spins retriggered by special symbols.

These Megaways slots offer a fantastic variety of themes and gameplay features, from the Wild West to the ocean depths and mythical lands, ensuring every spin is an adventure! What’s great is that each of them offer the popular bonus buy feature.

Tips and Tricks for Playing Megaways Slots

Here are some more advanced tips and tricks specifically for Megaways slots that you rarely see shared:

1. Target Low-Minimum Bet, High-Maximum Win Games

Some Megaways slots allow you to bet low but still have a high maximum payout potential. Games like Bonanza Megaways or Buffalo King Untamed Megaways offer massive wins even at smaller bets. Look for games with high max win multipliers, such as 10,000x or more. Betting conservatively on these games can give you the thrill of a big win without draining your bankroll.

2. Play During Peak RTP Phases

Certain casinos or games may have promotions or time-limited boosts that increase the RTP of specific slots. Although not widely publicized, some players swear by playing during casino events where bonuses or features trigger more often. It’s worth checking if your casino offers such promotions or exploring the timing of wins in certain slots.

3. Use Auto-Play Wisely

Megaways slots can be fast-paced, and using the auto-play feature can be strategic. Set it for a fixed number of spins at a consistent bet level, but more importantly, set win and loss limits within the auto-play. This allows you to take advantage of high-frequency spins without getting emotionally invested, which can prevent over-betting or chasing losses.

4. Track Megaways Jackpots

Some Megaways slots are linked to progressive jackpots. Always check if the current jackpot is significantly high. If it’s close to the top tier of payout potential, it could be the perfect time to play, since progressive jackpots are more likely to hit as they grow larger.

5. Unlock Special Bonus Buys (if available)

Some Megaways slots offer a feature called bonus buy, which lets you purchase entry into the Free Spins or bonus round without waiting to land scatters. If you’re confident in a game’s bonus potential, and the price is right, using this feature can often lead to huge payouts, especially in high-volatility Megaways slots. But only use it when the bonus round typically yields substantial returns.

6. Track Your Session Data

This tip requires discipline but can give you an edge. Keep a log of your results for different Megaways slots, including your starting bankroll, bet size, and how frequently you trigger bonus features or significant wins. Over time, this data will help you identify which games are more generous during specific periods and help refine your betting strategy.

7. Look for Cascading Reels Paired with Multipliers

Not all Megaways slots have cascading reels, but the ones that do can provide multiple wins in a single spin. Look for games where the cascades are paired with increasing multipliers. For example, in Buffalo King Untamed Megaways, each win boosts the multiplier during free spins. Cascading wins combined with multipliers can snowball into massive payouts, making these games highly rewarding.