What are Megaways Slots?

If you haven’t heard of Megaways slots yet, you must have been living under a rock for the last few years. Either that, or you’re new to online slots. That’s because the Megaways craze has been nothing short of astounding. In a short space of time, the game engine has spread like wildfire throughout the online casino landscape.

Megaways games are slots that offer players more winlines than ever before. Indeed, the reels morph and change in size so that there’s the potential for more than 100,000 ways to win. 

In this blog, we tell you everything you need to know about Megaways and highlight some of the top games to play!

What is the Meaning of Megaways in Slots?

Megaways is a slot mechanism invented in 2016 by Big Time Gaming, an Australian slot developer (who is now acquired by Evolution). It has since become one of the most popular slot formats due to its unique approach to reel modification and potential for a vast number of ways to win. 

In Megaways slots, the number of symbols on each reel varies with every spin, leading to a dynamic number of ways to win. Typically, these slots can offer up to 117,649 ways to win, but some games offer even more. This innovative mechanism has transformed traditional slot gameplay by providing players with a constantly changing reel layout and increased win potential. 

BTG licences this mechanic to other game providers like Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, Playson and Relax Gaming to name a few. As a result, you can find Megaways versions of slots from various developers, each bringing their unique twist to the mechanic.

How do Megaways Slots Work?

Unlike traditional slot machines that have a fixed number of symbols per reel, Megaways slots have variable reels, meaning the number of symbols on each reel can change with every spin. Typically, each reel can display between 2 and 7 symbols.

The number of Megaways or “ways to win” is calculated by multiplying the number of symbols on each reel. For instance, if all six reels display seven symbols, you would have the maximum 117,649 Megaways (7x7x7x7x7x7 = 117,649).

In game image of Egg Rush Megaways with 7 reels with 7 symbols on each reel allowing for 117,649 ways to win.
Egg Rush has 7 reels with 7 symbols on each reel allowing for 117,649 ways to win.

Wins are achieved by landing matching symbols on adjacent reels, starting from the leftmost reel. Unlike traditional winlines, as long as symbols are on adjacent reels, it doesn’t matter where they land vertically.

Megaways slots tend to be high volatility games. This means that while wins can be infrequent, when they do come, they have the potential to be very significant, especially during bonus rounds with multipliers.

Other Features Within Megaways Games

Many Megaways slots feature cascading reels. When you land a winning combination, the winning symbols are removed, and new symbols fall into their places, potentially creating more wins. This can continue until no new wins are formed.

Megaways slots often come packed with bonus features. Some of the common features include free spins, unlimited win multipliers, mystery symbols, and play the feature options.

How to Play Megaways Slots

Playing Megaways slots is straightforward and shares similarities with traditional slot games, but with some unique twists.

Start by choosing your spin size or coin value, then spin the reels, where the number of symbols can vary each time, offering up to 117,649 ways to win or more. Wins come from matching symbols on adjacent reels, and many Megaways games feature cascading reels as mentioned, where winning symbols disappear to make room for new ones, potentially leading to consecutive wins.

Popular and Best Megaways Slots

If you’re interested in playing Megaways slots, then you can find a whole lot to choose from at McLuck Social Casino. Here in this next section, we’d like to show you some of the most popular and best Megaways slots.

The Dog House Megaways

the dog house megaways online slot by pragmatic play introduction animation
The Dog House Megaways: a slot game by Pragmatic Play.

The Dog House Megaways uses a cute dog theme with a dynamic reel structure. There are 117,649 Megaways in the game, with wilds and multipliers adding to the combinations on offer during the free spins round.

Buffalo King Megaways

buffalo king megaways online slot by pragmatic play game play
Buffalo King Megaways: a slot game by Pragmatic Play.

Buffalo King Megaways is one of a few games that have pushed the number of Megaways winlines up since the mechanic was first released. The Wild West-themed title has a whopping 200,704 ways to win and also features cascading reels that can lead to consecutive wins.

Great Rhino Megaways

great rhino megaways online slot game by pragmatic play gameplay
Great Rhino Megaways: a slot game by Pragmatic Play.

Great Rhino Megaways is another wildlife-themed title with 200,704 ways to win. Players enter a safari world with an enticing free spins feature that has increasing multipliers for big wins. This immersive title makes players feel like they are touring the great plains of Africa in the back of a jeep.

Madame Destiny Megaways

madame destiny megaways online slot game play
Madame Destiny Megaways: a slot game by Pragmatic Play.

For players who want to enter a mystical world, Madame Destiny Megaways is a fantastic option. The game has 200,704 ways to win, and plenty of special features. It has expanding wilds that can cover whole reels, along with a free spins round where lucky players have the chance to register big wins.

5 Lions Megaways

5 lions megaways online slot by pragmatic play gameplay
5 Lions Megaways: a slot game by Pragmatic Play.

5 Lions Megaways is inspired by Eastern culture, with the lions representing various elements. This game has 200,704 ways to win, and there are whopping win multipliers during the free spins round. For players who love lucky themes with a range of unique symbols, this title will appeal.

Big Bass Bonanza Megaways

big bass bonanza megaways online slot by pragmatic play gameplay
Big Bass Bonanza Megaways: a slot game by Pragmatic Play.

Fishing themes are all the rage in the online slots industry, and Big Bass Bonanza Megaways is up there with the most popular games on the market. You don’t need to be a fishing fan to enjoy this title, which features numerous big catches on the reels. There are 117,649 ways to win on the game, with a free spins round that features some excellent animations.

Divine Fortune Megaways

divine fortune megaways online slot by netent gameplay
Divine Fortune Megaways: a slot game by NetEnt.

Slot developers often turn to ancient mythology for inspiration, knowing that there are millions of players in search of these themes. Divine Fortune Megaways is one of the top offerings in the genre, and it features famous mythical beings like Medusa. There are 117,649 ways to win, and it also includes a progressive jackpot.

Twin Spin Megaways

twin spin megaways online slot by netent gameplay
Twin Spin Megaways: a slot game by NetEnt.

Twin Spins Megaways will appeal to any players who are looking for classic themes with a modern twist. It has 117,649 ways to win and includes a unique Twin Spin mechanic. This involves synchronised reels that can potentially lead to huge combinations.

Dazzle Me Megaways

dazzle me megways online slot by netent gameplay
Dazzle Me Megaways: a slot game by NetEnt.

Dazzle Me Megaways does what you might expect and dazzles you with shiny gemstones on the reels. It has an irregular reel layout that’s different to most Megaways games. This results in 99,225 ways to win.

Fruit Shop Megaways

fruit shop megaways online slot by netent gameplay
Fruit Shop Megaways: a slot game by NetEnt.

For players looking for a colourful fruit-themed offering, Fruit Shop Megaways is a cool option. It has 117,649 ways to win and multipliers that can lead to some juicy prizes.

Starz Megaways

starz megaways online slot by pragmatic play gameplay
Starz Megaways: a slot game by Pragmatic Play.

Starz Megaways takes players on a cosmic adventure, with expanding wilds that can lead to stellar prizes. There are 117,649 ways to win on this one.

Chilli Heat Megaways

chilli heat megaways online slot by pragmatic gameplay
Chilli Heat Megaways: a slot game by Pragmatic Play.

For players who want to turn up the heat and experience some spicy gameplay, Chilli Heat Megaways is a fiery option. The title has 117,649 ways to win and uses a Mexican fiesta theme. The free spins round has growing multipliers, meaning there’s potential for some huge prizes.

Why Play Slots With Megaways?

Playing slots with Megaways offers a dynamic and thrilling gaming experience compared to traditional slot machines. The ever-changing number of symbols on reels ensures that every spin is unpredictable, with more ways to win.

This innovation in slot mechanics amplifies the excitement and potential for significant wins. Moreover, Megaways slots often come with additional features like cascading reels and diverse bonus rounds, adding layers of engagement. The combination of high win potential and the novel gameplay mechanics makes Megaways slots a popular choice for both seasoned players and newcomers seeking a fresh and exhilarating slot experience.

What is the difference between Megaways and Jackpot?

Megaways and Jackpot refer to two different concepts in slots. 

Megaways refers to a slot game mechanism developed by Big Time Gaming. In Megaways slots, the number of symbols on each reel changes with every spin, leading to a variable number of ways to win. The main appeal of Megaways is the dynamic and unpredictable nature of every spin, with the potential for massive combinations of symbols.

Jackpot refers to the top prize that can be won in a slot game. Jackpots can be fixed or progressive. A fixed jackpot has a set amount that can be won, while a progressive jackpot increases every time the game is played and the jackpot is not won. Some slot games, including Megaways, might feature jackpots, but the term “jackpot” itself is not exclusive to any particular slot mechanism.

In summary, while Megaways describes a specific game mechanism that dictates how combinations are formed, a jackpot refers to the top prize available in a slot game.

Play the Best Megaways Slots at McLuck.com!

If you want to play Megaways slots online, we have plenty of options at McLuck.com! In addition to the great titles we’ve mentioned above, there are countless others to appeal to all player types. What’s more, new offerings get added often. That means you’ll always be able to find something you want to play!

FAQs About Megaways Slots

If you still have questions about Megaways slots, check out this handy FAQ section to see if we’ve answered them for you.

Are Megaways slots good?

Yes, Megaways slots are good. Hence they’re one of the most popular slot types. They offer players thousands of ways to win on every spin, making each round exciting and filled with potential.

What is the best Megaways slot?

The best Megaways slot is all down to your personal opinion. Luckily, we have loads to choose from at McLuck.com. Some of our top picks include Buffalo King Megaways and Curse of the Werewolf Megaways.

How many winlines are on Megaways?

The number of winlines on Megaways games varies from title to title. They can offer 200,704 ways to win or even more when all reels display the maximum number of symbols.

What is the maximum Megaways?

While the most common maximum number of ways to win in Megaways slots is 117,649, there are now games that offer up to 200,704 Megaways. Developers continue to innovate and push boundaries, striving to introduce even more ways to win in future slot releases.

Are Megaways slots better than regular slots?

Megaways slots often offer higher win potential than regular slots due to the increased number of ways to win, which can reach up to 117,649 or more. However, this also often comes with higher volatility, meaning wins might be less frequent but larger when they occur, compared to many regular slots. 

Ultimately, whether Megaways slots are “better” depends on player preference; some players enjoy the thrill and unpredictability of Megaways, while others might prefer the steadier pace and familiarity of regular slots.

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