Megaways Slot Games Explained

There’s a massive variety of online slots to choose from, with titles that cover every style and niche. You may have noticed some titles are called Megaways; this is a very popular type of online slot that features a specific mechanism. There’s nothing complicated about Megaways titles, but they are a little different from standard slots. Below is everything you need to know about playing Megaways slot games.

What Are Megaways Slots?

Megaways is a type of random reel modifier that alters the traditional way of playing slots.

Usually, slots machines have a specified number of reels and rows, which remain the same on every spin. The Megaways modifier introduces an element of innovation by changing the number of symbols that can land on every reel.

Typically a reel can hold anything from 2-7 symbols per spin, with a different number landing each time. This means you’ll never know exactly what you’ll be playing with when you hit the spin button.

Due to the variability of the symbols that land, Megaways games use the ways to win style of play. This means no fixed paylines, just matching symbols on adjacent reels from left to right. As the number of symbols changes, the number of paylines changes too. For a six reel slot, the maximum number of paylines is typically 117,649.

Megaways games include the name in the title so they can be instantly recognised by players. All Megaways games use the mechanic developed initially by Big Time Gaming in 2015. Other studios are now able to use the Megaways mechanic as Big Time Gaming offer a licence for purchase. This means there is now a wide and diverse range of Megaways titles to play.

Playing Megaways Slots

The licence that Big Time Gaming offers means that multiple studios have now taken the opportunity to use the Megaways mechanism on their own titles.

Popular slots often have the basic version plus a Megaways version as a second option. For example, Pragmatic Play released the popular title Big Bass Bonanza in 2020, but a few months later in 2021, they also released Big Bass Bonanza Megaways. Both games are based on the same design and theme, but the latter offers the more comprehensive Megaways reel modifier.

The standard number of ways to win is 117,649, which is a massive number of paylines, way beyond the simple 10 or 25 that were often included in traditional slots. Some Megaways titles go even further; with larger boards and more reels, it’s possible to find titles that offer quite literally millions of ways to win.

For players, the idea that there are more opportunities to win can be enticing, but it’s important to remember the number advertised is the maximum. Returning to the six reel board, 117,649 ways to win can only be achieved if the maximum number of seven symbols lands on every reel. In reality, that’s quite unlikely, so the actual number of ways to win is likely to be lower.

Most Megaways titles have a counter on the screen that displays the number of ways to win active for the latest spin.

Popular Megaways Slots

There are hundreds of Megaways slots available to play, with many studios offering the modifier for their titles. Some of the most popular titles include:

Rainbow Riches Megaways

Rainbow Riches is an Irish-themed slot which has achieved massive success over the years since its release in 2009. The Megaways version offers players a bigger and more exciting version of this top title with 117,649 ways to win, cascading reels, multipliers, free spins and a maximum payout of x10,000.

Eye of Horus Megaways

The original Eye of Horus slot was released in 2019, an Egyptian-themed slot game that was a big hit. Three years later, Blueprint Gaming created the Megaways version, a game that’s widely held to be one of the best Megaways titles of all time.

Eye of Horus Megaways has five reels and 115,625 ways to win, plus a free spins round, transforming wilds, and a top payout of x10,000.

Gonzo’s Quest Megaways

Gonzo’s Quest is one of the most popular online slots ever produced, so it’s not a surprise to find a Megaways version. Released in 2020, it was the most played game of the year. Created by Red Tiger Gaming, Gonzo’s Quest Megaways has 117,649 paylines, free spins, multipliers, respins and a top payout of x21,000.