Scatter Symbols In Online Slots: What Are They? A Detailed Look

If you’ve ever spun the reels on a slot machine, you may have noticed some symbols that don’t quite fit the standard pattern. Scatter symbols are often the key to unlocking an array of special features and bonuses within slot games.

They are one of the most desirable symbols that can be found in online slots, and for good reason. Scatter icons come with a variety of unique attributes and abilities, which vary across a selection of different titles.

In this post, LifetimeCasinos will guide you through the world of scatter symbols, demystifying their role and showing how they can unlock various rounds, such as free spins or ‘Pick Em’ style bonuses!

Key Takeaways:

• Scatter symbols in slot games unlock bonus features like free spins, bonus rounds, and sometimes even jackpots.
• Unlike regular symbols that must line up on a payline to form a combination, scatter symbols can appear anywhere on the reels to activate bonuses or award potential winnings.
• These special icons add extra excitement to gameplay as they often lead to unexpected events.
• Understanding the role of scatter versus wild symbols is key for players wanting to enjoy their online slots experience.
• Expanding scatter icons typically appear in ‘Book Of’ slots, with one symbol selected to expand for the duration of the bonus mode.
• Scatters are one of the most desirable symbols in slot games, alongside wilds and multipliers icons.

What Are Scatter Symbols?

Scatter symbols are special symbols in online slot games that serve as a key component for unlocking various bonus features and free games. They differ from regular symbols and play a crucial role in enhancing the entertainment of slot gameplay.

Definition of Scatter Symbols

Scatter symbols are special icons in slot games. They stand out because they’re linked to the theme and often trigger unique features. You’ll know them by their unique design, different from other symbols on the reels.

These icons are your keys to unlocking extra game features like free spins or bonus rounds. They work differently from regular symbols, and they don’t need to appear on the same pay line in order to award their corresponding potential winnings.

When it comes to checking the scatter icon for a particular game, players can check the information tab and pay table. This will show the appearance of the scatter symbol, if one is present, while also explaining what it does.

Scatter Symbols Function in Online Slot Games

In online slots, scatter symbols serve multiple important roles:

• Triggering Free Spins – Land enough scatters and get awarded with free spins on the reels. In most online slots, three or more scatter icons landing simultaneously will trigger the free spins round.

• Retriggers – In addition to activating free spins, scatter icons can be the key to retriggering the round. For example, landing three scatter icons during the main bonus round may award an additional ten spins.

• Activating Other Bonus Rounds – Scatters may unlock special mini-games, such as ‘Pick Em’ rounds. In some instances, they may also be linked to different jackpots.

• Offering Multipliers – Sometimes these icons increase the win multiplier for the spin, or for the duration of a bonus mode.

• Award a Multiple of the Bet Size – Traditional online slots typically award potential winnings for scatter icons as they would for other symbols. The bet size is multiplied by their associated value on the pay table before the potential winnings are then awarded to the player.

While their functionality may change from title to title, one thing remains the same: They are often the most desirable, if not one of the most desirable, symbols on the reels. Playing online slots with scatter icons can significantly enhance the experience offered to players, opening the door to new bonuses and mini-games!

Expanding Scatter Symbols

In some games, scatter icons can fully expand to cover a reel, should the required number of icons appear on different reels during the same spin. This is common with ‘Book Of’ slots, with expanding scatter icons coming into play during free spins bonus mode.

When the round is triggered, one symbol will be selected at random. If the needed number of symbols appears on different reels, they will expand and award their associated potential winnings, without being on the same payline.

For example, expanding scatter icons could land on reels 1, 2, and 5, meaning that the corresponding potential winnings for a matching combination of 3 would be awarded to the player.

Differences Between Wild and Scatter Symbols

Wild symbols and scatter symbols are both important in online slot games, but they have different functions and impacts on gameplay. Understanding these differences can help you make the most of your gaming experience.

Similarities And Differences

Understanding the roles of wild and scatter symbols can help you follow the action as it unfolds on the board. Here’s a quick overview of the two types of symbols: 

Both symbols are special in that they bring exclusive perks, making your time spinning the reels more entertaining. Scatter symbols, however, are usually preferred by players due to the array of bonuses they can unlock.

It’s also worth mentioning that many slots have a combination of both wild symbols and scatter symbols. In some online titles, these symbols may even be combined into one.

The Impact on Gameplay

Scatter symbols change the game in big ways. They unlock extra rounds and add more fun to your play. When they pop up, you could be in for some awesome features or bonuses. These symbols are not like the regular ones; they don’t need to line up to give you a win.

Wild symbols also shake things up by taking the place of other icons. This helps you land matching combos more often. Both scatter and wilds make each spin exciting, as you never know what kind of features they’ll throw into the mix next!

Strategies for Using Scatter Symbols in Online Slots

It’s important to remember that when playing online slots, the outcome of each spin is purely based on luck. With that being said, a useful strategy is to always pick a game that matches your preferences and playstyle.

Different games have various bonus mechanics and rounds linked to their scatter icons, while some simply offer a multiple of the current stake size.

Players that prefer more interactive gameplay, for example, may enjoy games featuring ‘Pick Em’ bonus modes, triggered by scatter symbols. Alternatively, punters who enjoy more traditional online slots may look for scatter icons that award potential winnings, without a dedicated bonus round activating.

At the end of the day, it’s all about defining your preferences and finding a slot that seamlessly matches them.

Top Online Slots with Scatter Symbols

While there are thousands of online slots that feature scatter symbols, a few stand out from the crowd:

Book of Toro by ELK Studios

In the Book of Toro slot, the book symbol is both a scatter and a wild. This means that it can replace any standard or premium icon as part of a matching combination, while also having the ability to trigger the free spins mode.

Before the bonus round begins, one symbol will be chosen to become the fully expanding scatter icon. As mentioned earlier, these symbols ignore all paylines and should enough appear simultaneously; they will expand to cover their respective reels. The corresponding potential winnings will then be calculated and awarded to the player.

Big Banker by Blueprint

Big Banker comes with two different scatter symbols, one of which is linked to a free spins bonus mode. Landing scatter icons on reels 1, 3, and 5 will trigger this round, with players being awarded a total of 10 seconds at the start of the round. The reels will spin and any matching combinations that form during this period of time will be totalled up and awarded.

As for the other scatter, it’s linked to the progressive jackpot, which comes with a maximum value of 250,000.000. Landing five jackpot scatter symbols on the board simultaneously can award players with this jackpot!

Big Bass Bonanza by Pragmatic Play

Last but not least is Big Bass Bonanza, a title released by Pragmatic Play. In this game, the bonus is triggered by scatter icons. However, these symbols are also collected through the round. For every four that are accumulated, players are awarded with ten additional spins.

That’s not all, however, as the win multiplier for the round can also increase from 1x to 2x, then 3x and 10x, as these scatter icons are collected.

Of course, these aren’t the only online slots that come with immersive scatter icons. Here at LifetimeCasinos, we review fresh slots on a regular basis, many of which feature scatter icons, dedicated bonus modes, and jackpots. Be sure to check out our latest slot reviews page to stay up to date with all things casino-related!

Conclusion

In summary, scatter symbols are a crucial aspect of slot games, providing various bonuses and enhancing gameplay. They can trigger free games and multiply winnings, adding excitement to any gaming session.

Understanding their significance is essential for casino players looking to maximise their enjoyment of online slots. So remember to keep an eye out for these symbols, as they can hold the key to unlocking extra fun, bonus modes, and jackpots in your slot game adventures!

Not sure where to start when it comes to online slots with scatter icons? LifetimeCasinos have got you covered. From slot reviews to detailing the best online casinos, we publish as often as possible to keep all players in the loop!