Megaways slots change the number of symbols on each reel on every spin, which can create up to 117 649 ways to win. The mechanic differs from fixed-payline slots, so many players wonder what Megaways really means.
This guide explains how ways are counted, the common features of Megaways games, RTP and volatility, and the Megaways games in our catalogue.
Megaways is a slot layout in which the number of symbols on each reel changes on every spin. A classic slot has a fixed grid and fixed paylines. A Megaways game usually has six reels, and each reel shows between two and seven symbols at random. A win forms when matching symbols land on adjacent reels from the left, regardless of the row they are on.
The name refers to the number of ways to win, which changes from spin to spin. With seven symbols on all six reels there are 117 649 ways (7 to the power of 6), and with two on every reel only 64. The number of ways is usually shown near the reels. It describes the spin, not what the game pays over time.
Many versions add a horizontal extra reel above the main six. This is a feature of the individual game and varies, so check the game rules. The paytable and how wins are counted are also game-specific.
With so many ways and a changing symbol count, results are widely spread. Many Megaways games have high or very high volatility, but the catalogue also includes medium and low volatility titles. See the guide to slot volatility for more.
There are 228 Megaways games in total, all of them slots. The average RTP is 95.9 percent, and individual games range from 91.01 to 98.82 percent. The largest studios are Pragmatic Play (51 games), Red Tiger (33), Iron Dog Studio (28), MGA Games (18) and NetEnt (13), followed by Skywind (11), BGaming (8) and Onlyplay (8).
Always check the exact RTP on the game page, because the same game can exist with different RTP settings. A few examples: Secrets of Persia Megaways (MGA Games) has an RTP of 98.82 percent and medium volatility, Mystery Reels MegaWays (Red Tiger) 98.06 percent and high volatility, and Big Bass Bonanza Megaways (Pragmatic Play) 96.70 percent and high volatility. Rasputin Megaways (Big Time Gaming) is 96.68 percent with very high volatility.
Twin Spin Megaways and Madame Destiny Megaways show how familiar slots get a Megaways version. The Megaways version is not a copy of the original: the number of ways, symbols, bonus structure and often the RTP can differ. Check the details on each game page rather than assuming it plays like the original.
The Megaways label says nothing about RTP. It is always game-specific, and the catalogue average for Megaways games is 95.9 percent. Read what the figure means in the guide What is RTP, and compare high-RTP games in the guide to the highest RTP slots.
In a high-volatility Megaways game long stretches without significant wins are common, and much of the return comes from rare large wins. That makes stake sizing important: choose a stake that lasts for plenty of spins.
Similar games are also available in the categories popular slots, new slots and high-volatility slots.
Each spin is drawn by a random number generator independently of earlier spins. Play only with money you can afford to lose and take breaks.
Megaways is a slot structure in which each reel shows two to seven symbols per spin, so the number of ways to win changes, up to 117 649 on six reels.
There are 228 Megaways games, all slots. The largest studios are Pragmatic Play, Red Tiger, Iron Dog Studio, MGA Games and NetEnt.
No. Cascades are common but not part of the definition. Check the rules of the specific game.
Multiply the number of symbols on each reel. For 4, 5, 3, 6, 4 and 5 symbols that gives 7 200 ways.
Not necessarily. Ways, features and RTP can differ, so check the game page.
It is one example of a Megaways version. Its RTP and volatility are game-specific, so check the game details.
Not automatically. The catalogue average is 95.9 percent, ranging from 91.01 to 98.82 percent. No Megaways game removes the house edge.