How Megaways Work: 117,649 Ways to Win Guide

Megaways games are a revolutionary slot mechanic developed by Big Time Gaming. They replace the traditional fixed paylines with a dynamic ‘ways to win’ system. To master Megaways slots, you must first understand the magic behind the random reel modifier, where every spin changes the number of symbols on each reel, between 2 and 7, resulting in a variable number of ways to win.

The maximum of 117,649 ways to win is calculated by multiplying the maximum symbol count on each of the six reels.

The key reason for its popularity is the dramatic increase in player excitement and winning potential. The core innovation, with its dynamic reel modifier, ensures no two spins are the same. This mechanism combines unpredictability with high-energy features like cascading wins and bonus buys, resulting in a fresh, modern slot experience that appeals to a broader audience.

What Does Megaways Mean?

The Megaways mechanic is a patented slot system, which replaces the traditional fixed paylines with a dynamic innovation of ‘ways to win’ format. On every spin, the core system, the random reel modifier changes the number of symbols, creating a unique combination in each round. The wins are determined by the matching symbols on adjacent reels from left to right, regardless of their vertical position, making gameplay more fluid and unpredictable.

Aussie punters are drawn to the high volatility of Megaways slots because they offer great potential for massive payouts. As one of the most popular real money slots mechanics, Megaways games can deliver wins of up to 10,000x and even 50,000x the stake.

As unlimited multipliers and cascading reels fuel it, it creates an exhilarating high-risk, high-reward experience. This appeals to punters who seek thrills and high rollers who enjoy the anticipation of a big win potential.

The best Megaways slots titles include Bonanza Megaways, Extra Chilli Megaways, Buffalo King Megaways, and Zeus Megaways, all of which leverage high volatility, cascading reels and multipliers to deliver a thrilling, unpredictable gameplay with massive win potential. The 117,649 ‘ways to win’ is common because it represents the maximum possible combinations in a standard six-reel Megaways game, where each reel has a maximum of 7 symbols.

How Megaways Slots Work

The dynamic random reel modifier creates a different number of ways to win, ranging from 64 to 117,649 on the standard six-reel game. This system replaces the traditional paylines and calculates by multiplying the symbols of each reel.

Each spin features a new reel layout, where the wins are formed by matching 3 or more symbols on adjacent reels from left to right. Thus, the total ways to win change with every spin. The 117,649 is the maximum when all six reels show 7 symbols, meaning that it can exceed.

After a win, the cascading reel will remove the winning symbols and allow new ones to fall into place, potentially creating multiple wins from a single spin. The majority of the games feature multipliers, often increasing with each cascade, specifically during free spins, resulting in unlimited multipliers leading to massive payouts.

The free spins round will be triggered by landing 3+ scatter symbols. This bonus round will offer enhanced features such as guaranteed minimum reel sizes, increasing multipliers and additional wilds, significantly boosting the winning potential.

Dynamic Reels Explained

Dynamic reels in Megaways slots change the height with every spin, meaning the number of symbols visible on each reel will be randomised. Each reel will typically display between 2 and 7 symbols per spin; this count is independent for each reel, because of which, the total number of winning combinations will be constantly changing.

It is calculated by multiplying the symbol count across all reels. For instance, the 117,649 ways to win are created by a spin with the maximum 7 symbols on all six reels. Unlike the traditional slots with fixed reels and paylines, this dynamic system aids in ensuring that every spin has a unique layout and win potential.

What Are Cascading Reels?

Cascading reels are also known as tumbling or avalanche reels. It is a slot feature where the winning symbol will be removed from the grid soon after the win, and a new symbol will fall from above to fill the space.

This avalanche feature initiates a chain reaction, allowing for multiple wins from a single spin as long as a new winning combination continues to form. This process will progress until no new wins are formed. It is often accompanied by increasing multipliers that boost payouts with each cascade, creating the potential for faster payouts and larger rewards during bonus features.

How You Win in Megaways Games

To win in Megaways slots, you have to land 3 or more matching symbols on adjacent reels starting from the leftmost reel. Unlike the traditional slot with the fixed paylines, the ways to win system in the Megaways produces symbols anywhere on the reel vertically and the total number of ways to win changes with every spin due to the dynamic reel modifier.

Why 117,649 Ways to Win?

When in a standard six-reel Megaways slot, each reel shows up 7 symbols, the combination results in the number 117,649. To find the total ways to win, you can multiply the symbols on each reel.

For instance, 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 = 117,649.

On most of the spins, reels show fewer symbols, typically between 2 and 7, so the actual number of ways to win will usually be lower and change with every spin. However, Megaways games may show different setups, like the 46,656 ways found in games with a 6-reel layout and a 262,144 ways or more, when the game uses 8 symbols per reel. Hence, though 117,649 is common, it is not universal.

Megaways Slots vs Traditional Pokies

Let’s examine the core difference between Megaways Slots and traditional pokies and find out the avalanche features.

Decoding the table, you can understand that Megaways casino games are best suited for high rollers and thrill seekers.

Are Megaways Slots Better?

The dependence and reliability of Megaways Slots are not automatically better, but it depends on player preference. It is not suggested for beginners with a small budget, because of its frequent chances for losses. But if you are someone who enjoys fast-paced action and chases large payouts, then Megaways can be rewarding, if you start with small wagers.

Weighing the pros and cons will let you determine if it is a better choice for you.

How to Play Megaways Slots

Here are a few steps explaining how to access Megaways slots

• To start playing Megaways slots, you need to choose a licensed online casino, like BetMGM, which offers a wide range of Megaways slots classics like Bonanza Megaways and 88 Fortunes Megaways.
• Set a bankroll before starting the game to manage risk.
• Start with small wagers.
• Use demo mode to understand the volatility of the game. Alternatively, some no-deposit bonus casinos allow players to experience Megaways games with promotional credits before wagering their own funds.
• Check for multipliers as they increase with each cascade, especially during free spins.

Furthermore, always engage in responsible gambling and understand the game’s RTP and volatility. As Megaways are fully optimised for mobile play, you can also access the game through your smartphone at your convenience. For confidential support and advice related to gambling, call the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858.

Best Megaways Slots to Try

Megaways comprises an exciting evolution of online pokies with dynamic reels and massive win potential. Let’s check out a few top casinos that offer Megaways games.

Conclusion: Best Megaways Slots

Megaways games are a slot mechanic providing massive wins, but they have frequent dry spells. It is apt for high rollers and thrill seekers who wait pessimistically for the jackpot despite the frequent losses. Unlike the traditional pokies, Megaways slots make use of a dynamic random reel modifier to generate a wide number of ways to win.

Though it has features like cascading reels, free spins and huge payouts, it is essential to adhere to responsible gambling to manage bankroll and reduce risks. Although it is not advised for beginners, you can still play the Megaways game by starting with small wagers.

FAQs: How Megaways Slots Work