Best Megaways Slots
Megaways video slots are the brainchild of Big Time Gaming (BTG) which is now under the ownership of Evolution! Every software provider using Megaways tech is doing so under license from BTG and pays the brand royalties for the pleasure of using its innovative shape-shifting reels invention.
The History of Megaways Slot Games
It might not feel like it, but the Megaways slot mechanic was initially developed in 2016. That was the year that Big Time Gaming, the now Evolution-owned online slot development company, came up with what has since become one of the most popular slot mechanics.
When Big Time Gaming launched the first Megaways slot called Dragon Born, players that were used to traditional slots didn't quite know what to think of it. This was a slot offering up to an obscene 117,649 ways to win, a high variance, and reels that looked different on every spin.
It received a lukewarm reception simply because players were not used to this highly volatile experience.
Fortunately, Big Time Gaming stuck to its guns by releasing one of its most popular Megaways slots of all time, and the rest is history. Bonanza Megaways exploded onto the scene in 2016 and once again featured up to 117,649 ways to win. Those alongside the cascading reels feature include an additional horizontal reel, and free spins with a progressive multiplier were popular among players. A top payout of 26,000x the total bet also played a part in the Bonanza Megaways popularity as well!
As you might expect, to protect what it had created, the Australian software studio trademarked the Megaways slot game mechanic. However, in a genius move, the prominent online slot developer allowed other iGaming brands to lease the mechanic.
Now software providers like iSoftBet, Blueprint Gaming, Red Tiger Gaming, Pragmatic Play, BGaming, and NetEnt all lease the BTG's reel mechanic to create their own branded Megaways slots.
Today, there are over 100 Megaways slot titles from numerous providers. Below are just three of the best:
- Fishin Frenzy Megaways (Reel Time Gaming)
- Genie Jackpots Megaways (Blueprint Gaming)
- Beetlejuice Megaways (Barcrest)
How do Megaways Games Work?
Some games might offer up to 15,625 ways to win, and others are up to 248,832 ways to win, while most usually have up to 117,649 ways to win. To get the maximum number of ways to win, you need the maximum number of symbols on each reel. Also, Megaways slots use a random reel modifier mechanic, which is why you will hear the nickname shapeshifting reels, while most use six reels, but some have more.
Every spin offers a different number of Megaways:
First, it changes how many symbols appear on each reel on any given spin. Each reel can spin in between 2 and 7 symbols. There is no exact formula, as each spin is random. However, there is a simple formula for this. Let's use a 6-reel Megaways slot as an example.
- 6 reels with 2 symbols landing on each = 12 symbols, which is the lowest number of Megaways.
- 6 reels with 7 symbols landing on each = 42 symbols, which then offers the highest number of Megways.
- 6 reels with 2-6-4-2-4-7 on reels 1-2-3-4-5-6 = 25 symbols, which will give you an average number of Megaways.
With a random number of symbols, the more that appear, the higher the number of Megaways, and vice versa.
Megaways Slots use an adjacent reel ways to win feature to line up symbol combinations:
To line up a Megaways combination, the first symbol must start on reel 1. Then subsequent identical symbols must land on consecutive adjacent reels from left to right as in the example below:
- 3-symbol combination = the same symbol on reels 1-2-3
- 4-symbol combination = the same symbol on reels 1-2-3-4
- 5-symbol combination = the same symbol on reels 1-2-3-4-5
- 6-symbol combination = the same symbol on reels 1-2-3-4-5-6
Unlike traditional slots using a fixed number of pay lines, these symbols can land in any position on their respective reels as they do not need to follow a set path.
Top Features of Megaways Slots
Another reason many players like to play Megaways slots is that they usually come packed with bonus features. Here are some of the most popular.
- Cascading Reels (Tumble Feature)
Most Megaways games will utilize the cascading reels feature alongside the Megaways engine. Cascading reels remove winning symbols after every win, so new symbols drop in to replace them. This can create another winning combination from a single spin. In some cases, you can create a chain reaction of wins.
- Additional Reels (horizontal above the reels)
Some Megaways slots have an additional horizontal reel that sits above or below its six reels. These increase the number of Megaways or may contain special symbols that affect the game. One example is Great Rhino Megaways from Pragmatic Play, a game we highly recommend you check out.
- Free Spins with Increasing Multipliers
Free spins have long been a commonly used bonus feature for many years. Even in traditional fruit machines long before the Megaways engine existed. Usually, you just need to land scatter symbols to trigger free spins. Normally you need 3 or more symbols (though this depends), and you will receive some free spins.
Sometimes, a free spins bonus round will come with additional features such as progressive multipliers. Each time you hit a cascading win, a multiplier increases, giving you bigger payouts. In some cases, you might find unlimited multipliers that can increase to obscene levels.
- Mystery Symbols
Some iGaming developers like to add in other bonuses, such as Mystery Symbols. Blueprint Gaming is a brand that likes to add this feature. These symbols usually land multiple times on a spin and randomly change into the same regular symbol.
- Buy Bonus Features
Although not available in all regions (bonus buy is not allowed in the UK), some Megaways titles will have a bonus buy feature. These allow you to buy the main bonus game for an additional cost. These usually come at quite an expense. It is not uncommon to see buy bonuses features costing 200x or 300x the stake.
Top 5 Megaways Slots!
Megaways video slots are the brainchild of Big Time Gaming (BTG) which is now under the ownership of Evolution! Every software provider using Megaways tech is doing so under license from BTG and pays the brand royalties for the pleasure of using its innovative shape-shifting reels invention.
As a testament to just how popular this feature is, brands such as Microgaming, NetEnt, Red Tiger, WMS, Pragmatic Play, Blueprint and more have all jumped on the bandwagon simply because they all realize that BTG Megaways titles are too good to be missed!
Below we look at the top 5 Megaways slots using BTG’s featured shape-shifting reel technology!
Great Rhino Megaways (Pragmatic Play)
The Great Rhino Megaways video slot game takes you to Savannah into the heart of Rhino territory! The game offers up to 200,704 Megaways with gorillas, crocodiles, pelicans, cheetahs, hyenas, and gold rhino coins, helping you create big wins over 6 reels + 1 horizontal reel above reels 2, 3, 4, and 5.
It is a high variance slot title with a minimum RTP of 96.47%, a maximum RTP of 96.58%, and the chance to multiply your spin bet 20,000x via the free spins game, which comes with unlimited win multipliers!
Buffalo Rising Megaways (Blueprint)
This is another Megaways slot themed on an animal, but this time the buffalo, which is still found roaming wild in Africa! Buffalo Rising Megaways comes in 3 different versions, all of which have 117,659 Megaways. The ‘All Action’ version allows you to buy your way into the slot’s bonus game, while the ‘Standard’ version has no ‘Feature Buy’ or ‘Jackpot’.
All 3 titles have the same features, such as wilds, mystery symbols, scatters, and 4 free spins bonus games, and the max win is 10,000x your spin bet, while on the ‘Jackpot King’ version, you also have the chance of winning one of the slots' 3 progressive jackpots whereby the Deluxe Jackpot could make you an overnight millionaire!
Divine Fortune Megaways (NetEnt)
The sequel to NetEnt’s popular Divine Fortune progressive jackpot slot. Although, the Megaways version does not have a jackpot! That doesn’t make this title any less attractive as it still retains the superb graphics of the original but over 6 reels with 117,649 Megaways!
Features include falling wilds with re-spins, wild on wild, and free spins bonus wins, while it also has an impressive RTP of 96.09% and has medium variance gameplay!
Gonzo’s Quest Megaways (Red Tiger)
Red Tiger is part of NetEnt, and to celebrate that newfound partnership, the brand released Gonzo’s Quest Megaways as the sequel to NetEnt’s original and immensely popular Gonzo’s Quest video slot. And we must admit, the Megaways version is so much more fun than the original! Gonzo the Aztec adventurer takes you deep inside South America’s Amazon, where you can win up to 20,000x your bet!
Along the way, you will run into Avalanches with multipliers in the base game, free spins bonus, unbreakable wilds, free fall symbols with multipliers up to 15x, and an earthquake feature! All this exciting gameplay comes with 117,649 Megaways, an RTP of 95.77%, and high variance gameplay!
The Dog House Megaways (Pragmatic Play)
Speaking volumes for just how good this slot is, is The Dog House Megaways 2020 EGR Game of the Year nomination! And if you are a dog lover, then this is definitely a slot worthy of your spin bets! There are 117,649 Megaways to hustle your way through and the chance to win up to 12,000x your spin bet.
The Dog House Megaways also has a high RTP of 96.55%, while the gameplay is high variance! What we like about this slot is it comes with a ‘Bonus Buy’ option where you get to choose from Sticky Wilds Free Spins or Raining Wilds Free Spins, or you can trigger these options via 3, 4, 5, or 6 scatters in view!
Other Popular Megaways Slots
Megaways Slots - FAQ
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James is a casino games expert on the Playcasino.com editorial team. With many years of professional experience at a leading casino game development company and a passion for playing casino games, James has become a true expert in slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and other games.
James uses this expertise to provide reliable, insider advice through his reviews and guides, breaking down the game rules and offering tips to help you win more often. Rely on James's extensive experience for expert advice on your casino play.
