Most players who enjoy spinning reels choose video slots when they’re in the mood to play. They know that when bonus features trigger, they have the power to completely transform the gaming experience.
The more games in the video gaming-inspired genre you play, the more you’ll encounter similar features. If you’ve been playing for years, you probably know what most of them are. However, if you’re new to playing slots online, you may find them confusing. Use our guide to familiarise yourself with the most popular video slot bonus features.
Win Both Ways
In most online slots, winning combinations must be formed by symbols that land from left to right, in consecutive order, on a payline. Every now and again, you might encounter a game with a Win Both Ways feature. Thanks to it, winning combinations can be formed from left to right or from right to left.
243+ Ways To Win
Some slots have paylines that cross the reels, while others have Ways To Win. Microgaming’s 243 Ways To Win popularised the feature, but it since has been adopted and adapted by other providers, some of whom have 1023 Ways To Win features. Symbols can form winning combinations by landing on adjacent reels from left to right. There are no paylines involved.
Multipliers
Usually shown as a number with a multiplication sign, such as 2x or 3x, Multipliers multiply the payouts to which they are applied. For example, you win a payout of 100.00, to which a 3x Multiplier is applied. The payout is then increased to 300.00.
Wild Symbols
Wilds can substitute for any of the regular higher or lower value symbols. They usually do not substitute for bonus symbols. Some Wilds may also act as Multipliers, while others can remain in one position for several consecutive spins. There are Wilds that can move to a different position after they help create a win, as well as those that explode and generate new Wilds in other positions.
Scatter Symbols
Scatters can create winning combinations from any position on the video slot reels. They do not need to be on the same payline, and they don’t need to appear on consecutive reels. Scatters usually are the symbols that trigger Free Spins.
Free Spins
A Free Spins round sees a number of spins of the reels played at the same bet as was placed on the triggering spin. The difference is that you do not pay for those spins. Any winnings made during the round will be added to your balance. Some Free Spins rounds have additional features such as Sticky Wilds or Multipliers.
Pick-A-Prize Mini Games
Some video slots have mini games that trigger when 3 or more Bonus symbols land or another condition is fulfilled. One of the most popular types of mini games is the Pick-A-Prize. Played in a second screen, the game presents you with a number of different icons. You can select icons to win coin wins or other prizes. If you uncover the game end symbol, the base game will resume.