Cluster Pays slot machines, also known as grid slots, are gaining popularity. Any reputable online casino, including Robocat casino, adds games with such mechanics to its catalog. The main difference of such content is the absence of the usual reels and paylines. Below, we will consider in more detail how such games work.
How do cluster Pays slots work?
After the presentation of the slot Aloha! Cluster Pays from NetEnt in 2016, the popularity of such mechanics increased. Such entertainment does not use traditional reels and paylines. The game takes place on the playing field, where clusters of symbols must form a winning combination.
You will need a minimum number of identical symbols (usually 5 or more), which must be connected vertically and/or horizontally. The larger the “cluster”, the bigger the win.
In Cluster Pays games, winning combinations starting from the leftmost reel are not paid, since clusters can appear anywhere on the grid. It is also possible to land multiple winning clusters, giving you more than one win per spin.
Basic elements of Cluster Pays slots
Let’s analyze the components present in most games with this mechanic in an online casino.
- Layout grid. Most slots have a grid, often larger than the standard 5×3. Popular configurations include a 6×6 or 7×7 grid. This provides more space for clusters to create.
- Cascading reels. Many Cluster Pays slots use cascading reels, also known as “avalanche” or “falling” reels. When a winning cluster is formed, the symbols within it disappear, and new symbols fall from above, filling the gaps. This causes a chain reaction as new images form additional clusters.
- Multipliers and special symbols. Multipliers may boost the payout for a cluster. Special symbols, such as wilds, can substitute for any other symbol to help form clusters.
The abundance of non-standard elements has led to the fact that new users of an online casino often believe that cluster slots are too difficult to win. In fact, with the flip/cascade feature, even eight similar symbols falling out is a common occurrence.
The most famous Cluster Pays slots
Let’s take a look at some popular slots that use this mechanic.
- Aloha! Cluster Pays from NetEnt. This game takes place in a tropical paradise, on a 6×5 playing field. Aloha! Cluster Pays has bright graphics, free spins, and sticky re-spins.
- Gemix by Play’n GO. This slot features a 7×7 grid filled with colorful gems. With each win, winning symbols disappear and new gems fall in their place, potentially creating new clusters.
- Reactoonz by Play’n GO. This is a slot that transports players to an alien universe. The 7×7 grid is filled with bizarre alien symbols. The game features wild symbols, multipliers, and the Gargantoon, a colossal symbol that can yield substantial wins.
The appeal of cluster payout slots is their dynamic gameplay. Users appreciate their cascading wins, strategic elements, and the variety of games available. If you are willing to take a risk, these mechanics can take your gaming sessions to the next level.