Megaways Slots
For the past few years, Megaways slots have shaken up the online slot market with up to 117,649 ways to win. Far from classic one-armed bandits, these games use an innovative engine that makes each spin more exciting. The magic lies in the variable reel heights that change the number of winning paths on every spin. While a standard slot typically offers 20–50 paylines you know in advance, on a Megaways slot you only discover the number of ways after the symbols land. The Megaways system is more than a feature, it debuted in 2016 on Big Time Gaming’s Bonanza. After its huge success, BTG licensed the mechanic to many studios, making it massively popular with slot players.
Games listing
Megaways mechanics: how it works
The main appeal is the huge win potential, largely due to the high number of ways available on every spin.
Each spin can show a variable number of symbols per reel (2–7). With 6 reels at the max height (7 symbols each), you get 117,649 ways to win. To validate a win, matching symbols must land on adjacent reels from left to right, symbol size doesn’t matter.
Why 117,649? Multiply the max symbols on each of the 6 reels: 7×7×7×7×7×7 = 76 = 117,649.
Some games add a seventh horizontal reel above the middle reels (often 2–5). With 4 positions, it helps complete wins by adding extra symbols.
What does Megaways mean for RTP and volatility?
Megaways titles frequently offer an RTP above 96%, sometimes even over 97%. That’s part of their appeal. (RTP is the theoretical long-term return to player.)
Volatility is usually high. Payouts can be larger but less frequent, an ideal setup for high-roller profiles.
More engaging features, typically
You’ll often see Cascading Reels (aka Avalanche): winning symbols disappear and new ones fall in, enabling consecutive wins in a single spin.
Common bonuses include Free Spins, Mystery Symbols, Unlimited Win Multipliers, and sometimes a Buy Feature for instant bonus entry.
Overall, Megaways slots tend to deliver more engagement and higher production value thanks to these mechanics.
Best Megaways slots to try
Created by Big Time Gaming in 2016, Megaways is now licensed to many developers: iSoftBet, Bally, Red Tiger, Stakelogic, Netent, Iron Dog, WMS, Blueprint, and more.
“Best” can mean most popular or highest RTP, the choice is subjective. Here are a few standouts we love:
- Bonanza Megaways , BTG’s 2016 hit; ~96% RTP and high volatility.
- Spartacus Megaways , SG Gaming’s take with up to 1,000,000 ways to win.
- Medusa Megaways , a sequel with a standout RTP of 97.63%.
- 88 Fortunes Megaways , Shuffle Master classic with a horizontal reel and a fun Picker Feature.
- Gonzo’s Quest Megaways , Red Tiger + Netent’s 2020 remake of the iconic adventure.
How to get the hang of Megaways
At first, the changing reel heights can feel unusual, but after a few spins it clicks. Track adjacent matches from the leftmost reel and let the cascades chain wins together.
The best way to learn is to practice, try our full catalog of Megaways slots in free demo on freeslotsdirectory.com.