Slots Explained: What Are Wild Symbols?
Wild symbols are the jokers of online slots: they increase the chances of winning, introduce exciting features, and make each game a unique experience. In this guide, we explain the different types of wild symbols and the specific roles they play in the game.
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Key Points at a Glance
- Wild Symbols: Act as substitutes for other symbols, boost winning potential, and often trigger bonus features.
- Types: Expanding, Sticky, Walking, Shifting, Stacked, Random, Multiplying, Overlay, Transferring, Expiring Wilds—each offering unique benefits.
- Examples: Starburst, Dead or Alive 2, Jack and the Beanstalk.
- Pros and Cons: Enhance winnings and add excitement but are typically rare and restricted to specific game phases.
- Conclusion: Wild symbols are essential in modern slot games, adding fun and strategic depth to the gameplay.
How and Where Wild Symbols Appear
Wild symbols can appear on different reels in most online slots and are designed to stand out, making them easy to recognize. Their primary function is to substitute for other symbols, but their exact role often varies depending on the game.
Special variants like sticky, expanding, or stacked wilds create more winning opportunities: Sticky wilds stay in place while expanding wilds stretch across the reel, and stacked wilds cover multiple positions on a reel.
Slot machines like Starburst and Immortal Romance deliver unique experiences with their wild symbols. These symbols not only add excitement to the gameplay but also significantly boost your chances of winning.
What Are Wilds in Slots? A Quick Look at 10 Types
Wild symbol variations can significantly impact gameplay, each offering unique features and advantages. Here’s a breakdown of the 10 most important types of wild symbols at a glance:
These wilds spread across the entire reel and increase the number of paylines. A well-known example is Starburst from NetEnt. In this slot, the wild symbols expand across the entire reel and also trigger a re-spin.
Sticky wilds stay fixed in the same position for several spins, making them especially valuable during bonus rounds. A great example is Dead or Alive 2 by NetEnt, where sticky wilds hold their positions throughout the bonus rounds, significantly increasing the potential for high payouts.
Walking wilds shift to adjacent positions after each spin, creating new opportunities to win with every move. A classic example is Jack and the Beanstalk by NetEnt. In this game, walking wilds move one position to the left after each spin, continuing until they exit the playing field, adding excitement and increasing the potential for rewards.
These wilds jump from position to position until they disappear from the playing field. A good example of shifting wilds is the slot Divine Forest from Spinomenal. Here, wild symbols move during the spins and create new chances of winning.
Stacked wilds appear in groups, often covering entire reels, and can lead to substantial wins. A great example is White Rabbit by Big Time Gaming, where stacked wilds are used to create the largest possible winning combinations, enhancing the excitement and payout potential of the game.
These wild symbols appear randomly in any position on the reels during a spin, providing moments of surprise and are often integrated into bonus rounds. Example slot: Gonzo's Quest Megaways by NetEnt.
These wilds not only substitute for other symbols, but also multiply the winnings, often by x2, x3 or even more. They appear in base games or bonus rounds. Example slot: Immortal Romance by Microgaming.
Overlay wilds appear on top of existing symbols without replacing them. They can trigger additional features such as multipliers or bonus rounds. Example slot: Ghostbusters Plus from IGT.
These wilds “wander” between the reels and appear on another reel after a spin, creating new winning opportunities. In contrast to Walking Wilds, this feature is often used in conjunction with bonus rounds, moves between the reels and does not follow any particular order. Example slot: Twin Spin by NetEnt.
Expiring wilds are temporarily active and disappear after a certain number of spins. They are often used in bonus rounds. Example slot: Jammin' Jars by Push Gaming.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Wilds in Slots
- Increased chances of winning: Wild symbols substitute for other symbols, helping to complete winning lines.
- More fun: Special wilds, such as walking wilds or random wilds, make the game more exciting and varied.
- Diverse functions: Different wilds, such as expanding wilds that expand or sticky wilds that remain in place, offer plenty of variety.
- Limited availability: Some games only show wilds on certain reels or in special phases and bonus rounds.
- High expectations: The rarity of wild symbols can lead to long waits, which may be frustrating for players.
Comparison of Popular Slots With Wild Symbols
| Slots | Buffalo | Charlie Chance in Hell To Pay | Big Bass Bonanza | Gemix | Gigantoonz |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Provider | Aristocrat | Play’n Go | Pragmatic Play | Play’n Go | Play’n Go |
| RTP | 94,84 | 96.23% | 96,71 | 96.75 | 96.25 |
| Theme | Wilderness | Fruits, Retro | Fishing | Adventure, Cluster Pay, Fairytale | Monster, Sci-Fi |
| Paylines | 1.024 | 5 | 10 | Cluster Pays | Clusterpay |
| Min bet | 0,40 | $0.10 | 0,01 | $0.50 | $0.20 |
| Max bet | 40 | $100 | 250 | $100 | $100 |
| Max win | x7.600 | 6,666x | x2.100 | 4,513.5x | 4,000x |
Difference Between Wild and Scatter Symbols
While wild symbols substitute for other symbols to form winning combinations, scatter symbols serve a different purpose. In online casinos, they are crucial for triggering bonus rounds and free spins, and often function as multipliers. Unlike wilds, scatter symbols do not need to appear on paylines to be effective, making them especially valuable.
| Wild Symbol | Scatter Symbol | |
|---|---|---|
| Role in the game | Substitutes for other symbols to complete paylines. | Triggers bonus rounds or free spins, acts as a multiplier. |
| Placement on the reels | Must appear on certain paylines. | Can appear anywhere on the reels. |
| Bonus functions | Limited to replacing other symbols. | Leads to free spins and activates other special game features. |
Conclusion: Wild Symbols Are Indispensable in Modern Slots
Wild symbols are an essential part of modern online slots and play a key role in making the gaming experience in real money and crypto casinos more varied and exciting. With their ability to substitute for other symbols and complete paylines, they form a central mechanic that appeals to both casual and experienced players.
Special wild types, such as sticky, expanding, and walking wilds, introduce additional strategic elements, providing players with new ways to maximize their winnings and interact with the game mechanics. These variations not only make the gameplay more diverse but also increase the fun by incorporating wilds into bonus rounds, free spins, and re-spins.
However, wild symbols are not simply a random feature. Players who understand the various types of wilds and their specific functions can refine their strategies and increase their chances of winning. It’s important to carefully examine the features and limitations of each slot, including knowing which reels wild symbols can appear on, to make the most of their potential.
Whether in classics such as Starburst or more complex games such as Dead or Alive 2, wild symbols are an integral part of the world of slot machines. Their versatility ensures that slots remain engaging and offer new winning opportunities for both beginners and seasoned players.
FAQs – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Wild Symbols
Wild symbols function like a joker in slot games, substituting for nearly all other symbols to complete winning combinations. This helps increase your chances of winning. The wide variety of wild symbols adds depth and excitement to the gameplay, offering players different ways to interact with the game and enhancing the overall gaming experience.
Wild symbols appear randomly during gameplay and are designed to blend seamlessly with the slot machine's theme. Depending on the game, they may take the form of playing cards, themed icons, or other symbols that fit the game's design.
Wild symbols increase the chances of winning and add variety to the game. By substituting for other symbols, they help create more winning combinations, contributing to an engaging and dynamic gameplay experience.
Wild symbols can sometimes have limitations. They may only appear on specific reels or be restricted to certain bonus rounds. Additionally, some slot games don't feature wild symbols at all, which can make those games feel less diverse compared to others that incorporate them.
Wild symbols substitute for other symbols to complete winning combinations. Scatter symbols, on the other hand, trigger bonus rounds or free spins. Some symbols have both functions.
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