Online Slots
Cluster Pays vs Megaways – Explore the Differences Between the Two Mechanics and How They Affect Slots
Online slots have evolved past their fruit symbol nature as soon as they’ve come online. Developers have recognized the potential of these games and the need to craft unique experiences that go beyond simple paylines and 3-on-a-line wins. For that purpose, new mechanics were invented, with Cluster Pays and Megaways slots delivering an overhaul of simple engines.
Slots players are locked in a heated Cluster Pays vs Megaways debate, taking one side or the other. These alternative mechanics offer more and new ways to win in a way that’s never been done before. Both are hugely popular in Canada and at BetPlays, where you’ll find the best Megaways slots and Cluster Pays slots. Read on to learn how they work, what the best slot mechanic is, and the most popular games in both categories at BetPlays Canada.
What Are Cluster Pays Slots?
The Cluster Pays engine rehauls classic slot gameplay by offering wins that come from clusters of adjacent matching symbols. They don’t need to be on a payline for a win. A cluster of 4, 5, or more symbols adjacent to each other form a win, which is usually followed by a tumble or cascade.
This particular slot mechanic is highly popular in Canada and among developers. Pragmatic Play has used it in several of its titles, as have NetEnt and Play’n GO. The highlight are the tumbling reels in most of the best Cluster Pays slots, where winning symbols are removed and replaced with new ones. Thanks to this, players get endless respins as long as there are wins.
There are no paylines or ways to win – as long as clusters of matching symbols form, a spin is a winner. Game studios further expand on this idea with special features. These include expanding symbols and irregular reel layouts, which offer another layer of fun.
These slots are best for players who like frequent small to medium wins. Specials such as multipliers or other modifiers can take the wins in Cluster Pays slot up significantly.
How Cluster Pays Payout Structure Works
Cluster Pays slots are usually played on a large grid, 6×6 or 7×7 in size. Wins are formed by clusters of matching symbols, which offer scaled payouts. This means that the more symbols involved in a winning combination, the higher the returns.
In many cases, clusters can grow up to 15 symbols or more. These combinations pay the largest wins, as is the case with NetEnt’s Aloha! Cluster Pays or Sweet Bonanza by Pragmatic Play. When it comes to slot mechanics comparison, the two might seem similar to some players. However, Megaways slots work in a completely different way, while keeping the core mechanics close.
Bonus features such as multipliers after tumbles are often available in the best Cluster Pays slots. They further boost the winning potential, and make these slots a favorite among Canadian players. If you ever want to see how these slot games work firsthand, BetPlays has them all for free or real money.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Cluster Pays Games
Pros
- Fast-paced gameplay and visually fun
- Consistent this from the get go
- Scaled payouts for a higher number of matching symbols
- Bonus features can boost the returns even further
- The mechanic is used by renowned developers
Cons
- Big wins require plenty of matching symbols in clusters
- High volatility may scare some players off
What Are Megaways Slots?
If there’s one slot mechanic that has revolutionized the way online slots work, it’s Megaways. Developed by Australian studio Big Time Gaming, this slot mechanic pushes paylines to the extreme. In general, most Megaways slots have up to 117,649 ways to win, influenced by the number of symbols landing on each reel.
Megaways slots aren’t exclusive to Big Time Gaming titles. Many major studios license the mechanic for their games, including Microgaming, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Blueprint Gaming, and Relax Gaming.
Just like in Cluster Pays slots, the main mechanic in Megaways titles are the tumbling reels. They’re also called cascades or chain reactions in some titles. Winning symbols are removed from the reels and replaced with new ones, essentially giving players respins with no end in sight. Of course, wins need to occur for the chain reaction to keep going.
Developers add extras such as progressive multipliers to cascades to make them even more fun. In terms of number of winning ways, most Megaways slots have at least 64. There have been cases where that number has been bumped up to over 200,000, intentionally designed for big win potential.
How Megaways Payouts Work
Unlike Cluster Pays slots, Megaways titles need at least three matching symbols on adjacent positions across all reels for a win. The number of symbols landing on each reel varies between two and seven. The more symbols land on a reel randomly, the larger the number of Megaways.
Most Megaways titles are highly volatile which means wild swings. Players should play responsibly and manage the bankroll to generate longer sessions that might spell frequent tumbles and larger win potential.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Megaways
Pros
- Stunning win potential
- Dynamic gameplay with shifting ways to win
- Boosted by features such as progressive multipliers
- A fun mechanic that can be modified for big wins
Cons
- Typically highly volatile – can drain your bankroll fast
- Some Megaways slots are too similar
Cluster Pays vs Megaways: Key Differences Compared
Our Cluster Pays vs Megaways slot mechanics comparison features are listed in the table below. Both mechanics are fun and engaging, often boosted by various modifiers. Here are the key differences between the two mechanics.
| Megaways Slots | Cluster Pays Slots |
| Ways to win | Clusters of winning symbols |
| Highly volatile | Offer a balanced approach |
| Bonus features mainly stick to progressive multipliers | Balanced approach to bonuses with various modifiers |
| Reel-based gameplay | Grid-based gameplay |
| Larger win potential | Smaller win potential |
Which Slot Mechanic Should You Choose?
Canadian players are always wondering what the best slot mechanic is. Is it the cluster-powered Cluster Pays or the Megaways with thousands of ways to win? They both have strengths and advantages, but most importantly, they both offer unique gameplay. Risk-takers will find Megaways slots more appealing, while casual players may benefit more from clusters.
Our suggestion would be to experiment with demos to understand how both mechanics work. We won’t take sides in the Cluster Pays vs Megaways debate. With so many options representing them both at BetPlays Casino, we strongly recommend exploring the lobby and making your own pick.