Big Bass Hold and Spinner Megaways slot with 6 reel underwater reel set and 4 reel surface reel set

Megaways slots are a collection of games with unique features that change how pays are awarded compared to standard slots. Buckle your seatbelts and prepare for a wild ride into this fascinating slot mechanism!

What Is Megaways?

Megaways is the name of an ingenious slot reel mechanism that results in a different number of ways to win on every spin. Unlike standard slots, which tend to have set paylines and fixed symbols, Megaways slots introduce variability at both levels, offering so-called ‘ways’ instead of paylines and a different number of symbols on each reel on every spin.

From Paylines to Ways

Megaways slots feature ‘ways’ instead of set paylines. In a standard slot, payouts are triggered when you land matching symbols along a set payline. Megaways slots introduce the concept of consecutive matches, that is, matching symbols only need to be on consecutive reels, rather than in a fixed order. Each line of symbol matches in this format is called a ‘way’ and you can have multiple ‘ways’ in the same spin.

Changing Reel Sizes

The Dog House Megaways slot featuring a kennel style reel set with symbols of various dogs

Megaways slots feature variable reel sizes on every spin. In a standard slot setup, each reel usually has a fixed number of visible symbols. In Megaways slots, every time you spin the reels, each one can contain anything from two to eight symbols! Every spin results in a different combination of reel sizes and thus a different number of possible ways to win.

Thanks to the combination of consecutive matches and variable reel sizes, the potential ways to win of Megaways slots can range from 243 to a mind-blowing 200,704!

Why Play Megaways Slots?

Madame Destiny Megaways slot with a carriage style reel set, a horizontal top reel, and cat, cards, and candle symbols

Megaways slots offer a unique combination of innovative design and engaging features. Each spin comes with an air of mystery regarding how many potential ways to win there will be. Consecutive matches mean you can actually break free from payline watching and just enjoy the slot show!

Here are a few of my favourite Megaways slots:

Chilli Heat Megaways

Chilli Heat Megaways slot with 6 reels, a horizontal top reel, and chihuahua, tequila shot, and mariachero symbols

Yes, it’s a bit stereotypical, with its chihuahuas and tequila shots, but the Chilli Heat Megaways slot boasts an unbelievable 200,704 ways to win. Plus, check out that horizontal reel along the top, which adds an extra symbol position to reels 2, 3, 4, and 5!

Dynamite Riches Megaways

Dynamite Riches Megaways slot with a mine shaft theme and pickaxe, gold, and dynamite symbols

Dynamite Riches Megaways offers 117,649 ways to win, four unlockable features, and free spins with increasing multipliers. Blow up dynamite wilds to unlock TNT, golden wilds, multipliers, and mega wilds to the tune of the excitable banjo soundtrack.

Thai Flower Megaways

Thai Flower Megaways slot with a bamboo inspired theme and elephant, long-tail boat, and Thai temple symbols

2021 slot Thai Flower Megaways boasts 15,625 ways to win, but what appeals to me more is the fact that just two matching symbols trigger a win. Be sure to check out the free spins feature that involves just three different symbols.

Explore Over 100 Megaways Slots

Megaways slots are a real blast to play and at PlayOJO there are tons of them to explore – over 100 in fact! Play slots from the Megaways category and you’ll soon see what all the fuss is about.

FAQs 

Who invented Megaways?

Megaways was invented by Big Time Gaming in 2015.

What was the first Megaways slot?

The first Megaways slot was Dragon Born.

What is the best Megaways slot?

The best Megaways slot depends on who you ask, but players love Gonzo’s Quest Megaways, The Dog House Megaways, and White Rabbit Megaways.

Sarah McIver

Sarah McIver

Sarah is a veteran copywriter for the gambling industry with experience spanning more than two decades. When she's not immersed in the world of wordcraft, she can usually be found playing retro video games, slicing colourful blocks in VR or teasing her cheeky but loveable cat.