What are Megaways slots and how do they work?

In recent years, one of the most interesting developments to hit the world of online slots has been the introduction of the innovative game mechanic from Big Time Gaming known as Megaways. This ingenious engine has taken the industry by storm, giving players up to 117,649 ways to win in comparison to the typical fixed number of paylines, which often range between 10 and 50.

So, just what are Megaways slots? How do they compare to run-of-the-mill slot machines? How do you play them? Which are the best Megaways slots to play? This beginner’s guide will answer all of these questions and more.

What are Megaways slots?

Let’s start with the most critical question: what are Megaways slots, and how do they differ from traditional online slots? The Megaways engine is, quite simply, a random reel modifier that changes the number of symbols that appear on each reel for every spin. In most standard Megaways slots, there are typically six reels, which hold anywhere from two to seven symbols on each. Due to the randomisation of every spin, the number of paylines or ways to win also changes with every spin.

Providers of Megaways slots

Big Time Gaming first introduced its innovative game mechanic in 2015 with the release of Dragon Born. However, it appears that the full potential of the Megaways engine was not truly recognised until the later release of Bonanza Megaways in 2016. This particular slot experienced overnight success in becoming a firm player favourite, and to this day, Bonanza remains one of the most played and popular Megaways slots.

Fortunately, for the growth of the online casino industry, Big Time Gaming has not been selfish with its innovative creations. Thanks to licensing agreements, many of the top providers have been able to utilise the BTG game engine for new releases or to modify older slot games through much-appreciated Megaways makeovers.

How to play Megaways slots

Playing the best Megaways slots is very similar to traditional slots with a couple of significant differences. The concept of placing your bet, matching symbols according to the paytable and spinning the reels all remains the same. However, as we’ve already discussed, Megaways slots feature a randomised reel modifier, which can spin anywhere between two and seven symbols onto any reel across six reels.

Whereas a traditional slot will require you to match symbols on adjacent reels across the active paylines, with Megaways slots, you just need to land identical symbols on adjacent reels, regardless of their size. In addition, there are the cascading reels, which we will discuss in more detail shortly, but as a general overview, these can potentially provide numerous wins within one spin. Also, the best Megaways slots will often feature random win multipliers, which can increase the size of your win.

Winning ways in Megaways slots

As we’ve already discovered, the unique Megaways engine creates the potential for up to 117,649 ways to win in comparison to a traditional slot, which typically offers up to 50 fixed or adjustable paylines. However, due to the helpfulness of licensing agreements, other providers have incorporated the Megaways mechanic and are able to offer players a staggering 200,000+ winning ways!

Cascading reels in Megaways slots

Cascading reels typically come hand in glove with the best Megaways slots and are particularly helpful in creating further winning opportunities within one spin. Essentially, all participating symbols involved in a win will disappear from the slot grid, allowing the remaining symbols to drop down and new ones to tumble in from above. These cascades will continue until there are no more winning combinations to be made.

How to win in Megaways slots

Winning on Megaways slots begins with the matching of symbols on adjacent reels, regardless of their size. Added to this are the chain reaction of wins from cascading reels, sometimes known as tumble reels, and in most cases, the welcome addition of win multipliers, often ranging from 2x to 20x, which may also be considered progressive.

Best Megaways slots

Every player is different and therefore has varying needs and desires when it comes to the type of game they play. From our guide, it’s easy to see why Megaways slots are so popular as they have a lot to offer in the way of special features and winning ways. Also, like regular slot games, Megaways slots offer a variety of themes that will appeal to even the fussiest of players!

Here are some of the best Megaways slots available.

Max Megaways

Released in 2022, Max Megaways is a cool, secret agent-themed slot with numerous special features. The secret lair is built into the side of a volcano on a secluded, tropical island. The slot layout offers an additional top reel, up to 117,649 ways to win, wild bonuses, special game modifiers, two free spin modes, progressive win multipliers and cascading reels.

Dynamite Riches Megaways

[Dynamite Riches Megaways(/game/dynamite-riches-megaways)] arrived in online casinos in September 2021 and is a remake of the original but with the Megaways mechanic incorporated. It offers players a max win of 7,000x, free spins, progressive multipliers, wild bonuses and up to 117,649 winning ways. It’s a mining-themed slot that features thematic symbols such as lanterns, spades, pick axes, bags of gold and a prospector.

Mega Moolah Megaways

In 2023, Gameburger Studios partnered with Games Global to produce a mash-up of the biggest progressive jackpot game, Mega Moolah, with the Megaways game mechanic. The Mega Moolah Megaways slot features the obvious progressive jackpots, wilds, a top reel, rolling reels, free spins and up to 117,649 ways to win.

Gods of Olympus III Megaways

A more recent release is that of Gods of Olympus III Megaways by 1X2gaming in March 2024. Modelled on its predecessors, this epic Greek tale invites players to spin the six reels with an additional top reel for winning ways ranging from 324 to 200,704. The Gods of Olympus each trigger a different game modifier, which include transforming symbols and multiplier wilds, and you can trigger a free spins bonus with a progressive win multiplier and up to a 25,000x max win.

Megaways slots FAQs

What is Megaways?

Megaways is an innovative game mechanic developed by Big Time Gaming that is essentially a random reel modifier and offers players the potential for up to 117,649 ways to win on standard Megaways slots.

Where can I play the best Megaways slots?

Right here at LeoVegas, you will find a diverse library of the best Megaways slots from multiple providers. You can choose from a variety of themes with betting options to suit both low and high rollers.

Are Megaways slots only supplied by Big Time Gaming?

No, thanks to the introduction of licensing agreements, several other providers are able to utilise the innovative game mechanic for new releases or to modify and re-release older titles.

How do I play Megaways slots?

Megaways slots are similar to traditional slot games – the only differences figure in the actual gameplay itself with the use of Megaways reel modifiers, cascading reels, and win multipliers.