Cluster Pay Slots

How do Cluster-Pay Slots work?

At their core, cluster-pay games operate on a grid system where the typical concept of paylines is replaced by clusters of symbols. In these slots, players aim to get a group of matching symbols in clusters – these symbols must touch either horizontally, vertically, or both. The size and configuration of the grid can vary from game to game, with some slots featuring larger grids to facilitate the formation of clusters.

The mechanics of these slots are straightforward yet engaging. To win, a player needs to form clusters of a specific minimum number of matching symbols, which is predetermined by the game and varies from one slot to another. When such a cluster is formed, it usually triggers a payout based on the number or type of symbols involved in the cluster. An exciting aspect of Cluster-Pay slots is the cascading effect – often when a winning cluster is formed, those symbols are removed, and new symbols fall into place, potentially creating additional wins. This cascading feature, sometimes called Avalanche or Tumbling Reels, adds a dynamic element to the gameplay, as each spin can lead to multiple wins and continuous action on the grid. The combination of an interactive grid system and the potential for consecutive wins makes Cluster-Pay slots a popular choice among players seeking an immersive and unconventional gaming experience.

Popular Slots with a Cluster-Pay feature

Each game offers a unique take on the Cluster-Pay feature, with varied themes, volatility levels, and special bonuses, making them stand out in the online slot gaming world. Let’s take a look at some notable examples that were recently released:

Loki’s Riches by Pragmatic Play: Loki’s Riches takes players into the realm of Norse mythology, featuring the god Loki against the mesmerising Northern Lights. This slot game offers a unique 7×7 grid with a cluster-pays format, where forming clusters of five or more matching symbols leads to wins. The Tumble feature enhances gameplay by removing winning symbols and allowing new ones to fall, potentially creating additional wins. The game stands out with its Special Expanding Symbol feature, where a symbol chosen at random can expand, forming larger winning clusters. Free Spins are another highlight, triggered by four or more Scatter symbols, with a Special Expanding Symbol active throughout the round. This feature adds depth and potential for big wins, especially with a maximum payout of up to 10,000x the bet.

The Runemakers DoubleMax by Yggdrasil Gaming: In The Runemakers DoubleMax, players are whisked away to a Viking-themed winter landscape. This 6×6 grid slot features a cluster pays mechanic, where wins are triggered by clusters of five or more symbols. The game boasts a unique Dropdown feature, where winning symbols vanish, and new symbols drop down, potentially forming new winning clusters. Each Dropdown win doubles the multiplier, increasing the stakes with each cascade. The game is enriched with Mystic Symbols, which transform into matching symbols to aid in cluster formation, and Wild Symbols that substitute for all regular pay symbols. The Free Spins round, triggered by three or more Scatter Symbols, begins with seven spins. Players can gamble for additional spins, enhancing the potential for bigger wins. The standout DoubleMax Win Multiplier, which never resets in the Free Spins, adds a thrilling dimension to the gameplay.

Jammin’ Jars by Push Gaming: Jammin’ Jars is an 8×8 grid, fruit-themed slot offering a cluster pays mechanic. The game’s vibrant design and disco soundtrack create an engaging atmosphere. Players form winning clusters with five or more matching fruit symbols, including blueberries, plums, apples, raspberries, oranges, and strawberries. The cascading symbols mechanic allows for consecutive wins as winning clusters disappear and new symbols fill the spaces. Central to the game is the Jam Jar symbol, serving as a wild and scatter. This symbol moves to adjacent positions, increasing its multiplier with each win. The Rainbow feature, triggered randomly on non-winning cascades, adds giant fruit symbols, enhancing winning potential. Free spins activate when three Jam Jars appear, where these wilds become sticky, offering increased multipliers. Jammin’ Jars combines simple gameplay with the excitement of cascading wins and increasing multipliers​

Gargantoonz by Play’n GO: Gargantoonz, a vibrant 7×7 grid slot by Play’n GO, offers cluster wins with a mix of one-eyed and two-eyed creature symbols. The game’s key features include Fluctuation, where a random symbol type can create Quantum Wilds in winning clusters, and Discharge, adding up to 8 Quantum Wilds randomly on non-winning spins. An innovative Experiment Charger gets activated with winning clusters, triggering one of three unique experiments – Gamma Ray Burst, Black Hole, or Supernova – each adding wilds and effects differently. The game culminates with the Gargantoon Charger, evolving the Gargantoon across three stages, with Gargantoon Wilds appearing in various sizes. Gargantoonz combines engaging gameplay with creative features, offering players an animated and exciting slot experience​.

Pirates 2 by ELK Studios: Pirots 2 is a vibrant sequel set in a prehistoric jungle, featuring a 6-8 reel and row grid. The game centres around four bird characters collecting coloured amber and feature symbols. Unique gameplay mechanics include symbol upgrades, coin wins, expanding grids via red buttons, dinosaur-hatching egg symbols, popcorn symbols for path creation, and transformative mushroom symbols. The Free Spins Bonus Game activates with three dino skull scatters, offering five spins where grid size and symbol levels persist. Additional spins can be gained during this round. The X-iter feature provides enhanced gameplay options, including increased chances for bonuses or maximum grid play. With high volatility and a max win of 10,000x the stake, Pirots 2 combines innovative elements with familiar gameplay.

Features of a Cluster-Pay Slot

Cluster-Pay slots are renowned for their unique set of features and mechanics that not only enhance the gameplay experience but also offer players more ways to win and enjoy the game. Here are some key features and mechanics commonly found in Cluster-Pay slots:

Cluster Formation: The fundamental feature of these slots is the way wins are formed. Instead of traditional paylines, wins are achieved by forming clusters of similar symbols, usually requiring a minimum number of symbols touching either horizontally, vertically, or both.

Cascading Reels: Often, Cluster-Pay slots incorporate cascading reels. When a winning cluster is formed, those symbols disappear, and new symbols fall into their place, potentially creating more winning combinations in a single spin.

Increasing Multipliers: Many Cluster-Pay slots feature multipliers that increase with consecutive wins, especially during cascading reels. This can significantly boost the payout potential.

Symbol Upgrade: Some games include symbol upgrade features, where specific symbols in a cluster can transform into higher-value symbols or wilds, creating more lucrative winning combinations.

Free Spins and Bonus Rounds: Like traditional slots, many Cluster-Pay slots offer free spins or bonus rounds. These are typically triggered by landing a certain number of scatter symbols and can include enhanced features like increased multipliers or special wild symbols.

Variable Grid Sizes: These slots often feature variable grid sizes, expanding the play area and the number of symbols, thereby increasing the potential for larger clusters and wins.

Pros and Cons of Cluster-Pay Slots

Cluster-Pay slots offer a unique spin on traditional slot gaming, but like any game format, they come with their own set of pros and cons:

Pros

• Innovative Gameplay: Cluster-Pay slots provide a refreshing change from traditional line-based slots, offering a new way to form winning combinations.
• Increased Winning Potential: Many Cluster-Pay slots offer cascading reels, which can lead to multiple wins in a single spin.
• Feature-Rich: These slots often come packed with a variety of features such as multipliers, free spins, symbol upgrades, and more, making the gameplay more exciting.
• Visually Appealing: Cluster-Pay slots are usually designed with high-quality graphics and animations, enhancing the visual appeal of the game.

Cons

• Potentially Lower Frequency of Wins: Due to the nature of cluster formations, wins might not occur as frequently as in traditional line-based slots.
• High Volatility: Some Cluster-Pay slots can be highly volatile, meaning they offer larger payouts but less frequently, which might not suit all players.
• Lack of Traditional Slot Feel: Traditional slot players might miss the classic line-based winning system and the simplicity it offers.

Final Verdict

Cluster-Pay slots have undoubtedly carved out a unique niche in the online slot world, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional slot gaming with their innovative mechanics and feature-rich gameplay. These games appeal to players seeking a more dynamic and engaging experience, thanks to their unique cluster formation wins, cascading reels, and an array of bonus features. However, it’s important to recognise that these games might not be for everyone. Their complexity and often high volatility can be daunting for newcomers or traditional slot enthusiasts who prefer a more straightforward gaming experience.

Overall, Cluster-Pay slots represent a significant evolution in the online slot gaming industry, catering to a growing audience looking for novelty and excitement in their gaming sessions. While they may not replace traditional slots entirely, they offer a wonderful complement, enriching the world of online slots with diversity and innovation.