This article explains what Cluster Pays slots are and how they work. The article also explain the origin of Cluster Pays slots and describes all types of Cluster Pays slots.
What are Cluster Pays slots?
Cluster Pays slots revolutionize slot machine gameplay, offering a fresh twist on winning combinations.
Unlike traditional slot games, where success is based on matching symbols aligning on a payline from left to right across the reels, Cluster Pays games discard the conventional payline mechanism.
In these innovative slots, wins are secured when matching symbols form a cluster, not restricted by reels or lines, on the game grid. This method allows for a more dynamic gameplay experience, as players look for clusters of similar characters to win real money, moving away from the traditional slot system that relies heavily on a predefined payline pattern.
What sets Cluster Pays apart is not just the absence of traditional paylines but the unique approach to forming winning combinations. This type of slot game enables a more engaging and varied gaming experience, distancing itself from the linear nature of jackpot slots.
As a result, Cluster Pays games appeal to those seeking an alternative to the classic slot machine experience, combining the excitment of slot play with the strategy of spotting potential clusters.
How the Cluster Pay system works
The Cluster Pays mechanic revolutionizes online slot gameplay by eliminating traditional paylines. Instead of requiring symbols to align in a straight line for a win, this system rewards players when matching symbols form a cluster on the game grid.
A winning combination occurs as long as the symbols touch either horizontally or vertically, often requiring a minimum of five adjacent symbols. This setup not only broadens the ways to win but also simplifies understanding how payouts are determined.
When players land a winning cluster, those symbols disappear, allowing new symbols to fall into place, potentially creating additional wins. This dynamic increases the excitement and unpredictability of each spin.
The cluster pays feature can lead to a cascade of wins from a single spin, especially when increased by bonus features such as free spins bonus, wild symbols, and scatter symbols. These additions, along with sticky wilds and spins rounds, enrich the gameplay, offering more opportunities for winning clusters and, by extension, larger payouts.
Notably, the value of a win in Cluster Pays slots depends on the symbols' value, the player's stake, and the cluster size. The larger the cluster, the bigger the payout, encouraging players to aim for more extensive symbol clusters.
This mechanic, coupled with bonus games and the potential for progressive jackpots, ensures that Cluster Pays slots offer an exciting and varied gaming experience without making the gameplay too complex.
What is the origin of Cluster Pays slots?
Cluster Pays slots trace their origins back to 2016, thanks to the innovation of NetEnt, a titan in the online casino industry.
This game-changing concept was first introduced in the iconic hawaiian slot, Aloha Cluster Pays, setting a new standard for casino games. NetEnt's pioneering approach not only solidified its reputation as a leading provider but also sparked a trend in the iGaming world.
The success of Aloha Cluster Pays prompted NetEnt to expand its portfolio with more titles featuring the Cluster Pays mechanic, enriching the online casino experience with each release.
The innovation didn't stop with just the cluster pays feature. NetEnt's subsequent releases have continually elevated gameplay with the introduction of bonus rounds, re-spins, big wins, and a plethora of other engaging elements such as free spin bonuses, scatter symbols, multipliers, and wild symbols.
Types of Cluster Pays slots
Cluster Pays slots come in various types, each offering unique gameplay and features. These slots have evolved, creating diverse gaming experiences.
Avalanche Cluster Pays slots
Avalanche Cluster Pays slots feature a unique cascading win mechanic, setting them apart in the video slot world.
When players form a winning cluster, those winning symbols vanish, allowing new symbols to cascade down and fill the spaces.
This innovative approach by NetEnt not only improves the visual appeal of the game but significantly increases the chances for consecutive wins during gameplay.
With each cascade, players have the potential to form new winning combinations, multiplying the excitement and the opportunity for rewards.
Megacluster Cluster Pays slots
Megacluster Cluster Pays slots, pioneered by Big Time Gaming (BTG), enhance the classic Cluster Pays format by introducing a larger grid. This innovation significantly maximizes players' chances to hit winning combinations, thanks to the expanded play area.
The Megacluster mechanic also integrates bonus rounds and various modifiers, offering a richer and more dynamic gameplay experience.
This evolution in slot design underscores BTG's commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional slot mechanisms, offering players unprecedented opportunities to win big.
Best Cluster Pays slots
Here are the top Cluster Pays slots renowned for their engaging gameplay and high Return to Player (RTP) percentages:
- Elite of Evil by Gamevy, leading with an RTP of 97.5%.
- Candy Burst by PG Soft, offering an RTP of 97.0%.
- Jammin’ Jars by Push Gaming, with an RTP of 96.8%.
- Candy Bonanza by PG Soft, providing an RTP of 96.7%.
- Magic Oak by Habanero, also with an RTP of 96.7%.
- Kluster Krystals by RelaXGaming, featuring an RTP of 96.5%.
- Hellcatraz by RelaXGaming, matching Kluster Krystals with an RTP of 96.5%.
- Rich Wilde and the Tome of Madness by PlayNgo, rounding out the list with an RTP of 96.5%.
Are there free Cluster Pays slots?
Yes, players eager to experience the excitment of Cluster Pays slots without the risk can indulge in free versions available in demo mode.
Highlighting the diversity and appeal of these slots, here are some notable free options:
- Aloha Cluster Pays Slot by NetEnt captivates with its Hawaiian beach theme and innovative cluster win mechanic. This high volatility game not only offers an engaging experience but also boasts features that could lead to a top win of x2,000.
- Stars of Orion, a game that combines celestial visuals with the Cluster Pays mechanic, allows for strategic gameplay amidst varying volatility levels.
- Berryburst, known for its medium volatility and an RTP of 96.56%, blends the refreshing theme with the Cluster Pays feature for a balanced and rewarding experience.
- Rich Wilde and the Tome of Madness offers an adventure-themed gameplay with high volatility, inviting players to explore its mysteries and the potential for significant wins.
What is similar to Cluster Pays slots?
Similar to Cluster Pays slots are Megaways slots, which offer changing reels and win ways each spin. Both types push traditional slot boundaries, focusing on innovative mechanics over fixed paylines.