Megaways slots have reshaped how online slot games work by introducing a mechanic that differs from fixed paylines. With thousands of possible ways to win on a single spin, they have attracted plenty of interest.
But what exactly does “Megaways” mean, and what does the Megaways number represent? If the concept is new to you, the shifting reels and changing combinations can feel unusual at first.
This guide explains what Megaways are, how the Megaways number is calculated, and how these games differ from fixed payline slots. It also covers variable reel heights, how Megaways can relate to payouts, volatility and RTP, how to read the paytable, and the common bonus features you might see. If you decide to play, always set limits and keep play within your means.
What Does Megaways Mean In Slots?
Megaways is a game mechanic used in certain online slots that changes the number of possible winning combinations on every spin. Instead of fixed paylines, the reels can display a different number of symbols each time they stop.
In traditional slots, matching symbols must land on set lines. In Megaways titles, wins are usually formed when matching symbols land anywhere on adjacent reels, starting from the leftmost reel. Because the number of symbols per reel can vary, the number of potential winning combinations, known as the “Megaways” for that spin, also changes.
Each spin is determined by a random number generator, so results cannot be predicted. With that in mind, how does the game turn those shifting reels into a single Megaways number?
How Is The Megaways Number Calculated?
The Megaways number shows how many different ways there are to create a winning combination on that particular spin. It is calculated by multiplying the number of visible symbols on each reel together. Because those symbol counts can vary from spin to spin, the total changes, too.
Example Calculation Showing Reel Symbol Counts
Here is a simple example using six reels. Imagine that, for one spin, the reels display the following number of symbols:
- Reel 1: 4 symbols
- Reel 2: 5 symbols
- Reel 3: 6 symbols
- Reel 4: 7 symbols
- Reel 5: 5 symbols
- Reel 6: 4 symbols
Multiply them together to get the Megaways number for that spin:
4 x 5 x 6 x 7 x 5 x 4 = 16,800 Megaways.
With the calculation clear, the next question is how high that total can go.
How Many Megaways Can There Be?
The maximum number of Megaways depends on how a game is designed, especially how many reels it has and the highest number of symbols each reel can show.
Many Megaways slots use six reels. If each reel can display up to seven symbols, the theoretical maximum for one spin is 117,649 Megaways, calculated as 7 x 7 x 7 x 7 x 7 x 7. Other games cap reels at different heights or use a different number of reels, which changes the maximum possible total.
These maximums will only appear when all reels show their highest symbol count at the same time. On most spins, the number of symbols will vary, which is why the Megaways total shifts so much from one spin to the next.
To understand why those totals change so frequently, it helps to look at the reels themselves.
How Does Variable Reel Height Work In Megaways Slots?
Variable reel height means each reel can show a different number of symbols on every spin. One moment, a reel might display three symbols, the next, it could show six or seven. Some games add extra symbols via a horizontal reel above or below the main set, which can also feed symbols onto the reels and change the total shown.
This constant change is what drives the varying Megaways number. When more symbols appear across the reels, there are more potential combinations. When fewer symbols appear, there are fewer combinations. Visually, it also means the game can look different from spin to spin, which is part of the appeal.
Once you see how flexible reels work, the contrast with fixed paylines becomes easier to spot.
Difference Between Fixed Paylines And Megaways
Fixed payline slots use set lines across the reels. Wins only count when matching symbols land along those lines, and the pattern never changes. A slot might offer anything from a handful of paylines to several dozen.
Megaways slots move away from that structure. They typically pay for matching symbols landing on consecutive reels from left to right, regardless of their exact position on each reel. Because the number of symbols per reel can change, the number of possible winning combinations changes too.
In short, fixed paylines tie wins to specific lines, while Megaways focus on adjacent reels and variable reel heights. That structural shift can also influence how a game pays and feels to play.
How Does Megaways Affect Payouts, Volatility And RTP?
Megaways can influence payout patterns because the number of ways to win is not fixed. A higher number of ways does not automatically mean higher payouts. Instead, each game is balanced so that its paytable, features and reel behaviour fit a particular profile.
Volatility describes how frequently a slot might pay and the typical size of those wins. Many Megaways titles lean towards higher volatility, where smaller wins may appear less often and larger outcomes can occur less frequently. That said, not every Megaways game is built the same, and some use a lower volatility profile.
RTP, or Return to Player, is a long-term theoretical percentage. A 96% RTP suggests that, over a very large number of spins, the game is designed to return £96 for every £100 wagered on average. Actual results vary from session to session because every spin is independent.
How To Read The Paytable On A Megaways Slot?
The paytable explains how the game pays. It usually lists each symbol from highest to lowest value and shows what is returned for landing a certain number of the same symbol on consecutive reels from the leftmost reel. Because there are no fixed lines, values are often shown as stake multipliers rather than fixed amounts.
You will also find details of special symbols. Wilds typically substitute for regular symbols to help form wins, while scatters usually trigger features such as free spins. Any game-specific rules, like how multipliers apply or how extra reels work, are normally outlined here too.
If the paytable references features in brief, the features section below gives those ideas a little more colour.
Common Bonus Features In Megaways Slots
Many Megaways slots include features that add extra depth to standard spins.
Cascading or tumbling reels are common. When a win lands, the winning symbols are removed and new symbols drop into place, giving the same spin another chance to create a win. This can continue while new winning combinations form.
Free spins often appear when a certain number of scatter symbols land. During these rounds, some games add increasing multipliers or tweak the reel setup to allow more ways to win than in the base game.
Mystery symbols can appear as identical placeholders that all reveal the same symbol after the reels stop. This can help align matching symbols across adjacent reels.
Some games introduce unlimited win multipliers within a feature, increasing by a set amount after each cascade or win during the bonus.
Other touches, such as expanding wilds or an extra reel, might be used depending on the design, but the core idea remains the same: features adjust how combinations can form during specific parts of play.
Examples Of Megaways Configurations
Each Megaways slot may use a slightly different configuration, depending on how the game is designed. Below are a few examples to show the range of setups players might see:
6 Reels, Up To 7 Symbols Per Reel: This is one of the most common setups. With 6 reels and a maximum of 7 symbols on each, the highest possible Megaways number is 117,649 (7 x 7 x 7 x 7 x 7 x 7).
6 Reels, Up To 6 Symbols Per Reel: Some slots limit the number of symbols per reel to 6, leading to a maximum of 46,656 Megaways (6 x 6 x 6 x 6 x 6 x 6).
7 Reels, Up To 7 Symbols Per Reel: A few Megaways slots use 7 reels, each showing up to 7 symbols. This takes the maximum Megaways even higher, up to 823,543.
Alternative Configurations: Other variations may include fewer reels, different maximum numbers of symbols, or special reel layouts. Each game can be designed differently, resulting in a wide range of possible combinations.
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**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.