What are Cluster Pays Slots?
Hitting the gaming scene in 2016, Netent revolutionised the slots market with the release of the first cluster pays slot; Aloha! Cluster Pays. Cluster pays slots ditch the traditional numbered paylines and instead feature a cluster system where having a minimum number of symbols (generally 5-6) next to each other triggers a win. Cluster pays slots also remove the need for wins to start on reel 1 meaning symbol matches can be achieved anywhere on the active playboard.
Since the release of Aloha! Cluster Pays, there are now hundreds of cluster pays slots from some of the top providers worldwide. Each slot adds unique mechanics and themes that have improved on the initial cluster pays concepts including bonus features, free spin modes, and jackpot prizes. Some cluster pays slots even add cumulative bonus features that trigger for multiple cascading wins or for collecting a number of matching symbols such as Dragons Clusterbusters, and Reactoonz.
How to play Cluster Pays Slots
Looking to get stuck in and cluster up some new games to enjoy? Here is a quick step-by-step to get you straight into the action in no time:
- Sign up to MrQ and deposit £10 to play
- Find top cluster pays slots in the game lobby
- Choose your bet level and press spin to play
- Bundle a minimum number of symbols together on the play board to trigger a win
- Wins will cause a cascade with new symbols replacing the old ones to create consecutive wins
- Activate special bonus features during play to add even more excitement
All info on symbol payouts, minimum matches, and bonus features can be found by visiting the game’s paytable in the options menu. You can also find other tips and info in the paytable including the game’s RTP percentage and if it includes any free spin mode or jackpot prizes.
How to Win Cluster Pays Slots
Unlike standard slots, cluster pay slots do not include traditional paylines to match symbols across. The easiest way to win in a cluster pays slot is to bundle up a minimum number of symbols next to each other either horizontally or vertically to achieve a win. The standard number of symbols to match is 5 but some games have higher or lower minimum requirements that can be found in the paytable.
Cluster pays slots also contain a number of bonus features designed to assist you in creating those juicy matching wins. Some slots contain a cascade feature where matched symbols will be removed from play and replaced with new symbols to create consecutive wins. Others will contain additional symbols or special modifiers that will have an effect on the reels including destroying all of the same symbol, transforming symbols into giant Wilds, or replacing all symbols in a number of columns or rows to help find matching symbols.
Differences from other slots
- Paylines– Cluster pays slots do not contain traditional paylines and instead allow for wins to be achieved anywhere on the play board
- The reels– Cluster pays slots ditch the traditional 5×4 standard setup for reels containing way more symbols to match. Some games even include ways to expand the reels to add even more chaos to the mix
- Bonus features– As well as the standard free spins and bonus games active in most slots, Cluster pays games also contain a number of additional bonus features centred around the active symbols on the reels including symbol destructions, upgrades, and reel expansions
- No left-to-right order– Due to the fact that cluster pays ditches traditional paylines, wins can be achieved anywhere on the board and do not need to start on reel 1.
Top Cluster Pays Games
Game Name | RTP(%) | Description |
---|---|---|
Aloha! Cluster Pays | 96.24% | Tropical-themed cluster pays slot with free spins and symbol drop features. |
Sugar Rush | 96.50% | Sweet-themed game featuring multiplier overlays and win multipliers up to 128x. |
Reactoonz | 96.51% | Space-themed with Quantum Meter activation and 5 modifiers including the Gargantoon feature. |
Stack Em | 96.20% | Forest adventure with win multipliers and upgradable free spins. |
Gems Bonanza | 96.55% | Temple-themed with 8 reels, multiple bonus features, and a 10x Gold Fever multiplier. |
Jammin Jars | 96.83% | Fruit-themed with Jam Jar multipliers and free spins, offering up to 20,000x bet wins. |
Dragons Clusterbuster | 95.70% | Dragon-themed cluster pays with 9 reels and up to 4 progressive bonus features. |
King Carrot | 96.30% | Garden-themed with win multipliers up to 100x and a bird feature that replaces symbols. |