Scatter Symbols Online Explained
Have you ever wondered what slot game scatter symbols are and how they work? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Here at LeoVegas, we have a vast range of slot games with scatter symbols, and we want to make sure you’re properly informed before you start playing them.
Of course, slot games are so accessible that you don’t necessarily need to know all the technical terms to play them. Some people prefer to just spin the reels and see what happens. However, if you want to understand how all the different payouts and features work, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about scatter symbols in slot games.
When you’ve finished reading, you’ll be able to spin the reels with your newfound knowledge. We’ll even give you a few of our top recommendations of slot games with scatter symbols.
What Are Scatter Symbols?
In the early days of slot games, all you had to do was match three symbols on the middle line. That sole way of winning is a rarity these days, as online slot developers realised that it just couldn’t cut it in the bustling world of iGaming. Players today want multiple win lines, crossing different lines on the screen. Yes, you can still win by matching symbols on the middle line, but you can also generate payouts in a range of other ways.
One of the greatest updates to the slot game format in the internet age was the introduction of the scatter symbol. These symbols turned traditional slot game play on its head and gave players a way to win without the need to even consider paylines. Scatter symbols can appear anywhere on the reels and trigger bonuses or features. They can spin in at any time, and their random nature adds extra thrills to each spin of the reels.
A scatter symbol can be any symbol, but it’s usually a higher-value icon than the others on display. In some games, the scatter symbol is the logo of the game. For instance, you’ll notice that when you play Gold Blitz here at LeoVegas that the lightning logo on the game’s thumbnail also acts as the scatter symbol. Scatters will often fit with the slot game’s main theme. An ancient Egyptian slot might use a sacred book as a scatter symbol, while a football-themed offering might go for a flaming ball.
Scatter symbols serve a range of purposes. Sometimes they can be used to trigger wins. Other times, they might take you to a different feature. That’s the beauty of these symbols; they differ from game to game and keep players on their toes.
If you want to know what a game’s scatter symbol is, you can check the rules before you start playing. On our site, all the symbol values and payouts are clearly listed. Click the information icon for the game, and it will explain what happens when you spin in scatter symbols. Sometimes you will have to spin in a certain number of them to generate a win or a feature.
How Do Scatter Symbols Work in Online Slots?
Understanding different paylines in slot games is simple, but knowing how scatter symbols work is a little more complicated. This is because it can differ from game to game, so it’s important to read the rules for the title you’re playing first.
The common thing about scatter symbols is the fact that they don’t have to appear on a win line to trigger. Some games will only require you to land one scatter bonus to win or start a feature, while others will need a specific amount. Sometimes, the more you land, the better your multiplier. For example, it could be that the more scatters you land, the higher your multiplier.
In other games, the number of scatters in view can determine how many free spins you’ll get in the bonus game. An example of this can be found in Fruity Bonanza Scatterdrops here at LeoVegas. In the game, the Free Drops feature is triggered by the Golden Star scatter symbols. You get 10 Free Drops initially, but extra scatter symbols reward you with an additional two Free Drops each.
The great thing about scatter symbols is that you don’t really need to know how they work in any given game. When they land in view, the game will instantly alert you to the winnings or feature that they have triggered. It’s easy to get used to how they act in the game you are playing after you’ve spun the reels a few times as well.
Do All Slot Games Have Scatter Symbols?
Scatter symbols are common in the modern slots market, but they aren’t everywhere. There are many games that offer more basic and traditional gameplay, with fewer features and win lines. If you prefer retro-style games that hark back to the early days of slot machines before the internet, most of the time you won’t encounter scatter symbols.
If you’re looking for games with scatter symbols, we recommend checking out some of the latest state-of-the-art games designed for modern players. Games that have a specific theme such as ancient mythology or fishing are likely to have scatter symbols.
If you’re not sure whether a game has scatter symbols, simply check the rules before you start spinning. The game information will tell you everything you need to know about the scatter symbols in the game and what they do.
How to Check Scatter Symbols in Online Slots?
If you want to check scatter symbols in online slots, simply pull up the game information and it will explain the values of each of the symbols. Once you know what the scatter symbol is, you’ll be aware of what you need to watch out for.
Within the game itself, you don’t need to check whether a scatter symbol has generated a win or a feature. The game will instantly alert you if this happens. All you need to do is watch the winnings enter your account or wait for the bonus feature to begin.
What Is the Difference Between Scatters and Wilds?
On most slot games, you’ll come across wild symbols. These are special icons that can replace other symbols in the game to generate matches on a win line. The main difference between scatters and wilds is that wilds have to land on a win line, whereas scatter symbols can appear anywhere.
There are different types of wilds to watch out for. The traditional wild will replace a symbol on a win line and activate the win that you’d get for those icons. There are also expanding wilds that cover whole reels and activate more win lines. Wilds and scatters usually act independently of each other, and they both add some incredible extra excitement to the games.
Best Online Slots with Scatter Symbols
There are countless online slots with scatter symbols that we’d love to recommend to you, but the list would be too long. Instead, we’ve picked out three of our all-time favourites. These three games below will give you a great introduction to scatter symbols, and then you can go and seek out some other games with scatter symbols for yourself.
Big Bamboo
Jungle themes are all the rage in the slots market, and Big Bamboo is one of the best in the genre. The offering from Push Gaming has plenty of mystery symbols and features, along with some interesting scatters.
Big Bamboo features normal scatters and gamble scatters. If you land two normal scatters and one gamble scatter on the screen, it will start the gamble mode. At this point, the gamble scatter spins to reveal a range of prizes. This can be anything from one or two free spins to multiple free spins. It could even include free spins with low-paying symbols or free spins with mystery symbols.
Gold Rush
If you’re a player who loves the chance to strike riches on a slot game, Gold Rush could be the one for you. This one takes you deep into a gold mine, where there is much to discover.
In this game, the scatter symbol activates the free spins feature. Three scatters in view activate ten free spins, and each scatter over that is worth an extra two free spins.
Monopoly – On the Money
Monopoly – On the Money is a great twist on the classic board game in slot format. Just like the legendary tabletop game, you’ll find loads of special features in this one.
When you land three or more scatters on the reels, you’ll be awarded a whopping 20 free spins. Any additional scatters will land more free spins, which can potentially go on for some time. That’s because Mr Monopoly can land and collect multipliers, and scatters can land on the reels at any time. If they do, they’ll trigger even more free spins.
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