How To Play Cluster Pays Slots
Discover Exciting Cluster Pays Games
Looking for a different way to play online slots for real money? Get started with our cluster pays games!
These online slots in the UK are an exciting alternative to the standard machines that have been around for several decades, and have been incredibly well-received by players.
Want to know more? Here’s our guide to playing cluster pays games, including a selection of our favourite slots.
What are Cluster Pays Slots?
Cluster pays slots first hit the scene in 2016 as the brainchild of NetEnt, a popular provider who’ve launched games such as Starburst and Twin Spin. The very first game released with the unique mechanic is the well-known Aloha! Cluster Pays.
The idea was to revolutionise the way people play slots online, without traditional mechanics such as reels and paylines. Players can enjoy thrilling bonus features, impressive graphics and the chance to win big prizes like jackpots.
How are Cluster Pays and Traditional Slots Different?
There are three key differences to note when you play cluster pays games compared to regular video slots. The first is that a grid is used for the play area rather than a set of reels, with cascades starting when the ‘Spin’ button is hit.
Using a grid also means no paylines exist. When you spin the reels on traditional slots, symbols must land in adjacent positions to complete a win. That isn’t the case here, as clusters can be formed anywhere on the play area.
Finally, as the cluster pays mechanic has removed paylines, symbols are not evaluated from left to right. This is different to regular slot games, where combinations have to start on reel 1. Clusters can begin anywhere on the grid, you just need enough matching symbols.
How Do Cluster Pays Slots Work?
If you have a winning cluster on the grid, it is evaluated in the same way as a combination in traditional online slots. The more valuable the symbols are, the higher the payout will be, so keep an eye out for Wild and Scatter symbols. Depending on the game, the number of symbols needed to complete a cluster can change, but it is usually five symbols.
At the end of the cascade the money will be added directly to your account, unless a bonus is being played. In that case, a bonus will be awarded at the end of the round.
Play Cluster Pays Slots at Virgin Games
Now you’ve got all the details, it’s time to jump in and start playing some brilliant cluster pays slots. Here are a few of our favourites to spin first…
Secrets of the Phoenix Elements Jackpot
Fly through the thrilling bonus games in Secrets of the Phoenix Elements Jackpot for the chance to score some fiery big wins.
This game is part of the classic Secrets of the Phoenix online slots series from Roxor Gaming. You can also enjoy the likes of Secrets of the Phoenix: Legendary Jackpots and Secrets of the Phoenix Megaways at Virgin Games, but let’s focus on the cluster pays version for now.
Winning symbols are added to the Symbol Collection meter, which can trigger up to four Elemental Phoenix features. Complete them all to enter the Free Spins bonus round where the progressive jackpot can be triggered, with a minimum value of £1,000!
Feed the flames.
Rise of Atlantis
Dive into the deep and watch the Rise of Atlantis in this online slot machine.
This game was released in early 2023 by Blueprint, one of the most well-known operators in the industry. Some of their other popular slots include the classic Fishin’ Frenzy, plus the golden Eye of Horus.
Find rising multipliers worth up to 100x in the Rise of Atlantis ocean, which can be activated after a winning cascade. Hit at least four Bonus symbols to play some free slot spins in the bonus, where the rising multipliers can increase to 500x, with more free spins up for grabs if you re-trigger the feature.
Discover the lost city.
Virgin Gates of Olympus
Enter the home of the Greek gods on our exclusive slot, Virgin Gates of Olympus. Discover a special Virgin Games symbol on the grid – the most valuable one in the game – which can pay out wins worth up to 500x your wager.
This online slot is a follow-up to the original Gates of Olympus, both produced by Pragmatic Play. The first instalment was opened in 2021, before our version was released two years later.
Keep an eye out for Multiplier symbols on the grid, which are applied to winning clusters at the same time. Take a place in the Free Spins Bonus when at least four Scatter symbols appear, with 15 free spins to play with.
Make your way through the golden gates.
Experience 900+ real money slots at Virgin Games, including free slots online in demo mode to get started.
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