Cluster pays slots represent an exciting new genre of online slots that differ significantly from classic slot machines in several ways. Most notably, cluster pays slots at Ricky Casino online do away with traditional reels and paylines in favor of a fresh new gameplay format centered around symbol clusters.
In this article, we’ll explore what exactly cluster pays slots are, their unique attributes, and how they contrast sharply with traditional video slots and their fundamental mechanics.
What Are Cluster Pays Slots?
Cluster pays slots, also sometimes referred to as cascade slots or avalanche slots, arrived on the scene around 2010 and have steadily grown in popularity since then. As their name suggests, the defining characteristic of these game mechanics is that you win not by landing symbols across paylines, but by forming clusters of matching symbols.
Unlike classic slots:
- Cluster slots have no reels or paylines
- Winnings are based on symbol clusters instead of combinations across lines
- Winning symbols explode to make room for new ones in what is called a cascade
- Cascades continue as long as new winners form
This creates more dynamic and exciting gameplay full of big wins, explosions, and cascades.
Key Attributes Of Cluster Pays Slots
While removing reels and paylines, cluster slots introduce new attributes and mechanics not found in traditional video slots.
Symbol Clusters Instead of Paylines
The most obvious difference is winning combinations are based on clusters of adjacent matching symbols rather than symbols lining up across paylines. Usually, a cluster is formed when 5 or more symbols of a kind touch horizontally or vertically.
Cascading Symbols and Reactions
When you score a winning cluster, those symbols explode and disappear, making room for new symbols to cascade down from above. This can trigger chain reactions if the new symbols also form clusters, leading to consecutive cascades and reactions in a single spin.
No Reels
Without the need for reels and paylines, cluster slots utilize a more open layout, usually an 8×8 grid, where symbols appear. This allows for bigger and more varied symbol clusters.
Level Multipliers
It’s common for cluster slots to feature multipliers that increase after each cascade on a spin. This means payouts keep growing with each consecutive reaction.
Infinite Reactions
There is often no limit to the number of cascades and increases in the multiplier level per single spin. This contributes to the high volatility and potential for gigantic wins cluster slots are known for.
Contrast With Classic Slots
When compared to classic slot machines:
- Cluster slots have more dynamic, explosive gameplay
- Offer bigger and more varied wins
- Provide higher volatility and reward potential
- Replace reels and lines with open symbol grids
- Employ cascades and reactions instead of just spins
Here’s a quick comparison table:
| Attribute | Classic Slots | Cluster Pays Slots |
| Layout | 5 reels, 3-4 rows | No reels, 8×8 grid |
| Winning Combos | Symbols across paylines | Adjacent symbol clusters |
| Hits | Single wins per spin | Multiple cascades per spin |
| Payouts | Fixed | Multipliers increase payouts |
| Volatility | Lower | Higher |
So while traditional slots rely on reels and paylines, cluster pays slots leverage new attributes like symbol grids, reactions, and multipliers to deliver a fresh gaming experience with bigger rewards.
The exploding and cascading symbols also create more anticipation and excitement compared to classic slots where usually nothing happens between spins. For these reasons, cluster pays slots have quickly built an enthusiastic following among online slot fans.
Future Of Cluster Slots
Given their rising popularity, unique gameplay features, and strong reward potential, cluster pays slots represent the future of online slots. More and more software providers now offer their own takes on cascade-style slots.
And developers continue finding new ways to innovate, like adding locked symbols, quantum features, and other creative mechanics not possible in classic slots. So players can look forward to even more diversity and excitement from cluster pays slots in the years ahead.