Slot Guides
Slot Features Explained: Wilds, Scatters, Multipliers and More
Modern video slots are full of special symbols and features. Knowing what each one does helps you pick games you will enjoy and understand what is happening on screen.
Wild symbols
A wild substitutes for other symbols to help complete a winning combination. Most wilds cannot replace scatter or bonus symbols. Common variations include:
| Type | What it does |
|---|---|
| Standard wild | Replaces regular symbols in the position where it lands |
| Expanding wild | Grows to cover the whole reel |
| Sticky wild | Stays in place for several spins, often during free spins |
| Walking wild | Moves one reel left or right on each spin until it leaves the grid |
| Multiplier wild | Substitutes and also multiplies any win it is part of |
Scatter symbols
Scatters usually pay wherever they land on the reels, rather than on a line. Their main job is to trigger features: three or more scatters commonly start a free spins round. Some games need scatters on specific reels only, so check the paytable.
Free spins rounds
During a free spins round, spins are played at the same bet that triggered the feature, without further cost. Free spins often include an extra twist such as increasing multipliers, extra wilds or removed low-value symbols. Retriggers (landing more scatters during the round) can add more spins. Do not confuse this in-game feature with promotional free spins; our promotions guide explains the difference.
Multipliers
Multipliers increase a win by a set factor, such as 2x or 5x. They can be attached to wilds, applied randomly, or grow with each win in a free spins round. Because multipliers concentrate value into occasional big hits, slots that rely heavily on them tend to be more volatile.
Cascades (tumbling reels)
In cascading slots, winning symbols disappear and new symbols fall into their place. This can create several wins from a single paid spin. Many cascading games add a multiplier that rises with each cascade in a sequence.
Respins and hold-and-win features
Respin features lock certain symbols in place and spin the rest again. A popular version is the "hold and win" or "cash collect" style feature: special coin symbols stick to the grid, and each new coin resets the respin counter. Filling the grid may award a jackpot tier in some games.
Pick-and-click and wheel bonuses
Some slots include separate bonus games in which you pick hidden items or spin a prize wheel. Your choice feels meaningful, but the outcome is determined by the game's random number generator and built into its overall RTP.
Using features to choose a game
If you prefer steady play, look for games with frequent small features such as respins or expanding wilds. If you enjoy the chance of large wins and can accept long quiet spells, games with growing multipliers and rare bonus rounds may suit you. Read more on volatility in our slots guide.