Up to 117,649 ways to win: How it's possible
Introduction
Slots with Megaways mechanics have upended the way players think about classic automata. If earlier the number of lines was fixed - 20, 40 or a maximum of 100, then in Megaways it changes with each back. As a result, players can get up to 117,649 ways to win, which sounds almost incredible. Let's figure out exactly how it works.
1. Megaways basic principle
Megaways technology is built on a varying number of characters on each reel:
- typically 6 drums are used;
- each of them can have from 2 to 7 characters; the total number of ways to win is calculated using the formula:
- number of symbols on reel 1 × reel 2 ×... × reel 6.
- each symbol on a reel may be connected to any symbol on an adjacent reel;
- there are no lines as such - the system works according to the "ways to win" principle.
- 2 characters on each reel = 2⁶ = 64 ways;
- 4 characters on each reel = 4⁶ = 4,096 methods;
- 7 symbols per reel = 7⁶ = 117,649 methods.
- the number of symbols on the reels may change directly during the paychain;
- the player gets a chance to win multiple times within the same spin.
- multipliers that increase at each stage;
- freespins, where the field often expands to a maximum;
- special symbols (Wild, Scatter) that enhance the dynamics of the game.
- 1. Maximum excitement: each spin is unique, lines cannot be calculated in advance.
- 2. Unpredictability: the number of ways to win changes constantly.
- 3. Great potential: Up to 117,649 combinations are a chance for a series of cascades and multipliers leading to solid payouts.
If all reels are filled to the maximum (7 symbols × 6 reels), then 117,649 combinations are obtained.
2. Difference from classic paylines
In classic slots, fixed lines operate: combinations can only be assembled along predetermined trajectories.
Everything is different in Megaways:
Thus, the more characters in the grid, the more connection options and potential combinations.
3. How the number of ways is growing
Examples:
This variability makes the game dynamic: each spin brings a unique number of winning options.
4. Influence of cascade drums
An additional factor is cascading reels. After each winning combination, the symbols disappear and new ones fall in their place. This means that:
5. Role of multipliers and bonus features
117,649 ways are not all. Megaways slots often feature:
All this turns the high potential of the lines into real chances of big wins.
6. What it means for players
For gemblers, Megaways is a combination of three factors:
Conclusion
The phrase "up to 117,649 ways to win" is not a publicity stunt, but a mathematically verified system based on random character generation and dynamic construction of combinations. It was this mechanic that made Megaways one of the most popular innovations in the world of online gambling and set new standards for slots.
