How Megaways differs from classic slots
Introduction
The advent of Megaways technology was a watershed moment in the online casino industry. If traditional machines have remained within fixed paylines for decades, Megaways has upended the mechanics of winning. To understand why this format has gained so much popularity, it is important to understand the key differences between classic slots and Megaways slots.
1. Number of lines and ways to win
Classic slots:
- Usually have a fixed number of lines (from 3 to 40, sometimes 100).
- Combinations are only considered for predefined routes. Megaways:
- The lines are replaced with winning methods that are re-formed at each back.
- The number of symbols on the reels varies, and the number of methods can be up to 117,649 or more.
- fixed lines replaced by tens of thousands of ways to win;
- the game became visually intense and unpredictable;
- wins have become rarer but potentially huge.
The main difference: the classics work according to rigid schemes, Megaways - according to dynamic algorithms.
2. Combination dropping principle
Classic: winnings are counted only on active lines. Characters must match in a strictly defined order.
Megaways: Matches are counted along all possible paths from left to right, regardless of the position of the symbol on the reel.
Bottom line: it is easier for the player to understand the mechanics - any symbol on the adjacent drum works in favor of winning.
3. Visualization and perception
Classic automata: often use a simple design - 3-5 drums, 3 rows of characters.
Megaways: screens look dynamic: one reel can have 2, and the next 7 characters. Each spin creates a unique visual field.
4. Additional features
Classics: bonuses are limited - freespins, double winnings, rare Wild- or Scatter-symbols.
Megaways: almost always include cascading winnings (symbols disappear, new ones appear), multipliers, extended bonus rounds, buying freespins.
This makes the game less predictable and more intense.
5. Volatility and risks
Classic machines: on average more balanced, often give out small winnings, but large drifts are rare.
Megaways: Have high volatility - winnings are rarer but can reach hundreds or thousands of bets in one lucky spin.
Players choose Megaways for a chance at a big win, and classics for a stable and calm game.
6. Impact on game strategy
In classic slots, betting on more lines increases the chances of winning.
In Megaways, the bet always takes into account all possible ways of winning - therefore, the player's choice shifts towards budget management and volatility selection, rather than activating lines.
7. Atmosphere and dynamics
Classic machines: calm, familiar, designed for a leisurely game.
Megaways: dynamic, intense, with a constantly changing picture, where each spin creates a new level of unpredictability.
Conclusion
The main difference between Megaways and classic slots is the dynamics:
Thus, Megaways are aimed at players looking for vivid emotions and large drifts, while classics remain the choice for those who value simplicity, stability and familiar mechanics.
