The difference between Sticky Wild and regular and expanding Wild
Wild symbols are a key part of most modern slots. They replace other signs and help form winning combinations. However, there are several varieties of Wild, each of which works differently and affects the dynamics of the game. The most popular of these are regular Wild, sticky Wild (Sticky Wilds) and expanding Wild (Expanding Wilds). To understand which option is more profitable, it is important to consider their differences and features.
Regular Wild
How they work: appear on the drums and replace any symbol except special ones (Scatter, Bonus).
Feature: disappear after one rotation, have no additional functions.
Where they meet: in almost all slots, from classic to modern.
Advantages: simple and versatile mechanics, understandable to beginners.
Disadvantages: do not give a long-term advantage - the symbol acts only in the back in which it fell.
Sticky Wild (Sticky Wilds)
How they work: when dropped, they are fixed on the drums for several spins or until the end of the bonus round.
Feature: Strengthen the chances of winning by staying in the game and helping to re-form combinations.
Where they meet: most often in bonus rounds and respins.
Advantages: significantly increase the likelihood of large payments, especially in combination with freespins.
Disadvantages: usually less common and most often tied to bonus modes.
Expanding Wild (Expanding Wilds)
How they work: when dropped, the symbol "stretches" over the entire drum, turning it into a wild one.
Feature: closes several positions at once, which increases the number of winning lines.
Where they meet: in slots with an emphasis on entertainment and dynamics, especially in modern video slots.
Advantages: instantly create a large number of combinations.
Disadvantages: act only at the moment of falling out, do not fix on the following backs.
Mechanic comparison
Duration of action: regular Wild works once, Sticky Wild remains on several spins, Expanding Wild acts only when dropped, but covers the entire drum.
Winning probability: Sticky Wild increases the chances of long-term combinations, Expanding Wild gives a big effect right away, regular Wild brings a basic advantage.
Excitement and dynamics: Sticky Wild maintains tension in a series of spins, Expanding Wild makes the game spectacular, regular Wild remains the basic tool.
Suitable for:
Sample slots
Dead or Alive II (NetEnt) - sticky Wild in freespins.
Book of Ra Deluxe (Novomatic) - expanding Wild in bonus games.
Starburst (NetEnt) - Expanding Wild with respins.
Immortal Romance (Microgaming) - Sticky Wild during bonus spins.
Result
The main difference between Sticky Wild and regular and expanding Wild is the duration of their action. Regular Wild helps only in the current spin, Expanding Wild creates a bright instant effect, and Sticky Wild stays on the drums and continues to work several rounds in a row, increasing the chances of big wins. Each mechanic has its own audience: classic wilds are convenient for beginners, expanding for entertainment lovers, and sticky for players who value a strategic approach and steady growth in payments.
Regular Wild
How they work: appear on the drums and replace any symbol except special ones (Scatter, Bonus).
Feature: disappear after one rotation, have no additional functions.
Where they meet: in almost all slots, from classic to modern.
Advantages: simple and versatile mechanics, understandable to beginners.
Disadvantages: do not give a long-term advantage - the symbol acts only in the back in which it fell.
Sticky Wild (Sticky Wilds)
How they work: when dropped, they are fixed on the drums for several spins or until the end of the bonus round.
Feature: Strengthen the chances of winning by staying in the game and helping to re-form combinations.
Where they meet: most often in bonus rounds and respins.
Advantages: significantly increase the likelihood of large payments, especially in combination with freespins.
Disadvantages: usually less common and most often tied to bonus modes.
Expanding Wild (Expanding Wilds)
How they work: when dropped, the symbol "stretches" over the entire drum, turning it into a wild one.
Feature: closes several positions at once, which increases the number of winning lines.
Where they meet: in slots with an emphasis on entertainment and dynamics, especially in modern video slots.
Advantages: instantly create a large number of combinations.
Disadvantages: act only at the moment of falling out, do not fix on the following backs.
Mechanic comparison
Duration of action: regular Wild works once, Sticky Wild remains on several spins, Expanding Wild acts only when dropped, but covers the entire drum.
Winning probability: Sticky Wild increases the chances of long-term combinations, Expanding Wild gives a big effect right away, regular Wild brings a basic advantage.
Excitement and dynamics: Sticky Wild maintains tension in a series of spins, Expanding Wild makes the game spectacular, regular Wild remains the basic tool.
Suitable for:
- beginners - regular Wild;
- players looking for stability - Sticky Wild;
- lovers of dynamics and visual effects - Expanding Wild.
Sample slots
Dead or Alive II (NetEnt) - sticky Wild in freespins.
Book of Ra Deluxe (Novomatic) - expanding Wild in bonus games.
Starburst (NetEnt) - Expanding Wild with respins.
Immortal Romance (Microgaming) - Sticky Wild during bonus spins.
Result
The main difference between Sticky Wild and regular and expanding Wild is the duration of their action. Regular Wild helps only in the current spin, Expanding Wild creates a bright instant effect, and Sticky Wild stays on the drums and continues to work several rounds in a row, increasing the chances of big wins. Each mechanic has its own audience: classic wilds are convenient for beginners, expanding for entertainment lovers, and sticky for players who value a strategic approach and steady growth in payments.
