What Is Megaways? The Mechanic Explained

Megaways is a reel mechanic created by Big Time Gaming (BTG) and first used in Bonanza (2016). Instead of a fixed grid, each reel shows a random number of symbols (typically 2–7) on every spin. The number of ways to win is the product of the symbols on each reel – up to 117,649 on a standard six-reel layout.

How ways are calculated

If six reels show 7, 7, 7, 7, 7 and 7 symbols, there are 7⁶ = 117,649 ways. If they show 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, there are 5,040. Wins pay for matching symbols on adjacent reels from left to right, regardless of row.

Common companions

Most Megaways slots combine the mechanic with cascades (winning symbols are replaced) and an unlimited win multiplier in free spins that grows with every cascade.

Licensing

BTG licenses Megaways to other studios, which is why you'll find Megaways games from Pragmatic Play, Red Tiger, Blueprint and many more.

Where to start

Try Bonanza Megaways for the original, then Extra Chilli for a higher RTP variant. Or see the full Megaways slots list.

How the ways are calculated

On a Megaways slot, each reel shows a random number of symbols – often 2 to 7 – on every spin, and some games add a horizontal reel on top. The number of ways is simply the reel heights multiplied together. Six reels of seven symbols give 7 x 7 x 7 x 7 x 7 x 7 = 117,649 ways. A spin with short reels might only give a few hundred.

Megaways and its relatives

Big Time Gaming invented and licensed the format, and many studios now release Megaways versions of existing hits, such as The Dog House Megaways and Extra Juicy Megaways. Other studios built their own variable-ways systems:

• Nolimit City xWays – mystery symbols that make a reel taller only on the spin they land, as in The Crypt. See xMechanics explained.
• Thunderkick random reel heights – Carnival Queen 2 and Eager Beavers change reel heights each spin for up to 117,649 or even 1,000,000 ways.

Cascades and unlimited multipliers

Most Megaways games add tumbling reels, so a win removes symbols and new ones drop in – read tumbling reels explained. Many also have a free spins multiplier that rises by +1 with every cascade and doesn't reset, which is where the large max wins come from.

Should you play Megaways?

Megaways games feel busy: lots of small combinations, with the real value in long cascade chains during free spins. Most are high volatility. If that's your style, browse our full Megaways slots list; if not, a classic payline slot will feel calmer.