Megaways slots are everywhere, yet terms like reel heights and ways to win can still feel unclear. If paylines make sense but Megaways do not, you are not alone.
Understanding how Megaways differs from traditional lines helps explain why the number of possible combinations changes on every spin, and what that means for gameplay. The figures shown above the reels are not just decoration; they describe how the game is built.
This guide breaks down what Megaways means, how the mechanics work, how the numbers are calculated, and how features such as cascades and multipliers fit in. There is also a quick numbers guide and a section on common myths so everything ties together. Outcomes are always random and cannot be influenced.
What Does Megaways Mean In Slots?
Megaways is a slot mechanism where the number of ways to win changes on every spin. Instead of fixed paylines, each reel can show a different number of symbols, so the total number of possible combinations varies each round.
First introduced by Big Time Gaming, Megaways uses random reel modifiers to determine how many symbols appear on each reel for that spin. The result is a fresh layout every time, with wins counted for matching symbols on consecutive reels from left to right.
Unlike fixed-line slots, you might see hundreds or thousands of possible combinations depending on how many symbols land per reel. Most games display the current total above the reels after each spin. Outcomes are random, and nothing a player does can change that.
Curious how that shifting layout actually works on the reels? That is where the mechanics come in.
How Do Megaways Mechanics Work On Reels?
Megaways slots use variable reel heights. One spin might show six symbols on a reel, the next only three, and the reels can all differ at once. This is controlled by the game’s random reel modifier, which sets the symbol count per reel for that particular spin.
Wins are typically formed by matching symbols on adjacent reels starting from the leftmost reel. Because the number of symbols per reel changes each round, the number of possible combinations changes with it.
The results are determined by a random number generator. There is no pattern to follow and no way to predict the next outcome.
Once that makes sense, the maths behind the Megaways number becomes straightforward.
How Are Megaways Numbers Calculated?
Rather than counting lines, Megaways multiplies the number of visible symbols on each reel to get the total number of possible ways for that spin. If one reel shows four symbols and another shows six, those counts are multiplied together across all reels to produce the total. Most games display this figure above the reels.
Example Calculation Using Reel Heights
Suppose a Megaways slot has 6 reels, and on a particular spin, the reels show the following number of symbols:
Reel 1: 5 symbols
Reel 2: 6 symbols
Reel 3: 4 symbols
Reel 4: 7 symbols
Reel 5: 6 symbols
Reel 6: 5 symbols
To find the total Megaways for this spin, multiply the values together:
5 x 6 x 4 x 7 x 6 x 5 = 25,200 Megaways.
The number can be very different on the next spin, because the reel heights change. It simply shows how many possible combinations exist for that round and does not guarantee a result.
How Many Megaways Can A Slot Offer?
The maximum depends on the game’s reel layout and the highest number of symbols each reel can show. Many classic Megaways setups use six reels, with up to seven symbols per reel.
Multiply the maximums and you get the headline figure often associated with these games: 7 x 7 x 7 x 7 x 7 x 7 = 117,649 possible ways. Some slots tweak the layout by adding or removing reels, or allowing more symbols per reel, which changes the maximum up or down.
In practice, the maximum is not active on most spins. Reel heights vary spin to spin, so the current total is usually lower than the maximum.
With the range of possible ways understood, it is easier to see how that feeds into payouts and the feel of a game.
What Impact Do Megaways Have On Payouts And Volatility?
Megaways layouts change the number of combinations each round, which influences how wins may cluster. Game design then determines how often smaller wins appear, how much larger wins can be, and how the balance feels over time.
Volatility describes that balance. Many Megaways titles lean towards medium to high volatility. That can mean quieter spells punctuated by larger returns, though this varies by game. Return to Player (RTP) is shown in the paytable as a long-term theoretical percentage, not a prediction for any session.
Two Megaways slots can feel very different even with similar maximum ways, because their symbol values, features, reel modifiers, and hit rates are set differently by the rules.
Features are a big part of that feel, so it helps to see how they interact with the changing reels.
How Do Cascades, Multipliers And Bonus Rounds Interact With Megaways?
Cascades (often called tumbles) remove winning symbols and drop new ones into their place. Each cascade effectively creates a new reel layout for that same spin, so the number of ways can update after every drop.
Multipliers can be fixed, random, or progressive. Some games increase a multiplier with each cascade during a single spin, while others reserve progressive multipliers for bonus rounds. The rules of the specific slot explain which applies.
Bonus rounds usually come as free spins or special features. Many keep the Megaways system active and may add extras such as increasing multipliers, additional wilds, or a guaranteed minimum number of ways per spin.
All of these elements are described in the game’s paytable and rules, which are worth a quick look before playing.
How To Read A Megaways Paytable And Game Rules
The paytable outlines symbol values, how wins are formed, and how features work. It typically explains that wins count on consecutive reels from the left, often showing examples to illustrate.
Look for wilds and scatters and what they do. Wilds usually substitute for regular symbols, while scatters often trigger free spins or a feature. Where multipliers or cascades are involved, the paytable shows when they apply and whether they reset between spins.
The rules section covers practical details such as minimum and maximum bets, RTP, reel configuration, and volatility information. Some games also note whether different RTP versions exist, which is useful context when comparing titles.
A quick read helps set expectations. With that foundation, it is easier to separate fact from myth.
Common Misconceptions About Megaways
A frequent myth is that more Megaways on a spin means a higher chance of winning. It simply means more possible combinations exist that round; it does not change the underlying randomness of the result.
Another misconception is that timing spins or using patterns can influence outcomes. Results are produced by a random number generator, and spins are independent.
It is also mistaken to assume Megaways always pay more, or pay more often. Payout size and frequency are driven by the game’s maths model and volatility, which differ from title to title.
If anything, Megaways is a layout system. The experience depends on how the developer has set symbol values and features around it.
Ready to anchor all that with a few simple figures? The quick guide below recaps the essentials.
Quick Numbers Guide For Players
The main numbers to know in Megaways slots are listed below to help make sense of the basics:
- Reels: Most Megaways slots use 6 reels, but some use more or fewer.
- Symbols per Reel: Each reel may show a different number of symbols each spin, usually between 2 and 7.
- Megaways Calculation: Multiply the number of symbols on each reel to find the total Megaways for that spin.
- Maximum Megaways: In many standard Megaways slots, the highest possible is 117,649 ways (7 symbols on all 6 reels: 7x7x7x7x7x7).
- Winning Combinations: Wins are counted by matching symbols on consecutive reels, starting from the first reel on the left.
These figures describe possible combinations only and do not predict outcomes. If gambling is affecting you, free and confidential help is available from GamCare and GambleAware.
Play Slots Online at Slots Baby
At Slots Baby, you can explore a broad range of slot games, including Megaways titles, jackpots, and classic-style slots. There are plenty of themes and features to try.
Slots Baby is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, with tools to help you manage your play. You can set deposit limits, add session reminders, or take a break with self-exclusion if you need it.
If you would like to try our games, feel free to create an account, deposit some funds to play with and browse at your own pace. Play responsibly and keep it within your limits.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.