There are an ever-increasing number of different slot games available for players to choose from. Since the shift to online play, developers have continued to experiment with new themes, concepts and gameplay mechanics to put a new spin on the classic Slots formula.
With so much choice out there, how are players supposed to know which game will match their own preferences when they look to play Slots online? Well, that’s where we come in. Today, we’re going to run through a few of the main types of Slots available to help narrow down the options.
Classic Slots
Starting off with the most basic and traditional option, classic Slots. These are modelled after the oldest designs of slot machines, featuring just three reels and a more limited selection of different symbols.
Classic Slots stick to the core concept of slot games, making their gameplay quite simple to understand. Often, these games only utilise a single payline, meaning that symbols only need to land on a central, horizontal row to count towards a matching combination.
These games also typically sit at a low volatility, which means that they pay out more frequently but with lower overall payouts than other varieties of slot games.
Cluster Slots
This is a very different type of slot, doing away with the concept of the payline entirely. Rather than basing combinations on whether symbols line up along set lines, cluster Slots instead focus on symbols appearing in clusters.
If enough matching symbols land adjacent to each other on the reels then they will count as a matching combination. In many cluster games, once combinations have been registered the symbols involved will clear off the reels to make space for additional symbols to drop into place.
Naturally, this creates a bit of a different gameplay experience compared to classic Slots!
Progressive jackpot Slots
This is a category based on the jackpot conditions of the games, rather than any specific mechanics or theming. Progressive jackpot Slots are defined by the way that their jackpot figures continue to climb over time, compared to games with a set, static jackpot.
Games with progressive jackpots are linked, with some covering a few different varieties under the same overall banner. When an instance of the linked game is played, a small fraction of the player’s wager goes towards the total jackpot, allowing them to rise to higher values.
But it’s worth noting that progressive jackpot Slots have a high volatility, meaning that they have less frequent payouts compared to games with fixed jackpots.
Low vs high volatility Slots
We’ve mentioned the term volatility a couple of times, and it’s one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a slot game. Volatility refers to the relative risk level of the game, which is generally listed upfront on the game’s information.
Which level of volatility suits a player is a matter of personal preference, but it’s an easy way to distinguish between different games beyond their theming and gameplay mechanics.
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By having a look at the different types of slot games out there, players can come to their own decision on which one most suits their own tastes.