What is a scatter symbol?
Scatter is a symbol that indicates the arrival of a bonus round. Depending on the type of scatter slot, the round is opened with 3-5 symbols arranged in a specific sequence. The symbols must either appear in a line or stay on the reel; there is no rule. All rules depend on the game provider’s idea. Scatter is often treated as wild, replacing the remaining symbols and helping to create paylines. It is worth checking this before starting the game in the payment table. Game developers also often decide that less than the required number of scatters (usually two) brings the player back the bet – this is the case, for example, in the top Immortal Romance from the provider Microgaming. Scatters appear randomly.
Three scatter symbols usually trigger free games with multipliers. An important difference between this symbol and the rest is that the payment for it does not occur on the active line but for the presence of as many of them as possible simultaneously on the playing field. For one, two, three, four or five scatter symbols, the player receives payments in total bets.
Depending on the slot, the payout amount can be up to 5,000 of the player’s bet. As a rule, scatters must be located anywhere on the playing field. Three symbols are usually enough to trigger free games. With an increase in their number, the payout and the number of free games also increase.
How to play slots with scatters?
Playing slots with scatter symbols involves a few key steps to maximize your chances of unlocking those exciting bonus features that scatters often bring. Here’s how you can get started:
- Select a slot machine with scatter symbols
Choose a slot game with scatter symbols. These games typically advertise their bonus features prominently. Scatters are known for triggering free spins and other bonus rounds. - Understand the paytable
Before spinning the reels, take a moment to review the game’s paytable. This will tell you how many scatter symbols you need to land to activate the bonus features and what other payouts you can expect from different symbol combinations. - Set your bet size
Adjust your bet size according to your budget. Effectively managing your budget ensures you can play enough spins to hit the scatter symbols. - Spin the reels
Once you’re set up, start playing by spinning the reels. In slots with scatter symbols, you must land a specific number of scatters anywhere on the reels to trigger the designated bonus feature. - Watch for scatters and bonus features
Watch for the scatter symbols as these will be your ticket to the bonus rounds. These features can significantly enhance your chances of a big win. - Use bonus rounds
If you trigger a bonus feature with scatters, make the most of it. Whether free spins, a mini-game, or another type of bonus, these features often offer higher payouts and increased chances of winning.
Why are slots with scatter symbols so popular?
There are many reasons for this:
- Access to bonus features: Scatter symbols are often the key to unlocking special bonus features in slot games. These features typically include free spins, bonus rounds, or even interactive mini-games, which add excitement and the potential for big wins. Players know that something good might happen when they see scatter symbols land on the reels.
- Increased game dynamics: Unlike standard symbols that need to line up on a payline to count as a win, scatters can activate rewards or bonuses from anywhere on the reels. This flexibility makes the gameplay more dynamic and less predictable, adding an element of surprise and excitement that enhances the overall gaming experience.
- Increased win potential: Many scatter symbols come with multipliers or trigger free spins with enhanced features like expanded wilds or increased multipliers. This can significantly boost the potential payout, making these slots attractive to players looking for lucrative opportunities.
- Thematic depth: Scatters often contribute to the slot’s theme, serving as a crucial element that ties the game’s narrative together. Whether launching a feature that deepens the story or animating in a way that enriches the game’s world, scatters can provide a more immersive experience.
- Appeal to all levels of players: Scatter symbols make the game interesting for both new players and veterans. For beginners, the excitement of triggering a random feature with just one symbol can be very appealing. For more experienced players, understanding and anticipating the scatter symbol’s rewards adds a layer of strategy to their gameplay.
- Visual and audio effects: Scatter symbols often come with flashy visuals and exciting audio cues to signify their importance, making their appearance on the reels a game highlight. This sensory feedback can enhance the thrill of the game, making each appearance of a scatter an event in itself.
Types of scatter symbols
Scatter symbols in slot games are versatile and can trigger various bonus features depending on the game’s design. Here are some common types of scatter symbols and their functions:
- Free spins triggers
One of the most common uses of scatter symbols is to activate free spins. Landing three or more scatter symbols anywhere on the reels will unlock a set number of free spins. These free spins might include additional multipliers or special features like sticky wilds or expanding symbols. - Bonus round activators
Scatter symbols can also trigger various types of bonus rounds. These might be interactive mini-games, such as picking games where you choose from several options to reveal prizes or wheel spins that offer cash prizes, multipliers, or even jackpots. - Multipliers
In some slot games, scatter symbols directly award multipliers. These can multiply the total bet rather than the line bet, potentially leading to significantly large wins. - Jackpot triggers
Scatter symbols may trigger a jackpot game in games with progressive or fixed jackpots. This usually requires landing a certain number of scatters or collecting scatters over several spins. - Expanding features
Some innovative slots use scatters to trigger expanding features. For instance, a scatter might expand to cover an entire reel, convert it into another bonus symbol, or trigger a re-spin while holding its place. - Scatter pays
Besides triggering bonuses, scatters can offer payouts when they appear on the reels, regardless of paylines. The more scatters that appear, the higher the payout, often calculated as a multiple of your total bet rather than your line bet.
Popular slots with scatter symbols
These slots reflect the current trends in the gaming industry, focusing on enhancing player engagement through innovative use of scatter symbols and other features. They offer diverse themes and mechanics, appealing to many players looking for new and exciting gaming experiences.
Divine Fortune Megaways by NetEnt
Released in 2020, this game is a Megaways update to the classic Divine Fortune slot. It features scatter symbols that can trigger up to 20 free spins. With 6 reels and up to 117,649 ways to win, it offers an RTP of 96.09% and high volatility. The game is set in ancient Greece and includes mythical creatures and expanding wilds.
Reactoonz 2 by Play’n GO
A sequel to the beloved Reactoonz, this 2020 release uses scatter symbols differently. Instead of traditional free spins, scatters help charge the Quantumeter, which activates one of four quantum features, leading to potentially massive wins. The game features a 7×7 grid, cluster pays, an RTP of 96.20%, and high volatility.
Valley of the Gods 2 by Yggdrasil
Launched in 2020, this slot is a sequel to Valley of the Gods. Scatters in the form of scarabs help players unlock extra lives, wild reels, and win multipliers. The game starts with 240 ways to win, expanding to 20,160 ways as you unlock blockages on the reels. It offers an RTP of 96% and medium volatility.
Gems Bonanza by Pragmatic Play
Released in 2020, Gems Bonanza is set on an 8×8 grid and utilizes a cluster pays system. Scatters are replaced with patterns that trigger a feature when cleared, leading to modifiers like colossal symbols, wilds, and win multipliers. This high-volatility slot offers an RTP of 96.51%, catering to players looking for dynamic gameplay and big payouts.
Punk Rocker by Nolimit City
Punk Rocker, released in early 2020, features scatter symbols that unlock Riot Respins and Anarchy Freespins, providing sticky wilds and expanding reels. This highly volatile slot offers 243 ways to win, which can expand up to 46,656 ways, and it comes with an RTP of 96.01%. The theme celebrates punk rock culture with a gritty, urban backdrop.
Pros and of scatter symbols
Below, we list the main advantages and disadvantages of using scatter in various slots. The more advantages you can find, the more relevant it will be to choose this particular video slot to test its behavior before playing for real money.
- If for the loss of two scatter symbols anywhere on the playing field, the player receives two total bets. It is worse if only one total bet is returned to the player for two scatters.
- The scatter must be played anywhere on the playing field. It’s a little worse if they should fall into the playing line.
- A significant difference can be the multiplier for three, four and five scatters. Payouts can range from 5 to 5,000 total bets depending on the choice of slot.
- The bonus-free games must start already with three scatters, not 4 or 5.
- Of course, it is beneficial for the player that the multiplier during free games is 3x or more, and not 2x, or the spins occur without an additional multiplier.
- It is very bad when there are no payouts for two scatter symbols.
- Avoid slots where the scatters should be in the playing line and go in order. That is, they play among themselves as ordinary characters.
- The slot often resorts to “plugging” the playing line with a scatter to avoid paying. If a slot has bonus games with some symbols and free games with scatters of other symbols, then this is a serious reason to consider whether you have chosen the right slot for testing.
- If the free spins bonus comes without an additional multiplier or bonus features, then this slot should be reconsidered as a candidate for testing.
Play slots with scatters for free
Playing slots with scatter symbols for free is a great way to experience the thrill of online gambling without risking any real money. Many online casinos offer demo versions of their most popular scatter slots, allowing players to explore various themes and bonus features at no cost. These free versions are identical to the real money games, providing the same gameplay, graphics, and bonus rounds, ensuring that players can get a genuine feel for the game’s mechanics.
Free play is particularly beneficial for beginners who are still learning the ropes or experienced players who want to try new strategies without financial consequences. It’s also a perfect way to test the effectiveness of scatter symbols and their associated bonuses like free spins, mini-games, or jackpot rounds. You can typically start playing these games on casino websites or through slots review sites without signing up or downloading any software.
Play slots with scatters for real money
When you’re ready to take your gaming to the next level, playing slots with scatter symbols for real money is the next step. This mode not only ramps up the excitement but also gives you a chance to cash in on your slot’s expertise. To start, choose a reputable online casino that offers a wide range of slots with scatter features. Look for platforms that provide strong security measures, fair play certification, and attractive welcome bonuses.
Real money play often comes with additional benefits like loyalty rewards, progressive jackpots, and access to the latest releases. When playing with real funds, it’s crucial to set a budget and stick to it, ensuring that your gambling habits remain enjoyable and responsible. Remember, the scatter symbols can significantly increase your chances of activating bonus rounds that boost your winnings, making every spin potentially more rewarding.
Best online casinos with scatter symbol slots
- Wager: 40x
- Min Dep: €5
- Win Rate: 94.22%
- Wager: 40x
- Min Dep: €10
- Win Rate: 96.18%
- Wager: 40x
- Min Dep: €5
- Win Rate: 95.92%
Final thoughts on scatter symbols slots
The most interesting online casinos combine the scatters function with other options: wilds, multipliers, etc. Such slots are among the leaders in the gambling market and attract many followers. For years, Netent and Microgaming have been on the podium of providers of this type of slots. These two providers implement the scatter option in a range of interesting online slots. The most famous titles are Dead or Alive, Immortal Romance, Mega Fortune, Mega Moolah, Blood Suckers and many, many others. Everybody can find something for themselves.
Each game offers a unique theme and specialized bonus features, ensuring something for every type of player. Integrating scatter symbols within these games not only enriches the gaming experience but also increases the potential for substantial wins, making them a crucial feature in the world of online slots. As technology advances, we can expect even more innovative uses of scatter symbols, further cementing their importance in casino gaming.
