Complete Guide to Grid Slots

Software providers go above and beyond to deliver fresh experiences for their players, regardless of their skills. Sometimes, they even go as far as to completely change the players’ idea of what slots are. There’s no definite answer to this question. For many, the first thought that comes to mind is a standard five-by-three grid setup with a wide range of features, while others think about classic games with three reels and a single payline boasting old-school fruity symbols.

Slots are all of that and more. One of the styles that have been popular lately is a grid slot. You can find plenty of these games out there, and you likely already played one. In this article, we’ll discuss grid slots, cover the basics, and explore this increasingly popular genre. If you want to know what a grid slot is and how it works, all the answers will be here.

First Thing First

Grid slots represent a unique slot style. Compared to traditional games, they are different, especially as they don’t have the usual spinning reels. Once the game starts, players must still press the Spin button to get the action going. However, instead of traditional paylines or winning ways, grid slots form wins by connecting symbols vertically or horizontally.

The number of symbols forming a win range depends from one grid slot to another, but they all have one thing in common: the triggering icons disappear from the reels, with the remaining ones cascading down to fill in the empty spots, while new symbols appear above. This mechanism can lead to new wins, repeating the process we mentioned, which can go on as long as new winning combinations are formed.

History of Grid Slots

The game that started it all, the first grid slot was Aloha! Cluster Pays. This NetEnt release hit the market in 2016, paving the way for many new releases, including popular titles like Reactoonz and Jammin Jars.

Over the past years, we’ve seen a rapid development of this niche, with names like Play’n GO, Big Time Gaming, Light & Wonder, and many others launching their own grid slots. Big Time Gaming, known for the innovative Megaways mechanic, created a grid slot game engine of its own. Known as Megaclusters, it features clusters of symbols, which break down into smaller pieces to increase the grid size.

The history of grid slots may be short, but its future looks dazzling. There’s no doubt we’re in for an abundance of exciting games that will set new standards in the ever-growing iGaming industry.

How Do Grid Slots Function?

The main characteristic of grid slots is dynamic gameplay. Players will be constantly on the edge of their seats, waiting for cascades to create new wins. The chain reactions triggered by cascades can sometimes unlock bonus features, usually by filling a meter. Typically, this requires a specific number of symbols in a win. Grid slots featuring a meter will offer different features once the meter is filled, resetting it once there are no more winning combinations.

Features in Grid Slots

Grid slots offer the chance to form multiple winning combinations within a single spin, but they go a step further by packing a vast range of features that promise handsome wins. These games can use expanding Wilds or symbol transformations to unlock bonus rounds. Sometimes, they’ll even feature progressive multipliers, whose values increase with new wins. Generally speaking, each grid slot will have a unique offering of extras.

Fans of video slots are sure to enjoy the fresh take on the gameplay brought by grid slots. The overall experience is often packed with action and sometimes features an interactive element. And the best part is you don’t have to be an experienced player to make the most of grid slots. There’s nothing preventing you from picking grid slots to be your entry point into the thrilling world of slots.

Some grid slots, like Rich Wild and the Tomb of Madness, have innovative and distinctive features that not only add to the playing experience but also have significant win potential.

The Best Grid Slots

This is the perfect moment to discuss some of the best grid slots out there. We’ve picked the three titles we believe stand out from the other games of this type.

Jammin’ Jars 2

Push Gaming is known for its innovative games, and Jammin’ Jars is a perfect example. Sequel to the popular Jammin’ Jars, this grid slot boasts immersive visuals, engaging gameplay and hefty payouts thanks to Cascading Reels and the Cluster Pays system.

Alice Cooper and the Tome of Madness

Play’n GO is also known for its high-quality grid slots. As you might have guessed from the name, Alice Cooper and the Tome of Madness stars a famous rock legend and offers a thrilling playing experience. The game features a unique grid layout, special wilds, and a wide range of features that will keep the players entertained.

Moon Princess 100

This is another thrilling release from Play’n GO. Moon Princess 100 builds on the success of the original title, offering engaging features and bigger win potential. The game is inspired by anime and features a five-by-five grid with cascading symbols and powerful princess abilities.