Key Takeaways
- Scatter symbols are special symbols that unlock additional bonus features during your game.
- Unlike regular symbols, scatters do not need to align on paylines to activate their features.
- Scatter and wild symbols do not have the same function.
- The specific slot machine determines the number of scatter symbols you need to land to activate the bonus feature.
Scatter symbols are among the top bonus features that make playing online slot games fun. How do they work? Why do you need them? This article answers these and more. It also provides recommendations for popular scatter slot machines that are available for free on our platform Casino Pearls.
Scatter Symbol Definition
Scatter symbols are special bonus symbols in online slots. They help players unlock more winning opportunities by activating other exciting bonus features. These features include free spins and multipliers. They also start fun mini-games, increasing your potential payout.
Scatters are not like the other regular symbols in slot games in the sense that they don’t have to appear on a payline to be effective. This unique feature makes them more valuable. It is also the reason slot enthusiasts always look out for them when choosing a game.
Scatter symbols often have unique designs that make them easy to recognize. These designs usually match the theme of the game. Games that do this seem to have more appealing visuals than others.
How Scatter Symbols Work
Scatter symbols appear on the reel like any regular bonus symbol in a slot machine, but they operate differently. Therefore, understanding their unique mechanisms helps you enjoy the game. Most online slots use the same system, so it is easier to understand how it works.
The most important thing to know is that scatter symbols can appear anywhere. So, you need a specific number of these symbols to trigger the bonus. The requirement of some slots is that you land at least three scatters, while some require more. Therefore, you need to know what each game requires.
Once you’ve collected the required symbols, you unlock your rewards. These rewards often vary. In some games, there are free spins, while in others, there are special bonus rounds. These bonus rounds are somewhat a ticket to bigger wins and more fun.
Why Scatter Symbols Are Important in Online Slots
The importance of scatter symbols in online slots cannot be overemphasized. These symbols have the ability to take your game from a no-win to back-to-back wins in the blink of an eye. Sounds exciting, right? Now, let’s show you why you need them.
First, they enhance your gameplay with extra features like free spins and extra rewards. Some slots even offer multipliers or expanding features when the symbols appear, which adds an extra layer of fun to the experience.
Another thing they do for you is to boost your winning potential. The exciting part is that this increase does not require extra bets, meaning you have the opportunity to enjoy significant payouts by merely landing scatter symbols.
These symbols also bring an element of surprise because they appear suddenly and anywhere on the reel. So, sometimes, if you are doubting the possibility of a win, this bonus feature ignites the needed boost to regain confidence.
Different Features Triggered by Scatter Symbols
As we have been discussing, scatter symbols unlock some of the most exciting bonus features in slot games that elevate your game experience beyond your imagination. These features include:
- Free Spins: These are common in most scatter slot machines. When you land a certain number of scatters, you receive free spins. This allows you to play without using your credits while still having a chance to win.
- Bonus Rounds: Scatters also trigger mini-games that offer extra prizes. For example, some slots have wheel spins, pick-and-win rounds, or other themed challenges. The only way you get to earn these rewards is by completing tasks in these games.
- Multipliers: Some games use scatters to activate multipliers. This means any winnings during a bonus round increase by a specific number, leading to bigger rewards. A typical multiplier ranges between 2x, 3x or more.
Difference Between Wild and Scatter Symbols
Players use wild and scatter symbols interchangeably, which is the foundation of this confusion. These two features are not the same because they serve different purposes in slot games.
Wild symbols usually take the position of other symbols on the reels. What this means is that they substitute other symbols to help you create winning combinations. For example, if you have two matching symbols on the reel and a wild appears, it replaces the non-winning symbol. That way, it completes the line and creates a win.
Scatter symbols, on the other hand, trigger bonus features. They do not depend on paylines, meaning they appear anywhere on the reels. When you land the required number of scatters, you unlock extra rewards.
Another distinction is that wilds usually increase winning chances during regular spins, while scatters enhance the overall gaming experience by activating special features.
Popular Online Slots with Scatter Symbols
Now that you understand these symbols and their benefits, here are some popular options to consider.
Starlight Princess is a fantasy-themed slot set against a 6×5 reel. The game has a 96.50% RTP and exciting bonus features. These features allow you to win up to 5,000 times your bet.
Shining Crown is a retro 5×3 reel game that relieves the classic slots experience. It retains the classical symbols and features progressive jackpot features. If you’re looking to enjoy scatters alongside other exciting bonus features and low volatility, this is for you.
Madame Destiny Megaways takes you on a journey into the mystical world. Aside from its 96.56% RTP, you get to explore some of the best bonus features in online slots, including a bonus buy.
Mega Fortune is a progressive jackpot slot. It features a luxurious theme with matching symbols and a soundtrack. Although it is a low volatility game, it has an RTP of 96%, promising significant wins.
5 Lions Megaways is an Asian-themed game. This slot game is recommended for all levels of players because of its flexible bet range. When you place a bet starting from $0.20, you get a chance to win up to 5000x your stake.