What are Expanding, Sticky, Moving, and other features
Introduction
Special characters are one of the main reasons why modern slots are so exciting: they change the usual mechanics of coincidences and add dynamics. Below is an analysis of the most common types of functions.
1. Expanding Symbols
The essence of mechanics: when it falls on the drum, the Expanding symbol "stretches," occupying the entire drum or a given area.
When activated:
2. Sticky Symbols
The essence of the mechanics: dropped symbols remain in their positions for the next few "re-spin" or until the end of the bonus round.
Options:
3. Moving Symbols
The essence of mechanics: symbols change their position after each spin or inside the bonus.
Movement types:
4. Stacked Symbols
The essence of mechanics: the same symbol can appear in the stack (Stack) - several identical positions on the drum at once.
Value: with large stacks, the probability of a full reel of one character increases, which gives maximum payouts.
5. Shifting Reels/Rolling Reels
Shifting Reels: after the usual spin, the reels shift, changing the location of all characters;
Rolling Reels: Winning symbols disappear, new ones fall in their place, and the mechanics can repeat in a chain as long as the winnings go.
Effect: several payments at one rate and the possibility of multipliers for each next "cascade."
6. Colossal Symbols
The essence of mechanics: a large symbol temporarily appears on the grid, occupying a block of 2 × 2, 3 × 3 or more.
Activation: by accident or in bonus rounds.
Effect: A huge block makes it easier to match on multiple lines at the same time.
7. Cascading/Avalanche Symbols
The essence of the mechanics: similar to Rolling Reels: winning symbols are removed, and new "kasakadam" fall from above.
Difference: often accompanied by increasing factors with each cascade.
8. Looking Ahead: Combinations of Functions
Many slots simultaneously use several of the described mechanics: for example, Expanding Sticky Wilds in Rolling Reels or Colossal Symbols in bonus freespins with Moving Reels. This enhances the effect and creates multi-layer dynamics.
Conclusion
Special characters extend the standard linear mechanics of slots, adding dynamics and new chances to win. Understanding their work (Expanding, Sticky, Moving, Stacked, etc.) allows you to choose machines for your style of play and build a more effective betting strategy.
Special characters are one of the main reasons why modern slots are so exciting: they change the usual mechanics of coincidences and add dynamics. Below is an analysis of the most common types of functions.
1. Expanding Symbols
The essence of mechanics: when it falls on the drum, the Expanding symbol "stretches," occupying the entire drum or a given area.
When activated:
- in all backs;
- only in bonus mode of freespins;
- only if the minimum number of characters matches.
- Effect: increases the chance of large payments due to more matches on the line.
2. Sticky Symbols
The essence of the mechanics: dropped symbols remain in their positions for the next few "re-spin" or until the end of the bonus round.
Options:
- Sticky Wilds: Wild symbols stick to form new combinations;
- Sticky Scatters: Help you get the right number of scatters to extend your freespins.
- Effect: guaranteed ability to "reload" the missing characters and activate the win.
3. Moving Symbols
The essence of mechanics: symbols change their position after each spin or inside the bonus.
Movement types:
- Shifted Reels: the entire drum is shifted one position up/down;
- Moving Wilds: Wild symbols "walk" on the grid, opening new lines.
- Effect: creates additional chances for coincidences due to unpredictable dynamics.
4. Stacked Symbols
The essence of mechanics: the same symbol can appear in the stack (Stack) - several identical positions on the drum at once.
Value: with large stacks, the probability of a full reel of one character increases, which gives maximum payouts.
5. Shifting Reels/Rolling Reels
Shifting Reels: after the usual spin, the reels shift, changing the location of all characters;
Rolling Reels: Winning symbols disappear, new ones fall in their place, and the mechanics can repeat in a chain as long as the winnings go.
Effect: several payments at one rate and the possibility of multipliers for each next "cascade."
6. Colossal Symbols
The essence of mechanics: a large symbol temporarily appears on the grid, occupying a block of 2 × 2, 3 × 3 or more.
Activation: by accident or in bonus rounds.
Effect: A huge block makes it easier to match on multiple lines at the same time.
7. Cascading/Avalanche Symbols
The essence of the mechanics: similar to Rolling Reels: winning symbols are removed, and new "kasakadam" fall from above.
Difference: often accompanied by increasing factors with each cascade.
8. Looking Ahead: Combinations of Functions
Many slots simultaneously use several of the described mechanics: for example, Expanding Sticky Wilds in Rolling Reels or Colossal Symbols in bonus freespins with Moving Reels. This enhances the effect and creates multi-layer dynamics.
Conclusion
Special characters extend the standard linear mechanics of slots, adding dynamics and new chances to win. Understanding their work (Expanding, Sticky, Moving, Stacked, etc.) allows you to choose machines for your style of play and build a more effective betting strategy.
