What is Wild, Scatter, Bonus - basic symbols

1. Introduction

In each modern slot there are not only standard payment symbols, but also special ones: Wild, Scatter and Bonus. They are responsible for mechanic flexibility, activating additional features, and increasing overall return (RTP). Understanding their roles is important for assessing the attractiveness and potential profitability of any machine.

2. Wild (joker)

Main function: replaces all standard symbols (except Scatter and Bonus), forming winning combinations where they were not.
Implementation options:

• Expanding Wild: Stretches to full reel, covering all cells.
• Sticky Wild: stays in place for a given number of spins.
• Stacked Wild: Appears in a block of consecutive characters.
• Walking Wild: Moves the drum one way in each successive back.
Configuration recommendations:
• Balance the frequency of Wild's drops so that it doesn't make the payout too frequent and destroy volatility.
• Use different Wild types in base and bonus games for dynamics.

3. Scatter (scatter)

Main function: starts freespins or multipliers regardless of the paylines when N≥2 -3 times appear on the screen.
Features:
• The position of the characters does not matter - their total number is considered.
• Often starts free spin mode with increased Wild values or bet multipliers.
Varieties:
• Multiplying Scatter: in addition to launching spins, it gives an instant multiplier on the bet.
• Respin Scatter: Runs one or more repeat spins with Scatter fixed.
Recommendations:
• Set the minimum number to activate (usually 3) and the maximum impact (for example, up to 50 freespins).
• Combine with "expanding" or "sticky" Wild inside frispins.

4. Bonus (bonus)

Main feature: Opens an interactive bonus round separate from the main game.
Types of bonus games:
• Pick-and-Win: Selecting cells with a random prize.
• Wheel Bonus: spinning the wheel of fortune with payout sectors.
• Board Game: Moving a figure around a field with rewards.
Activation conditions:
• The special Bonus symbol appears in the required amount (usually 2-5).
• Sometimes requires a combination with other characters (for example, two Bonus + one Scatter).
Design recommendations:
• Make the bonus game visually and gameplay different from the base mode.
• Set clear rules and a guaranteed minimum prize so that the player sees the value of entering the bonus.

5. Character interaction

Wild + Scatter: In the base game, Wild improves the chances of dropping the required number of Scatters for freespins.
Scatter + Bonus: can simultaneously launch both freespins and a bonus round with certain combinations.
Combination of all three: think about the logic when Wild can appear in the bonus round and strengthen the winning potential.

6. Conclusion

Wild, Scatter and Bonus are the three cornerstones that determine the depth and appeal of a slot. The correct adjustment of their functions and the frequency of drops allows you to achieve the desired balance between volatility, return and fun of the game, which is critical for retaining and returning players.