Expanding wild and sticky wild games: difference and examples
Wild symbols are universal symbols that replace any other (except special) and help form winning combinations. But the matter is not limited to the classic Wild. The two most popular extensions to this feature are Expanding Wild (expanding) and Sticky Wild (stuck). Both types enhance gameplay, increasing the chance of big wins.
Expanding Wild - what it is:
Features:
Examples of slots:
Sticky Wild - what is it:
Features:
Examples of slots:
Key differences:
Combined functions:
Some slots use both types simultaneously or combine them with other mechanics:
Conclusion:
Expanding Wild - what it is:
- Expanding Wild - a symbol that stretches to the entire vertical or horizontal when it appears on the drum. As a rule, it appears in the form of a regular Wild, but immediately or when an additional condition is triggered, it occupies the entire drum. This increases the chances of multiple matches in paylines.
Features:
- Expands to the entire reel (sometimes to a line)
- Can only appear on certain reels
- Often accompanied by animation or sound effect
- Can appear in both base game and freespins
Examples of slots:
- Book of Dead (Play 'n GO) - symbol expands when freespins are activated
- Starburst (NetEnt) - Expanding wild on 2-3-4 reels with respin
- Legacy of Egypt (Play 'n GO) - expanding wild is active in freespins
Sticky Wild - what is it:
- Sticky Wild is a symbol that remains in place for several spins. It is particularly useful in bonus rounds with freespins, where the chance of Wild falling on screen increases with each spin and the winning lines become more stable.
Features:
- Stays on the reel for a given number of spins
- Often used in freespins or respins
- Makes you more likely to win big on spin series
- Can be combined with multipliers
Examples of slots:
- The Dog House (Pragmatic Play) - sticky wild active in freespins
- Dead or Alive 2 (NetEnt) - Fixed Wilds in Bonus Game
- Jack and the Beanstalk (NetEnt) - sticky wild with drum movement (Walking Wild)
Key differences:
| Characteristic | Expanding Wild | Sticky Wild |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanics | Expands to full reel | Stays in place for a few spins |
| Emergence | Immediate and short-term | Long-term, cumulative |
| Frequency | Usually one spin | Can be active throughout the session |
| Targeting | Mass amplification of a single spin | Gradual amplification of multiple spins |
| Type of game | Often - in the base | Often - in freespins or bonuses |
Combined functions:
Some slots use both types simultaneously or combine them with other mechanics:
- Wild West Gold (Pragmatic Play) - sticky wild with multipliers
- Vikings Go Berzerk (Yggdrasil) - sticky wild with accumulation of rage function
- Razor Shark (Push Gaming) - expanding wild via Mystery Symbols + multipliers
Conclusion:
- Both mechanics enhance the winning potential but do so in different ways. Expanding Wild boosts one particular spin, giving a powerful but short boost. Sticky Wild works at a distance, allowing you to build stable lines and multiply the result. Experienced players should choose the mechanics for their style: fast bursts (expanding) or stable buildup (sticky). The best slots use these features in bonus modes to create a busy and profitable gaming session.
