Cluster Pays Slots Guide For Slot Players in 2025
From the first Cluster and beyond: Explaining the mechanic
Cluster Pays has fundamentally changed the way we play slot games. Forget about traditional paylines or the familiar left-to-right symbol combinations—this innovative mechanic completely redefines how wins are formed.
Introduced in 2016 by NetEnt with the popular Aloha! Cluster Pays, the concept eliminated the need for paylines entirely. Instead, players win by forming clusters of matching symbols that connect either horizontally or vertically on a grid, the more symbols in the cluster the higher the payout. The slot requires players to form a cluster of at least nine symbols, however for future releases incorporating the slots mechanic, this was often lowered to about six or more matching symbols.
The impact of Cluster Pays slots was immediate and NetEnt inspired countless other slots. Aloha! Cluster Pays wasn’t just a success in its own right, it also paved the way for other hits like NetEnt’s own Gonzo’s Quest, Reactoonz by Play’n GO and Jammin’ Jars by Push Gaming (see cluster pay win pictured). These games built on the Cluster Pays mechanic, with the inclusion of cascading wins, with each winning cluster triggering new symbols to fall down from above to take their place, providing boundless win potential even in the base game.
NetEnt’s feature had created what had been missing in the online slots world, an easy to understand but completely revolutionary tool that kept the excitement alive with attainable wins. Without the constraints of fixed paylines, clusters can form anywhere on the grid, offering greater chances to win. Developers have also added new features like expanding grids, wild multipliers, and splitting symbols to enhance the experience, as seen in titles like Big Time Gaming’s Star Clusters Megaclusters.
For UK online casino players, Cluster Pays offers a refreshing and accessible gameplay experience. The mechanic is easy to understand, but its dynamic features keep each spin feeling unique and unpredictable. With its potential for big wins and continuous excitement, Cluster Pays has firmly established itself as a game-changer in the slot world. Its ability to engage and thrill players with each spin has secured its place in gambling history, leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future developments.
Top Sites to Play Cluster Pays Slots
If you’re ready to say Aloha to Cluster Pays slots and are looking for the best places to start, we’ve curated a list of the best slot sites in the UK to play them.
Best New Cluster Pays Slots
Cluster Pays slots continue to be one of the most popular mechanics for new online slot games being released on the market. We’ve handpicked the best new ones that add something fresh to the mechanic and make the best use of it. Check out our selection of Cluster Kings below:
Starburst Galaxy
As the original provider to develop the cluster pays mechanic, NetEnt proves in this Starburst sequel why they are still the ones who use it the best. The original Starburst is one of the top performing slot games of all time, there are big shoes to fill with making a sequel and in this iteration, it rewards players for clusters of three or more matching symbols, appearing horizontally or vertically. Wins trigger a Cascade feature, where winning symbols vanish and are replaced by new ones, offering the potential for consecutive wins.
The game’s 5×5 grid, expandable to 7×7, further enhances the excitement, while features like Wilds, symbol upgrades, and reel-filling transformations keep gameplay dynamic. With a solid RTP of 96%, a maximum win of 25,000x and captivating cosmic visuals, Starburst Galaxy builds on the legacy of its predecessors while redefining the experience and making the game appealing to a new generation of players. It’s a testament to NetEnt’s pioneering spirit and a treat for both new and veteran players.
Tanked
This cluster pays Nolimit City release is a high-octane slot that takes players to the battlefield with its innovative xLoot mechanic. This 6×6 slot expands up to 9×9 and features cluster-based gameplay where characters collect matching gems to create winning combinations. High volatility and an RTP of 96.10% make it a thrilling but volatile game with a max win of 25,000x. The game’s chaos is amplified by Tank Boosters like Rockets, Grenades, and Airstrikes, which remove symbols and expand the grid. Explosive symbols like xBomb and Barrel Bomb trigger multiplier boosts and further grid expansions. Free Spins modes—Carnage Spins, Carnage Royale, and Mayhem Spins—bring extra excitement, with multipliers and grid sizes maxing out for massive wins. With its evolving grid and Nolimit City’s signature mechanics, the game is the ultimate mix of xMechanics and cluster pays slot for fans of action-packed gameplay.
Candy Corner
With an affinity for crafting exceptional Cluster Pays slots, Pragmatic Play rarely disappoints when bringing this popular mechanic to life. Candy Corner is a vibrant food-themed slot that brings a sweet twist to the 6×6 grid format. Packed with fruity flavors and sugary symbols, this Cluster Pays game delivers wins through cascading avalanches and features four corner modifiers like Wild Add, Big Wild, and Win Multipliers up to 100x. With an RTP of 96.50%, high volatility, and a max win of 10,000x your bet, the game offers thrilling Free Spins modes, including a Golden variant guaranteeing corner modifiers each spin. Visually delightful as always, Candy Corner feels familiar among Pragmatic’s confectionery lineup, appealing for fans of sugary slots looking for a quick indulgence.
Snoop Dogg Dollars
BGaming brings the swagger with Snoop Dogg Dollars, its first celebrity-branded slot, featuring the iconic Snoop Dogg. Known for his legendary music career, charismatic personality, and love for “herbal remedies,” Snoop takes center stage on a 6×8 grid with Cluster Pays and a max win of 10,000x your bet. Winning clusters trigger cascading symbols, mark positions with multipliers, and offer the chance to dig up special symbols like Wilds, Weed upgrades, or Skulls. Free Spins keep multipliers persistent, turning Scatters into Wilds or x10 multipliers for massive win potential. With slick visuals, a hip-hop vibe, and innovative gameplay, Snoop Dogg Dollars shows the versatility of the Cluster Pay mechanic, making it a must-play for slot and music fans alike!
Pirots X
ELK Studios returns with the latest addition to their beloved pirate-themed slot series. Set on a 5×5 grid expandable to 7×7, this Cluster Pays slot packs explosive gameplay, with winning clusters replaced by cascading symbols for continuous action. The game’s mischievous Pirots bring life to the reels, triggering features like bombs, chests, and big symbols to amplify your wins. With a 10,000x max win and a Global Multiplier that grows with each win, the stakes are high. The slot also boasts its usual Free Spins and Super Free Spins, where multipliers persist to keep returning players happy. Packed with charm, chaos, and clever mechanics, Pirots X promises a swashbuckling adventure that’s pure treasure for seasoned fans of the series.
A to Z list of Cluster Pays Slots
If you can’t get enough of Cluster Pays, we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive list of every Cluster Pays slot ever made, so that you can make an informed decision about which ones best suit your gaming preferences before diving in. Check them out below!
