What is the Cluster Pays Mechanic?

Cluster pays is a trademarked game mechanic originally developed by NetEnt. The rules and ludemes are pretty similar to grid slots, which use a payout model based on grouped symbols instead of traditional paylines.

A cluster typically comprises a group of symbols placed adjacently. When a cluster of matching symbols appears across the reels, it forms a winning combination. The payout depends on the size of the cluster formed, with larger clusters offering higher rewards.

These slots usually come with the cascading reels feature. Once a cluster forms, the winning symbols are replaced by new symbols to create new clusters, increasing the chances of winning larger rewards with a single spin. The cascading effect continues as long as new clusters form. Players usually need at least 5 symbols in a cluster to get paid.

Contrary to traditional slots that rely on predefined paylines where specific combinations must align to secure a win, cluster pays slots eliminate the need for paylines, offering more flexible and varied ways of securing wins.

Cluster slots are usually more engaging than traditional slots due to the combination of the cluster pays and cascading reels mechanics. This continuous action of forming new clusters keeps the players engaged for extended durations.

Most Popular Cluster Pays Slots

There are nearly a hundred grid slots from several software providers on the market today. So, the question is, how do you find the most popular cluster slots? Well, our experts combed the internet for the fan favourites, and here is the list:

Aloha! Cluster Pays

Aloha! Cluster Pays

Aloha! Cluster Pays made a huge wave in the iGaming scene back in 2016 with its innovative mechanics and winning opportunities. It was the first cluster pays slot on the market and one of NetEnt’s biggest hits of all time. The game presents a Hawaiian tiki theme and packs several interactive features.

The game has a 6-reel, 5-row grid with 96.42% RTP, low volatility, and a chance to multiply your stake by 2,000x. It also includes substituting wilds, sticky cluster symbols, stacked symbols, and a free spins bonus round. You need at least 9 matching symbols to trigger a winning cluster.

Jammin’ Jars

Jammin’ Jars

Designed by Push Gaming, Jammin’ Jars is a cascading slot that takes players on a wicked frenzy through the dance floor. The game is a visual treat with fantastic graphics, animations, and exciting gameplay.

Jammin’ Jars features an 8-reel, 8-row grid with 96.83% RTP, high volatility, and an almost 20,000x max win. The betting range is between £0.20 and £100 and you create a winning cluster when 5 or more similar symbols land adjacently (vertical or horizontal) on the grid.

Sweet Bonanza

Sweet Bonanza

Straight from the house of Pragmatic Play, Sweet Bonanza is another popular cluster pays slot that is a cult classic among online gambling enthusiasts. The graphics, animations, and theme will appeal to your sweet tooth.

Sweet Bonanza stands out because a matching cluster pays anywhere on the reels, so you don’t need to land them adjacently. Its highlights also include the cascading reels mechanic, the gamble feature, up to 100x multipliers, bonus buys, and free spins.

Gonzo’s Quest

Gonzo’s Quest

One of the most popular slot machines of all time, Gonzo’s Quest by NetEnt, is an excellent cluster pays slot that has been around since 2011. It follows the journey of renowned adventurer Gonzo through the Amazon rainforest. Players join him on his quest to find the lost city of El Dorado and its hidden treasures.

The game presents a 5-reel, 3-row grid with 20 paylines, 95.97% RTP, and medium-to-high variance. The main features include Free Fall and Avalanche Multipliers, along with a wild symbol.

Reactoonz

Reactoonz

Take a trip to outer space with Play’n GO’s famous Reactoonz. This grid slot flaunts a space theme with a cartoonish twist. Notable design elements include cute alien symbols, while the soundtrack and animations accentuate the gameplay.

Further, the title features a 7-reel, 7-row grid, and players need to match at least 5 symbols to get a win. There are lots of bonus features in Reactoonz, such as expanding wilds, multipliers, and more.

New Type of Cluster Pays: Megaclusters Slots

If you are a fan of the cluster pays mechanic, we have a treat for you! Presenting Megaclusters, Big Time Gaming’s take on grid slots. As the name suggests, the Megaclusters mechanic builds on cluster pays to offer even bigger rewards. How is that possible?

Well, the cluster pays symbols in a winning combination split into 4 smaller symbols, adding 4 new symbols in place of the original, which continues the cycle. Star Clusters was the first game to feature this mechanic, and there are some more Megaclusters slots if you are interested, including: