Megaways Meaning in Slots: Explaining The Megaways Number
If you’ve ever played an online slot and noticed the word Megaways on the screen, you might have wondered what it actually means. Those big numbers that shift between spins may look confusing at first, especially if you are used to fixed paylines.
With so many slot themes and layouts available, it helps to know what sets Megaways titles apart. You’ll often see figures like 117,649 or 46,656 appear during play, reflecting how many potential combinations are available on that spin.
By understanding how Megaways works, you can see why the number keeps changing, how it shapes what happens on the reels, and why outcomes remain random and independent on every spin.
What Does Megaways Mean in Slot Games?
Megaways is a game mechanism that changes the number of symbols on each reel every time you spin. Instead of each reel always showing the same fixed number of symbols, Megaways reels can display a different count on every spin.
That shifting layout means the number of ways matching symbols can connect goes up and down round by round. The mechanic alters potential combinations but does not change the fact that results are determined by a Random Number Generator (RNG).
Created by Big Time Gaming and introduced in 2016, the system is now used in many popular slots. Most Megaways games have six reels, and each reel can display between 2 and 7 symbols per spin.
The current total number of possible combinations is typically displayed above the reels for clarity, so you can see how many potential ways are active on that spin.
How the Megaways Mechanic Actually Works
At its core, Megaways multiplies the number of visible symbols on each reel to produce the total possible combinations for that spin. If a slot has six reels and each reel happens to show seven symbols, you multiply 7 by itself six times to reach 117,649.
Unlike traditional payline slots, Megaways games do not rely on set lines across the screen. You form wins by landing matching symbols on adjacent reels from the left, in any row position.
Because the number of symbols on each reel can change every spin, the total possible combinations can change too. This affects the number of potential symbol connections, not the randomness of the outcome.
Some titles add their own twists to this base engine, such as extra horizontal reels or features that remove winning symbols and drop new ones in, but the core idea remains the same, and each result is still random.
What Is the Megaways Number and Why Does It Change?
The Megaways number is the total number of potential combinations available on that specific spin. As explained above, it is simply the product of the visible symbol counts across all reels.
For example, if you see 3 symbols on reel one, 5 on reel two, and 4 on reel three, you multiply those together and continue across the remaining reels to reach the total. Because the symbol counts refresh with every spin, the Megaways number updates too.
That is why it can potentially jump from a few hundred to tens of thousands between rounds. It is an indicator of potential possibilities, not a prediction of a return on that spin.
How Many Megaways Can a Slot Have?
The maximum number of Megaways a slot can reach depends on its reel setup and the allowed symbol range per reel. In many six-reel games where each reel can show up to seven symbols, the highest total is 117,649. That figure comes from 7 x 7 x 7 x 7 x 7 x 7.
Some cap reels at five symbols, which lowers the ceiling, while others introduce extra reels or special rows that can push it higher into the hundreds of thousands.
You do not need to calculate it yourself, as the maximum is usually listed in the game’s information, alongside details of how the mechanic is implemented in that title.
Megaways vs Traditional Payline Slots
Traditional slots use fixed paylines. These are the specific lines where symbols must land to form a win, often across three or five reels and in set patterns. Each spin plays out against the same set of lines, so the structure is consistent from round to round.
Megaways removes those fixed lines. Wins come from landing matching symbols on adjacent reels from the left, wherever they sit on the reel. Because the symbol counts change every spin, the number of possible connections can change.
Why Megaways Slots Are So Popular
Megaways appeals to many players because the game state is always shifting. New symbol counts create new potential combinations on every spin, which keeps the experience from feeling the same. That variability is a key part of the appeal for many players.
There is also plenty of variety in how developers build on the engine. Common additions include:
- Cascading or tumbling reels that clear winning symbols and drop new ones in their place, giving consecutive chances within a single paid spin.
- Mystery symbols that reveal a matching symbol type when they land.
- Free spins rounds where a win multiplier increases as cascades continue, often without a cap.
- Reel modifiers, such as expanding wilds or symbol transformations, that can change the reel state for that spin.
Themes range from classic fruit styles to film and TV, so there is usually something to suit all preferences. Because the framework is flexible, studios can add their own features without changing the core rules that make Megaways work.
Understanding Volatility and RTP in Megaways Games
Volatility describes the potential frequency and size of a payout on slot machines. Many Megaways titles lean towards higher volatility, which can potentially mean fewer but larger payouts.
Lower volatility games tend to give potentially smaller returns more often, though the overall balance depends on the design. No setting can predict or influence the result of any single spin.
RTP, or Return to Player, is the long-term theoretical percentage a game is designed to pay back across all play. In the UK, Megaways slots commonly sit around 95-97 percent, though this varies by title and sometimes by version. All RTP percentages must be clearly displayed to players to ensure compliance with UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) regulations.
RTP is not a prediction for any single session; however, it is a statistical guide measured over a very large number of spins, so short-term outcomes can differ significantly.
Play Megaways Slots Online at Slotzo
Slotzo offers a range of Megaways slots in a layout that makes finding and comparing games straightforward. You may see well-known titles alongside the latest releases, with clear game pages that outline features, how the Megaways engine is used, and other key details.
Navigation is designed to help you move simply between themes and features, whether you prefer something familiar or want to try a new release. Games are licensed by the UKGC and tested for fairness, with outcomes determined by certified RNGs.
If you choose to play Megaways, always remember that all outcomes are down to chance and winning is never guaranteed.
Always remember to gamble responsibly by setting limits to your playing time, sticking to a strict budget within your means, and making use of any responsible gambling tools available.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to these slot games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.