What special features do slots have?

Alongside the base game, slots may include various special features that add variety to the gameplay and can increase the winning potential. These features can offer opportunities to buy bonuses, trigger bonus games and more. For example, landing certain symbols on the reels can trigger free spins, respins and other bonus features.

Special features in slots

Free Spins

Free spins are played without placing a bet, as they are free to play. They are usually triggered when a certain number of special symbols, such as Scatter symbols, land on the reels. The number of special symbols often determines how many free spins are awarded. Free spins usually use the same win mechanics as the base game, but they often include additional bonus features such as multipliers, extra free spins or bonus symbols.

Respins

A respin is a feature where the reels are spun again for free without placing a new bet. In some respins, certain symbols or reels remain in place while only the remaining reels and symbols are respun. A respin can be triggered by a specific symbol, symbol combination, or another condition defined by the game. For example, in Fruit Shop Grand Reopening, respins are triggered based on the number of fruit symbols included in winning combinations.

Tumbling Feature

The tumbling feature, or cascading feature, is included in many slots. After a win is awarded, the winning symbol combinations are removed from the reels and replaced by new symbols that drop down into their place. This can create new winning combinations, and the process continues as long as new wins are formed.

Hold & Win Feature

Hold & Win feature is triggered when the required number of special symbols lands on the grid. These symbols remain locked when the respins with special reels start. The goal of these spins is to land more of the same special symbols on the reels. When a new symbol lands, the number of spins is usually reset to the original amount. For example, if the feature starts with three respins, landing a new symbol resets the respins back to three. The feature often continues until the spins run out or the reels are completely filled with symbols. You can find an example of this mechanic in the Wolf Gold slot.

Bonus Games

Bonus games are triggered by certain symbols landing on the reels, such as Bonus or Scatter symbols. In bonus games, players can win free spins, collect prizes, earn multipliers or unlock additional bonus features. Bonus games vary from one slot to another. In the Sweet Alchemy 2 slot, free spins can lead to a bonus game where players can win prizes on a bonus wheel.

Bonus Buy Feature

Some slots offer a Bonus Buy feature. By purchasing a bonus, players can access the bonus feature directly without having to wait for it to be triggered during the base game. Slots with a Bonus Buy feature, bonus prices are determined on a game-by-game basis. Purchasing a bonus can award free spins, bonus symbols on the reels or other bonus features.

Jackpots

Jackpot slots can offer either a fixed jackpot or a progressive jackpot. A jackpot can be won by meeting a condition set by the game, for example when a certain number of jackpot symbols appear on the reels. The value of a fixed jackpot is predetermined, whereas a progressive jackpot can increase as players place bets on the game. A progressive jackpot can grow from the bets placed by players at a single casino or across multiple casinos. A progressive jackpot can also be shared across multiple games. When a progressive jackpot is won, its value returns to the predetermined starting amount.