button in SafariCascading Reels
Cascading Reels are a non-conventional slot feature that differ from regular spinning reels. When a winning combination lands, those winning symbols disappear, and are replaced by new ones.
What are Cascading Reels?
A Cascading Reel is a dynamic slot mechanic that is designed to enhance user experience, as well as offer more ways to win. When a winning spin is hit, all of the symbols that are involved in the winning combination simply vanish. At this point, new symbols drop down to fill in the gaps that were left by the old ones, which offers the possibility of creating yet more matches. This process carries on until the cascades don't produce a win.
Example of a Cascading Reel Slot
Gates of Olympus is a renowned slot that features cascading reels, or tumble mechanics, as they are often known in Pragmatic Play slots. The slot is unique in that it doesn't have standard paylines, but eight or more matching symbols across the 6x5 grid result in a win. The cascading feature is such that after a win, these matching symbols are removed and then replaced. Another eight or more matching symbols, and the process repeats.
Megaways Slots vs Cascading Reels - What's the Difference?
Megaways Slots are different from standard slots in that they involve a dynamic number of paylines. With each spin, there is a different number of ways to win, as well as a random number of symbols across the reels, meaning that the total number of paylines can vary drastically between spins.
Although cascading reels are linked to paylines, much like megaways slots, they refer directly to symbols to determine a winning spin, whereas megaways still use the traditional payline system. However, many megaways slots include the cascading reels dynamic, and the two can combine for a more varied user experience, as well as bigger wins.
- Megaways Slots: Vary the number of paylines on offer from spin to spin, offering different ways to win each time.
- Cascading Reels: Every winning spin creates the opportunity for another, with the winning symbols disappearing, and new symbols dropping down.
Best Cascading Reels Slots to Play
| Slot Game | RTP | Megaways? | Volatility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gates of Olympus | 96.5% | No | High |
| Rainbow Riches Megaways | 95.9% | Yes | High |
| Gold Blitz | 96% | No | High |
| Sugar Rush 1000 | 96.5% | No | High |
| Bonanza Megaways | 96% | Yes | High |
Cascading Reels (Slots) FAQs
How do cascading reels work?
Cascading reels cause any symbols in a winning combination to disappear, and be replaced by new ones. This allows for the possibility of more wins, and it continues until a winning spin doesn't land.
What is the best cascading reel slot?
No slot game is the "best cascading reel slot" as this is primarily due to user preference. To find out about different slot games with cascading reels, check PokerNews' dedicated slot reviews.
What is the highest RTP cascading reel slot?
Most cascading reel slots feature an RTP of between 95% and 96.5%. Click here to find out more about different cascading reels slots and their RTP.
Do cascading reel slots pay out more?
Cascading reel slots don't necessarily pay out more than standard spinning reels, but they do offer the possibility for bigger wins, with multiple successive wins possible.
What's the difference between cascading reels and sticky reels?
Sticky reels hold certain symbols in place for multiple spins, whereas cascading reels remove winning symbols and replace them with new ones.
