The premise of many slot games is so simple that anyone can understand it. Spin the reels, match the symbols in a line, and win. But not every slot works the same way. Some newer games have thrown a spanner into the mix with the Cluster Pays system.
Both traditional and Cluster mechanics ultimately do the same thing, and that’s determine how you land a win. They simply do this differently. Now the battle begins: Cluster Pays vs paylines. Which one is better? That’s up to you. Have a look at this easy guide comparing the two and then decide.
What Are Paylines in Slot Games?
To put it simply, traditional paylines are pathways across the reels where symbols can land to form a winning combination. They can be straight across, vertical, or follow zigzag patterns. Because they are fixed/predetermined and need to land in specific spots to win, there’s less variation in terms of how you can get paid out. For instance, if a slot has 10 fixed paylines, then there are only ten ways to form a winning combination.
What Are Cluster Pays in Slot Games?
Cluster Pays are a bit different and can have a lot more variability in terms of where they can land on the grid. This system replaces fixed lines with groups of adjacent symbols. If you connect enough matching symbols together, you win. That means they need to be touching and connected either from the left, right, top, or bottom.
The exact requirements for a qualifying cluster vary from game to game. An example may be four symbols connected in a square formation, or eleven symbols in an S-shape. Though the variations expand far beyond that. The game will then calculate your winnings based on which symbols there are and the size of the cluster.
What Are the Main Differences Between Cluster Pays vs. Payline Slots?
There are a few important differences between Cluster Pays and traditional paylines that you should take note of. Here’s a breakdown of the most important ones for you to know, so you can decide which suits you better.
How To Form Winning Combinations
The primary difference between paylines and Cluster Pays is how you form a winning combination on the grid. Paylines used fixed patterns and paths. Paylines also traditionally span all the way across the reels, usually one in each reel, for a total of five connected symbols.
Meanwhile, Cluster Pays uses groups of matching symbols that are adjacent to one another. These can be in one or two reels (or more), with multiple symbols in a single reel. A winning Cluster can be anything from four to eight matching symbols, or more.
Reels and Grid Layout
Slot games nowadays don’t necessarily follow the usual rules. However, slots that use traditional paylines will generally have smaller grids, for example, 3×3 or 5×3. Though plenty of other configurations exist.
Cluster Pays slots, on the other hand, often use larger square grid layouts, like 6×6, 7×7, or larger. Each game is different, but Cluster Pays slots tend to use larger grids to make more room for the bigger Clusters.
Cascading Reels
Cascading reels are an incredible mechanic used in certain slot games that allows consecutive wins in just a single spin. Cascading wins occur when winning symbols disappear on the grid and are replaced with new ones. This feature isn’t as common in traditional payline slots as it is in Cluster Pays ones.
It’s important to remember that you can find cascading reels in both types of slots. It’s simply that they are more common in Cluster Pays.
Payout Structure
The final major difference goes hand in hand with how winning combinations are formed. This is the payout structure and how winnings are calculated. In regular payline slots, payouts are determined by the symbols that land on the payline. The values tied to the symbols are the only factor in deciding how much you win.
Cluster Pays are a little different because they calculate wins using the values of symbols, as well as how large the clusters are. For example, if a cluster of four symbols gives you R200, a cluster of eight of those same symbols may give you R400. Of course, exact payouts for qualifying Clusters depend on the game you’re playing.
Pros and Cons of Cluster Pays
Now, what exactly makes the Cluster Pays system so great? And which parts of it are a little less than ideal? We’ve outlined some of the main advantages and disadvantages of Cluster Pays so you can decide.
Advantages:
- Larger, more dynamic grids: Grids are often larger, giving more room for larger payouts, and can make gameplay feel more visually engaging.
- Works well with cascades: Cascading reels are often used as you land winning Clusters, so there is more potential for consecutive wins.
- Larger win potential: Because grids are larger and you can land up to eight or more symbols in a single combination, there is more potential for larger wins.
Disadvantages:
- Higher volatility: Cluster Pays games tend to pay less frequently.
- Harder for beginners: Beginners may find it confusing to determine winning patterns without having fixed paylines to guide them.
- Less predictable outcomes: Since the payouts and patterns vary so much, it’s harder to predict your potential payout, which some players may not like.
Cluster Pays vs Paylines: Which Is Better?
Like all casino games, you need to factor in your playstyle when deciding what is best for you. So, there’s no clear winner. Beginner players may prefer traditional payline slots, as the clearly defined, fixed paylines are easier to recognise.
However, if you don’t mind the unpredictability, then Cluster Pays slots offer potential for larger payouts. They also incorporate more fun game mechanics that may make the game more exciting and enjoyable.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How are Cluster Pays different from Scatter Pays?
Cluster Pays require matching symbols to form a connected group and work with regular slot symbols. Scatter pays are awarded a little differently and work with special Scatter symbols instead. These symbols can pay from any position on the reels, as long as there are enough of them. Scatter symbols don’t need to be connected.
How many symbols do you need for a win with Cluster Pays?
This all depends on the game. The size of Clusters can be anything from four to eight symbols or more. Always be sure to check the paytable of your game to see how many symbols qualify as a Cluster.
Does Cluster Pays have better odds than traditional paylines?
Not necessarily. Cluster Pays change how combinations are formed, which may include more ways to win than another traditional paylines slot. However, games vary so widely, so the RTP for a Clusters game may be lower than another slot game with 200 paylines, for instance. So, no. One isn’t necessarily better than the other.
Do Cluster Pays symbols have to touch?
Yes. In Cluster Pays games, symbols need to touch each other to form a Cluster and count as a win.
