Anyone who has ever played online slot games has likely come across the term “Scatter symbols” or “Scatters.” These special symbols have become a common feature in most modern slot games and can trigger many amazing features that make your gameplay even more exciting and lucrative.
Scatters can work differently depending on the game rules and other bonus features available, so there’s no single way to understand their mechanics. That’s where this guide comes in. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about what Scatter symbols are and how they work.
What is a Scatter Symbol in Online Slot Games?
In most slot games, a Scatter symbol is a special slot symbol that can either award prizes or activate bonus features when enough of them appear on the reels. They’re a little different from regular slot symbols in that they typically don’t need to line up along a traditional payline to count. They can be spread across the grid in any pattern, as long as there are enough symbols present, hence the name “Scatters.”
The appearance of Scatter symbols varies from game to game, usually designed to match the unique theme of the slot. Though, they are easy to identify, as most games label the logo or icon with the word “Scatter” on it. You can’t miss it.
How Do Scatter Symbols Work?
Scatter symbols usually work by counting how many appear during a single spin. It doesn’t typically matter where they land, as long as you have enough on the reels. However, this may be different for each slot you play.
The number of Scatters you need is dependent on the specific rules of the game you’re playing. Once you have the right number of Scatter symbols, it will trigger some kind of feature or give you a reward. This usually includes rewarding Free Spins, triggering a bonus round, or another special feature your game has.
Types of Scatter Symbols in Online Slots
So, the next question you may ask yourself is, “Are all Scatter symbols the same?” The answer is no. Each Scatter symbol’s purpose and function are different, depending on the game. Here are some of the most common Scatter symbol types:
- Paying Scatters: Award Scatter Wins, which are an instant payout when enough symbols appear in a single spin, usually without needing a traditional payline.
- Free Spin Scatters: The most common type of Scatter symbols that provide the player with a certain number of Free Spins to use in their game. Typically, the more Scatters you land, the more Free Spins you get.
- Bonus Scatters: Triggers a bonus game or another bonus feature that functions differently game-by-game.
- Multiplier Scatters: Activates, increases, or contributes towards a win multiplier.
- Wild Scatters: In some slots, Scatters can act in place of Wild symbols, which stand in place of regular symbols to help form a winning combination.
Some Scatter symbols may have more than one function in a single slot, so be sure to check the rules and paytable of the game you choose before you start spinning.
Scatter Symbols vs Other Special Slot Symbols
Because of the similar functions slot symbols play, it’s easy for beginners to get them confused and wonder what the differences really are. Two other special symbols include Wild symbols and Bonus symbols. Here’s a quick comparison between the three:
| Symbol Type | Typical Purpose | How It Works |
| Scatter Symbol | Activates Free Spins, bonus rounds, or pays based on number of symbols on the reels | Need to land a certain number of Scatters to trigger it, but they can appear anywhere on the reels without paylines |
| Bonus Symbol | Unlocks bonus features, like mini games, pick features, or bonus rounds | Usually requires a set number on the reels to trigger bonus features |
| Wild Symbol | Completes or improves paylines to increase changes of winning combinations | Substitutes for regular symbols to help form winning combinations on paylines |
Tips For Playing Slots with Scatter Symbols
If you’re still unsure about Scatter symbols, don’t worry. Here are a few quick tips to help you along the way and things to look out for.
1. Check the paytable
This is the most important tip, because the paytable has every single piece of information about a slot game. It will detail exactly which types of Scatters the game uses, how they work, what type of rewards they provide, and anything else you need to know.
2. Have enough spins to trigger Scatters
Sometimes triggering Scatter symbols can take a while, so it’s important to make sure you give it time. It isn’t going to happen instantly. Make sure you have enough Free Spins or credit to spin a good amount so you give yourself a greater chance of landing those Scatters.
3. Look at retrigger rules
Some Scatter symbols allow your Free Spins to retrigger a limited or unlimited number of times, depending on the game. Knowing the difference in the games you play can help you decide whether you prefer to choose a slot with more retriggers or not.
4. Don’t assume all Scatter symbols work the same way
It’s easy to forget that there’s no single type of Scatter symbol and that they can trigger different features. Always check the game rules to see how they work so you don’t have the wrong expectations.
5. Take breaks
Like any slot game, it’s important not to get stuck spinning all day. It’s all about gambling responsibly and knowing your limits, so make sure to have adequate breaks between sessions.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do all slot games have Scatter symbols?
No, not all slot games have Scatter symbols. Some games use other mechanics to trigger Free Spins and bonus features. These are all dependent and listed in the paytable and game rules.
Do Scatter symbols provide payouts?
This is dependent on the game. Most Scatter symbols are there to reward things like Free Spins or trigger bonus features. However, some symbols, particularly “Paying Scatters,” will reward the player with direct payouts.
What are the best slot games with Scatter symbols on playTSOGO?
On playTSOGO, we have plenty of amazing slot games featuring Scatter symbols. Including, but not limited to, Gates of Olympus: Super Scatter, Big Bass Bonanza, Sugar Rush Super Scatter, and Parthenon: Quest for Immortality.
What is a Scatter Pays slot?
Scatter Pays is a particular slot mechanic that some games feature which changes the way winning combinations are formed. Scatter Pays slots allow wins to be created from landing a required number of symbols across reels, without needing traditional paylines.
How many Scatter symbols do you need to win?
The usual requirement is around three Scatter symbols to win, but this varies between slots. Some slots reward differently, with a higher number of symbols leading to better rewards.
