Over the years, slot games have seen significant developments, with the genre as a whole evolving in a number of unique ways. One of the most innovative mechanics that has revolutionised the way in which games play out, however, is the cluster pays feature, with this being something that has been rolled out across a myriad of new, innovative releases. With their dynamic gameplay and overhauled formulas, these online slot games have become staples of casino platforms, with there now being more of these than ever before.
It is this exact reason that has made identifying the top cluster pays slots a difficult task, with this extensive genre of titles having so many unique entrants within it nowadays. Regardless of the size of this collection, we have still picked our top 3 cluster pays releases, all of which bring their own nuanced elements to the table alongside the titular game mechanics.
What Are Cluster Pays Slots
Before we actually delve into our top 3 cluster pays slots however, we must fully understand what these types of games are down to a tee. Essentially, these are a departure from traditional slot games, using systems where players hope to form clusters of matching symbols adjacently instead of relying on more conventional paylines. In most games, clusters are defined by 5 or more symbols touching one another either horizontally, vertically or even diagonally in some cases.
With cluster pays slots, these often come hand in hand with a couple of other stand-out components, one of these being their increased playtable designs. When put in comparison with more classically designed titles, these tend to have game grids from 5×5 up to 8×8 in size, with these providing a larger basis for play. In tandem with the cluster pays mechanics are also the popular cascading mechanics, which could potentially remove clusters and replace them with new symbols. This simple addition adds even more dynamism to these already inventive slots.
Now that we know exactly what they are and how they work, though, we can take a closer look at some of the top cluster pay slots that are currently available in the online casino space.
Rise Of Olympus
Beginning with arguably one of the staples of the iGaming scene, Gates of Olympus has been an incredibly popular cluster pays slot ever since it saw a wide release back in August 2018. As its name may give away, this is part of the expansive Greek mythology-inspired genre of games, with industry leaders Play’n GO being the team responsible for this creation. Alongside its cluster pay system that determines combinations for three or more ancient artefact or god symbols landing next to one another vertically or horizontally, the developers have included a plethora of other unique design touches that have made this game stand out in this sub-genre.
Most notable is the costly shifting backdrop, with this displaying a number of settings depending on which Ancient Greek god stands next to the reels. Throughout play, the visuals can shift from the city of Olympus high above the clouds all the way to the depths of the underworld and the ocean, with Hades and Poseidon standing next to the playgrid, respectively. Each god has their own corresponding modifier, too, with these ranging from sets of symbols being removed across the 5×5 playtable to random wilds being added across the reels.
Starburst Galaxy
From Ancient Greece to the cosmos of outer space, Starburst Galaxy is another of the top cluster pay slots currently out there. Another top-of-the-range development group is behind this title, with NetEnt following up on the original Starburst slot, which has already proven to be one of their most popular creations. However, with this spin-off, paylines are ditched for a more dynamic gameplay blueprint, with a 5×5 layout now being included in play.
With deep space visually depicting distinct planets and stars, the aesthetic here is not the only unique aspect. When delving deeper into the bonus mechanics, players could find multiplier orbs and a series of potential modifiers in the main bonus round. These range from random wilds and symbol swaps all the way to mega symbols, with these additional touches being what makes Starburst Galaxy one of the top cluster pay slots.
Pirots 3
The entire Pirots collection of games could all be in contention for 3rd place on our list; however, it is the western-themed Pirots 3 instalment that can claim to be one of the top cluster pay slots, in our opinion. The colourful bird characters that have defined this series make a reappearance in the Wild West, with salons, cacti and water towers lining a dusty, desolate street in the middle of which the 6×7 playgrid sits.
Coming hand in hand with the usual cascading mechanics, it is the inclusion of level-up systems that really differentiates Pirots 3 from most other cluster pay games. By collecting symbols, this could potentially see symbol values be upgraded, multiplier symbols introduced or some other unique features related to gunslingers, bandits and train heists, all of which are definitive in their own right.
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