Cluster Pays is a slot game mechanic that deviates from traditional payline structures, allowing players to win by forming groups or clusters of matching symbols on the game grid. This innovative approach was first introduced by NetEnt with the release of the popular slot Aloha! Cluster Pays.
In Cluster Pays slots, wins are triggered when a minimum number of matching symbols, usually around 5 or 6, are adjacent to each other, touching at least one side. This means that symbols can form winning combinations anywhere on the grid rather than being restricted to specific paylines.
Unlike traditional slots that require symbols to line up along designated paylines, Cluster Pays allows for more flexible winning combinations. This can lead to a more dynamic and engaging gaming experience as players can achieve wins in various formations.
Additionally, many Cluster Pays games feature a cascading or avalanche mechanic. When a cluster win occurs, the winning symbols are removed from the grid, and new symbols fall into place, potentially creating additional winning clusters in the same spin. This can lead to potential consecutive wins from a single bet.
Besides Avalanche slots, there are also Megacluster Slots and Random Wilds, which further expand the Cluster Pays mechanic making it more engaging for players.
However, players accustomed to traditional slots may need time to adjust to the mechanics of Cluster Pays. Also, many Cluster Pays slots do not feature progressive jackpots, making it rare to see the two gameplay mechanics in the same slot game.
Some of the more popular games with a Cluster Pays mechanic include Aloha! Cluster Pays, Reactoonz, Jammin’ Jars, Fruitopolis, and The Legend of Shangri-La.
