How To Play Cluster Pays Slots

Paylines? We don’t need them. Cluster pays slots are games you can win by landing groups of matching symbols anywhere on the grid. Simple as that.

The mechanic has completely changed the way people play, offering a totally different rhythm to the usual left-to-right setup. So, if you’d like a break from the regular sorts of slot games, cluster pays slots may be more up your street.

Here’s everything you need to know about how they work, the different variations available and the best titles to try at Virgin Games.

Quick guide: how cluster pays slots work

• Cluster pays use a grid instead of standard spinning reels

• Wins happen when you land a group (cluster) of matching symbols touching each other

• Clusters can form anywhere on the grid, not just left to right

• Winning symbols are often removed to let new ones drop into place (cascades)

• You can test them out using our free demo mode before spending any money

What Are Cluster Pays Slots?

If you are exploring the different types of slots across our site, cluster pays are some of the easiest to spot.

Instead of traditional reels that spin, you get a grid where symbols drop into place. There are no fixed paylines. To hit a winning combination, you just need a set number of identical symbols - usually five or more - touching horizontally or vertically.

It is a big shift from classic slots, where everything has to line up perfectly across the middle. With cluster pays, a win can form anywhere on the grid. Top left, bottom right, dead centre. As long as the symbols are connected, you get a payout.

How to Play Cluster Pays Slots

Getting started is straightforward. You set your bet size, hit the spin button and watch the symbols drop.

Here is what happens next:

• The drop: symbols fall into the grid to fill every position.

• The cluster: if enough matching symbols land next to each other, you trigger a win.

• The cascade: in most of these games, the winning symbols vanish. The remaining symbols drop down to fill the gaps, and new ones fall in from above.

• The chain reaction: if those new symbols create another cluster, you win again. This repeats until no new clusters are formed.

It’s a mechanic that keeps the momentum going, and a reason they’re a popular option for those who want to play modern games. On that note, check out our What Are Video Slot Machines? article to see how they fit into the wider picture.

Types of Cluster Pays Slots

Since the mechanic first launched, developers have pushed the format in a few different directions. Here are how some variations you may encounter work.

Cascading Reels

Also known as “avalanche slots”, this is the most common setup. Winning clusters disappear once they’ve formed a cluster, and new symbols fall into the empty spaces. It gives you the chance to land multiple consecutive wins off a single spin.

Megacluster Slots

When you land a winning cluster, the winning symbols split into smaller symbols rather than disappearing. This expands the grid and gives you even more positions to win from.

Random Wild Modifiers

Many cluster games use Wild symbols to connect gaps in the grid.

Some games drop Random Wilds onto the board after a non-winning spin, keeping the board active and potentially transforming an unsuccessful spin into a payout.

If you enjoy games accompanied by random modifiers, you might want to look into Drops & Wins slots for similar action.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cluster Pays Slots

Not sure if these grid slots are for you? Here is a quick breakdown of how they compare to traditional games.If you’re looking at how mechanics can differ depending on where and how you play, our guide on online slots vs. casino slots is also worth a read.

The Pros

• Easy to follow: you don't need to memorise complicated payline maps. If the symbols are grouped, you win.

• Chain reactions: the cascading feature means one spin can result in multiple payouts.

• Action-packed screens: with grids often measuring at least 7x7, there is a lot going on in every round.

The Cons

• High volatility: many of these games are highly volatile. Wins may be more significant when they land, but they can take a while to do so.

• Busy visuals: the larger grids and explosive cascades can feel chaotic if you prefer a quieter, simpler interface.

Worth mentioning: if you are managing your bankroll and prefer playing with smaller stakes, reading our penny slot games explained guide is a great way to discover games that you can spin from just 1p.

Our Best Cluster Pays Slots

Ready to see the grid in action? Here are some of the best cluster pays slots available right now at Virgin Games.

Jammin' Jars

Fruit machine visuals meet moving Wilds. Rainbow Jar symbols act as Wilds that bounce around the grid after every cascade, adding multipliers that stack up fast. It’s colourful, chaotic and worth a spin.

Rise of Olympus

Three Greek gods, each with their own modifier that can trigger after a non-winning spin. The Free Spins bonus offers instant prizes up to 100x your stake. Mythology done right.

Virgin Gates of Olympus

Enter the home of the Greek gods on our exclusive slot, Virgin Gates of Olympus. Discover a special Virgin Games symbol on the grid – the most valuable one in the game – which can pay out wins worth up to 500x your wager.

This online slot is a follow-up to the original Gates of Olympus, both produced by Pragmatic Play. The first instalment was opened in 2021, before our version was released two years later.

Keep an eye out for Multiplier symbols on the grid, which are applied to winning clusters at the same time. Take a place in the Free Spins Bonus when at least four Scatter symbols appear, with 15 free spins to play with.

Make your way through the golden gates.

Secrets of the Phoenix Elements Jackpot

Fly through the thrilling bonus games in Secrets of the Phoenix Elements Jackpot for the chance to score some fiery big wins.

This game is part of the classic Secrets of the Phoenix online slots series from Roxor Gaming. You can also enjoy the likes of Secrets of the Phoenix: Legendary Jackpots and Secrets of the Phoenix Megaways at Virgin Games, but let’s focus on the cluster pays version for now.

Winning symbols are added to the Symbol Collection meter, which can trigger up to four Elemental Phoenix features. Complete them all to enter the Free Spins bonus round where the progressive jackpot can be triggered, with a minimum value of £1,000!

Feed the flames.

When Were Cluster Pays Slots Invented?

The cluster mechanic was invented in 2016 by the game developer NetEnt. They wanted to build something that broke away from traditional reels and gave players a completely new visual experience.

The result was Aloha! Cluster Pays. It introduced the concept of symbols dropping into a 6x5 grid and paying out for connected groups. The game was a massive hit. Soon after, other major studios began developing their own grid slots, turning a unique experiment into one of the most popular mechanics in online gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play cluster pays slots for free?

Yes. You can play these games in demo mode for free, using game credits instead of real money. It’s the good way to see how the clusters form, test the bonus rounds and get a feel for the game's volatility before you decide to play for real.

Are cluster pays slots better than traditional online slots?

Each hold their own appeal to different players. Those who like clearer paylines and classic mechanics may prefer traditional slots, while those who like cascading symbols and chain reactions may prefer cluster pays slots.

Do cluster pays games have jackpots?

Absolutely. Many grid slots feature fixed prizes or are plugged into progressive networks. Games like Vault of Anubis are linked to our Daily Jackpots system, meaning a progressive prize can be awarded on a spin.