If you’re a slots fan you’re going to want to make sure you pay attention to the wild symbols! A staple of most online slot games, wild symbols are used to give the player the chance of extra wins, and in the case of walking wilds and expanding wilds can add excitement for multiple spins. In this article, we’ll explore what exactly a wild symbol is, as well as the different forms that this essential symbol can appear in.
What are Wild Symbols?
A wild symbol is comparable to the joker in a deck of cards in that it can be used to represent any card value. Fans of video poker will recognize the concept from the Jokers Wild version of the game.
When you first load up a slot machine, click on the paytable (the information button) to see which symbols are wild. Except for other special symbols like a Scatter or Bonus sign, it replaces all others.
In slots, the strength of a wild symbol lies in its ability to help you finish a winning line. For example, if you land two of the same symbols on reels one and three, as well as a wild symbol on reel two, the pay line will be completed and you will be awarded a prize. A second wild could stretch the pay line to the fourth reel, boosting your payouts.
In some slot games, whether or not the wild symbol completes a winning line, it has some value when it appears on its own. The paytable information will tell you once again. While Wild symbols, like all other symbols and everything about slot games, are important, there is no way of knowing where or when they will appear on the reels. There is no strategy you can use to boost your chances of making money in this manner.
How do Wild Symbols Work?
Wild symbols work by creating winning combinations by substituting for other symbols on the reels. Some games can also activate bonus rounds and provide additional payouts. When you first start learning about the intricacies of gambling, you'll notice that there are numerous advantages to playing at online casinos.
The wild symbol takes the form of an image of a certain character from the game's theme or a video clip from that title. It's sometimes just the word ‘wild’ written in a certain typeface or color; not very inventive, but it does get the job done!
In order to produce winning combinations, wild symbols can also be used to replace missing symbols. Wilds, on the other hand, will not replace bonus triggers like scatters because these images do not appear on all reels and must be found in a specified location to obtain payment.
Types of Wild Symbols
As we’ve alluded to previously, there are lots of different kinds of wild symbols. Here are some of the most common variants you might see in your favourite slot games.
Wild Reels
A wild reel occurs when a whole reel turns wild and remains so for one or more rotations. Like with stacked wilds, you're hoping for a stack of symbols on one or more of the game's reels.
Stacked Wilds
Stacked wilds emerge when symbols appear on top of each other on a reel, generating a full section of wilds. They can cover the entire reel or a portion of it if stacked three symbols high or more.
Sticky Wilds
Sticky wilds are similar to regular wilds, but they stay on the screen for the next or subsequent spins. They will maintain their location on the screen and have their own settings, which vary depending on the game.
These wilds can quickly stack up during sticky wild play since they stay on the screen for numerous spins, allowing players to score large wins. They're abundant in bonus rounds, but they're uncommon in regular play.
Moving Wilds
Moving wilds are most commonly called walking wilds. Of all the wilds featured, this has to be one of our favourites which is why we saved it till last.
A walking wild is when the wild symbol will then ‘walk’ from one spot of the reel to another spot until it eventually falls off from the side of the reels or the bottom of the rows. Mostly, if a walking wild slot is really good, you get free re-spins of the reels for as long as the wilds are walking around. So not only do you get wilds roaming around, but you get free spins too.
Expanding Wilds
This type of wild is quite similar to a wild reel, and they should probably be grouped together. As previously said, there are numerous overlaps, particularly with a sign that essentially does the same thing - it replaces another symbol to produce a win.
The number of winning combinations increases substantially when growing wilds are present throughout the game, making for a far more engaging experience.
Play Online Slots at Spin Genie
At Spin Genie you’ll find a huge range of slot machines that use all manner of wild symbols. Sign up and play today to discover more.
