Scatter Symbols in Slots: Definition, Types, Benefits, and Strategies to Play

Scatter symbols are bonus symbols that unlock numerous features within a slot game. These thrilling icons can appear on the reels in different forms. These include bonus games, free spins, scattered wilds, and expanding scatters. 

The main benefits of playing slots with scatter symbols include engaging gameplay, a greater chance to land extra winning combinations, and access to more bonus features.

What are Scatter Symbols?

Scatter symbols serve as bonus icons that activate various features in a slot game. Slot games have different types of symbols. Apart from regular symbols and wild symbols, players can also look forward to scatters. While regular symbols and wilds often combine to increase a winning payout by landing on the same payline, scatters trigger bonus features. These bonus features often include free spins, bonus rounds, mini-games, re-spins, and more.  

Scatters look different to other symbols. They are usually easily recognisable as an image that represents the theme of the slot game. For example, in Big Bass Bonanza, the scatter is a fish leaping out of the water with a hook in its mouth. 

How Do Scatter Symbols Work?

To trigger these symbols, players must normally land a minimum of three scatters on the reels. They don’t need to line up with any other symbols. Scatters can land anywhere on the reels, and as long as they appear in the required minimum number, the game’s bonus features will be activated. 

In some slot games, scatters can act as wilds. In that case, they substitute other symbols to create more winning combinations along paylines. You can always view the paytable of your chosen game to see if scatters double as wilds. 

What are the Types of Scatter Symbols?

The different types of scatter symbols are bonus game scatters, free spins scatters, scattered wilds, and expanding scatters. The section below offers more details about each scatter. 

• Bonus Game Scatters: Bonus game scatters unlock mini-games like bonus rounds, bonus wheels, pick-me games, and other games unique to a certain slot machine.

• Free Spins Scatters: Free spins scatters normally give you a specific number of free spins depending on how many scatters you land. For example, if you land 3, 4, or 5 scatters during the same spins, you will get 10, 15, or 20 free spins, respectively. 

• Scattered Wilds: Scattered wilds have the potential to produce massive winnings in a single round. The purpose of these symbols is to convert other symbols on the reels into wilds, increasing your chances of getting one or several winning combinations. 

• Expanding Scatters: Expanding scatters are similar to scattered wilds. They expand across an entire reel to help you land a bigger payout. 

Why Play Slots With Scatter Symbols?

Slots with scatter symbols offer many perks! Perhaps the most obvious benefit is heightened entertainment. Scatters create an atmosphere of expectation and give players a great dopamine hit when they finally activate those bonus features! The latter increases the game’s enjoyability and your chances to earn more outside of the base game. Speaking of which, scatters can help you land extra winning combinations in the base game by acting as wilds. Overall, these icons are fun and potentially lucrative, making them an invaluable part of the modern online slot. 

Tips & Strategies for Playing Slots with Scatter Symbols

Some tips and strategies for playing slots with scatter symbols are checking the game info, RTP, and volatility. The section below offers more information about each tip. 

• Game Info: You can access the game’s information section by clicking on the “i” icon or another designated button. This section will tell you how scatters act in this particular game.

• Paytable: All paytable information can also be found in the game’s information tab. Here, you can see if scatters carry multipliers or other values. 

• RTP: A great tip is to choose games with a high RTP. 

• Volatility: Volatility is a matter of preference. If you like risk and high payouts, go for high volatility. Low volatility is for players who want minimum risk and frequent small payouts. A medium variance lands somewhere in the middle. 

What are Some Other Symbols in Slots?

We’ve already discussed wilds and scatters, so let’s look at multipliers, pick-me, free spins, and re-spin symbols. Respectively, they multiply your bet, unlock pick-me games, award free spins, and allow you to re-spin a specific reel. All of these features boost your chances of winning additional prizes. Keep in mind that some games offer tailor-made symbols to trigger features and games unique to a specific slot machine. 

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