What are Cluster Pays slots?

What are Cluster Pays slots?
Charlie Vogelsang
by Charlie Vogelsang Last updated:

Cluster Pays is unlike any other slot mechanic, but how does it actually work?

During the early age of online slots, players would win money upon spinning the reels and landing a winning combination of symbols along with one of several paylines. Now, there are so many innovative mechanics that completely transform your experience. One of the most unique mechanics is Cluster Pays (also known as Grid Slots) that was first pioneered by iGaming giants NetEnt.

Forget All You Know About Slots 

This revolutionary slot mechanic has gotten rid of paylines altogether. Typically, you’d need to match symbols in a line on the reels to win, but Cluster Pays completely changes this by seeing players win when matching symbols form a cluster on the game grid.

As long as the matching symbols are next to each other in a cluster - you’ll have a winning combination. Furthermore, when a winning cluster is formed, the symbols are removed from the grid allowing surrounding symbols to cascade into the spaces, potentially forming new winning clusters!

Players now have more possibilities to win provided enough symbols join horizontally or vertically, usually a minimum of 5. Of course, the payout ultimately depends on the value of the matching symbols, your stake and the number of symbols in the cluster. But, there are more ways to win with Cluster Pays and the best thing is that it isn’t too complicated or tricky to learn.

Cluster Pays shakes up your gameplay entirely as it becomes more exciting and unpredictable. The bigger the Cluster - the bigger the payout. Don’t worry about a lesser experience with overall gameplay as they can still have a variety of features.

Best Cluster Pays Slots

There are so many developers that are beginning to utilise the brilliant Cluster Pays mechanic. If Cluster Pays has grabbed your attention, then here are some of the best Cluster Pays slots available.

Aloha! Cluster Pays

Most definitely the slot that kick-started Cluster Pays, Aloha! Cluster Pays features a tiki theme and is full of engaging features. It’s beautifully designed and the atmosphere is breathtaking. Not only does the game feature Cluster Pays, but it has mystery symbols, sticky re-spins and an abundance of free spins. It’s ideal for anyone wanting to try the Cluster Pays mechanic.

Aloha Cluster Pays Online Slot by NetEnt Screenshot 1
Name:
Aloha! Cluster Pays
Developer:
NetEnt
RTP:
96.42%
Max payout:
10,000x stake
Volatility:
Low
Reels:
6
Theme:
Tiki
Release date:
25th Mar 2016

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Finn's Golden Tavern

If tiki-themed slots aren’t your thing, then you can always try out Finn's Golden Tavern. This Irish themed slot not only contains the luck of the Irish, but Cluster Pays as well. Whilst utilising the Cluster Pays mechanic, it has free spins with an increasing multiplier. Not only that, but it has a random coin feature that can change 1 to 2 low paying symbols and change them into coin symbols with a better value attached. With a medium volatility level, this is perfect for veterans and newcomers.

Finns Golden Tavern Online Slot by NetEnt Screenshot 1
Name:
Finn's Golden Tavern
Developer:
NetEnt
RTP:
96.01%
Max payout:
1,000x stake
Volatility:
Medium-High
Theme:
Irish
Release date:
4th Dec 2019

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Jammin’ Jars

For those of you wanting a healthier experience, try Push Gaming’s Jammin’ Jars. It’ll be healthier on your diet with all these juicy fruits - but still contains the thrills found in other food slots like Sweet Bonanza. With adorable artwork, funky music and impressive features, this is a Cluster Pays slot that you should definitely check out. Not only can you win free spins but random multipliers as well!

Jammin Jars Online Slot by Push Gaming Screenshot 1
Name:
Jammin' Jars
Developer:
Push Gaming
RTP:
96.83%
Max payout:
20,000x stake
Volatility:
High
Theme:
Food, Music
Release date:
14th Sep 2018

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Rich Wilde and the Tome of Madness

Fancy a little more adventure within your Cluster Pays experience? Rich Wild and the Tome of Madness is definitely the slot for you. The legendary Rich Wild series now features Cluster Pays and H.P. Lovecraft inspired themes. With intriguing gameplay involving portals and Other World free spins, this is a game for players who crave excitement and a dazzling lead character.

Rich Wilde and the Tome of Madness Online Slot by Play'n GO
Name:
Rich Wilde and the Tome of Madness
Developer:
Play'n GO
RTP:
96.00%
Max payout:
2,000x stake
Volatility:
High
Reels:
5
Theme:
Adventure, Mythical
Release date:
23rd Jun 2019

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Kluster Krystals Megaclusters

As the name suggests, this isn’t your ordinary Cluster Pays slot. In Kluster Krystals Megaclusters every spin raises your chances of upgrading systems and winning clusters kick up your game completely. All neighbouring symbols are doubled, tripled or quadrupled. With free spins and multipliers, this is a Megacluster Pays slot that is a completely new experience. If you love the Cluster Pays mechanic and wanted to try it on the next level, this is one for you.

Kluster Krystals Megaclusters Online Slot by Relax Gaming
Name:
Kluster Krystals Megaclusters
Developer:
Relax Gaming
RTP:
96.49%
Max payout:
5,000x stake
Volatility:
High
Reels:
5
Theme:
Space, Tiki
Release date:
28th Jan 2021

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Similar Game Systems

Many developers have tried to reinvent online slots to make them more enticing for players. Cluster Pays is different to average online slots as they forgo reels altogether and play more like Candy Crush or Bejewelled Blitz. If you find yourself loving mechanics such as cascading grids of 7x7 just like in Play’n Go’s Reactoonz series - then you’ll enjoy playing with the Cluster Pays mechanic.

A New Experience Unlike Any Other

Using traditional paylines and gameplay has its perks - but try mixing up your online slot experience with Cluster Pays. You still have the random thrill of winning but thrown in with even more mystery as you’ll never know where you will land!

It completely changes your experience and is completely unpredictable. If you are looking to test out this feature and try more diverse games, then give Cluster Pays a go.

Charlie Vogelsang
by Charlie Vogelsang Last updated:

For Charlie, it’s all about flashy slots with unique mechanics and crazy themes. Her slot experience began with Dead or Alive II, but the first slot that really caught her eye was Moon Princess and it fuelled her passion for playing online slots. Since then, she’s been determined to find the latest and greatest slots from across the world.