Wild symbols have become a staple in modern slot machines, both online and in brick-and-mortar casinos. Acting as a joker card, wilds can substitute for standard symbols to help create winning payline combinations. But not all wilds are made equal. Software providers have gotten creative with special types of wilds that behave in different ways to ramp up slot volatility and payout potential.
What Makes Wild Symbols “Wild”
Before diving into the unique wild varieties, it’s helpful to understand what defines a standard wild in slot games available at MrGreen Danmark and similar casinos. Quite simply, a wild symbol:
- Can replace other symbols (except scatters and other special symbols) to make winning combinations.
- Typically, it has the highest payout on the paytable when appearing in a winning combo.
- Helps create more winning lines, increasing payout frequency.
Now let’s explore some of the most exciting special wilds that add an extra layer of anticipation and intrigue to slots.
Expanding Wilds Spread to Increase Wins
As their name suggests, expanding wild symbols “expand” to cover entire reels after they initially land. This spreading effect opens the door to bigger wins.
For example, just a single expanding wild landing on the third reel could end up encompassing the first, second, and third reels. Depending on the slot, expanding wilds may stretch to cover adjacent spots vertically, horizontally, or in multiple directions across the grid.
Some key advantages to expanding wilds:
- Turn non-winning spins into winners
- Transform small wins into massive payouts
- Make hitting jackpots more likely
However, the direction and extent of expansion can vary. So be sure to check the paytable first to understand how expanding wilds work in a particular slot machine.
Sticky Wilds Stay in Place for More Big Wins
Sticky wild symbols have the remarkable ability to “stick” in place for a specific number of spins after they first appear. As opposed to standard wilds that leave after just one spin, sticky wilds persist to boost your winning potential on multiple spins.
- A sticky wild lands on the third reel on Spin #1.
- It remains fixed in place for the next three spins.
- You enjoy extra substitution power for Spin #2, #3, and #4.
Having this wild symbol stuck in an opportune spot provides consistency. Gives you more chances to hit winning combinations, spin after spin.
Similar to expanding wilds, monitoring the paytable for details on sticky wild behavior is advised. The duration of “stickiness” – how long it remains on screen – can differ among slots.
Walking Wilds Add Suspense and Surprise
If expanding and sticky wilds weren’t unique enough, walking wilds take an already unpredictable symbol and add special movement! After each spin, walking wild symbols step or “walk” from their current spot to a different place on the grid.
Walking wilds adds an element of surprise, as you never know where they’ll end up next. This constant motion keeps the gameplay dynamic and exciting. These movers and shakers can show up in varied ways too, like:
- Moving one space randomly
- Shifting horizontally from a reel to an adjacent reel
- Walking progressively up or down reels with each spin
Much like the wild expansion, the walking direction varies among slots. So read the machine’s paytable or help screen to see how they operate.
| Wild Type | Key Behavior | Benefits |
| Expanding | Spreads to cover entire reels | Creates bigger wins |
| Sticky | Remains for multiple spins | Consistency for more payouts |
| Walking | Moves spots after each spin | Adds surprise and suspense |
Parting Thoughts
While stunning graphics and bonus games understandably capture attention, innovative wild features play an equally crucial role in modern slots. Unlocking expanding, sticky, and walking wilds provides serious winning potential – helping players hit elusive jackpots.
Yet these special symbols also bring added entertainment value and suspense that keeps gameplay fun. Combining expanding wilds that spread dynamically with walking wilds that shift spaces unexpectedly produces plenty of surprises! It exemplifies how software developers continue pushing boundaries – amplifying slot volatility in new ways.
So, the next time you spin slots, keep an eye out for these unique wilds. Don’t underestimate their power to dramatically flip non-winning sessions into monumental payouts. With some luck, you could capitalize on their distinctive behaviors and uncover treasures untold!
