Mastering Scatter Symbols in Slot Games: Your Ultimate Guide

When playing slots, scatter symbols are some of the most exciting symbols you can land as you spin. These symbols, which can land anywhere on the reel, are often the key to unlocking special features like free spins, bonus games, jackpots, and more.

Because of their unique abilities, scatter symbols appear less often than standard symbols. Their rareness only adds to the mystique and excitement when one lands. 

Here, I’ve only scratched the surface of scatter symbols in slots. Continue reading below to learn how scatter symbols work, the slot game bonuses they unlock, and more. 

What Are Scatter Symbols?

Scatter symbols are the key to unlocking features within each slot game. When they land, it doesn’t matter where—the features happen regardless. Thus, you’re simply hoping to see when each time you spin. These are unique and unlike standard symbols or wilds. Wilds can substitute for other symbols but don’t trigger features like scatters. 

Some games may require a specific number of scatter symbols to unlock different features. However, the key takeaway is that scatter symbols provide flexibility in how rewards are earned.

I find these symbols to be the most desirable, depending on the games I enjoy playing.

How do Scatter Symbols Work?

Before diving into a game, check out the paytable to see how they utilize scatter symbols. In doing so, you’ll find that the “x” number of scatter symbols means a specific feature unlocks. The features I most often see unlocked with scatter symbols are free spins, mini-games within the slot, progressive jackpots, and multipliers. 

The number of scatters needed to unlock these features can vary. That said, you won’t need to get them in any particular arrangement or on a payline. For example, if a game says you need two scatters to unlock free spins, you simply need two scatters to appear anywhere on the reels to enjoy the perks. 

In Zeus II, for example, landing 3 scatter symbols will trigger 10 free games. Check the Zeus II paytable below.

With scatter symbols holding so much power, these influence the game’s RTP and volatility. Games that have more scatters tend to have higher volatility (bigger, but less frequent wins). However, when scattered are implemented well into games, they can result in a good long-term payout structure, keeping players returning. 

Tip:Scatter symbols are different across all games with them. Check out the paytable for more information. 

Types of Bonuses Triggered by Scatter Symbols

I mentioned them above, but the types of bonuses you can look forward to with scatter symbols are free spins, bonus games (or mini-games), multipliers, and progressive jackpots. 

Let’s discuss each perk below. 

• Free Spins: You’ll get a specific number of spins at no cost and enjoy the winnings from them. This can be found in the game Zeus II. 

• Bonus Games: Some bonus game examples include various versions of free spins, expanding symbols, and Free Fall symbols. These all contribute to winning more money. 

• Multipliers: Your wins on specific paylines will be multiplied. This increases your payout. You can find these in Raging Rhino. 

• Progressive Jackpots: Scatter symbols could trigger the jackpot round in some games. With progressive jackpots, the total jackpot amount goes up each time someone plays. Thus, scatter symbols could help win the jackpot or unlock the rounds needed to have a chance at hitting it. 

Scatter Symbols Across Different Slot Games

Several popular games, including Book of Dead, Gonzo’s Quest, Immortal Romance, and more, offer scatter symbols. 

Let’s touch on how scatter symbols work with these iconic titles. 

• Starburst: Unfortunately, Starburst technically doesn’t have a scatter symbol, but rather wilds. However, these are treated similarly to scatter symbols here, as the wild symbols can unlock free spins. 

• Book of the Dead: Here, scatter symbols and wilds are the same. Here, if you land three or more scatter symbols, you’ll unlock free spins. In addition, this will unlock the expanding symbol mentioned above. This allows you to win on multiple paylines. 

• Gonzo’s Quest: Another thing I mentioned regarding bonus games was Free Fall symbols. That’s what’s available at Gonzo’s Quest. This feature offers free spins with multipliers. This can lead to massive wins. 

• Immortal Romance: Scatter symbols at Immortal Romance unlock “Chamber of Spins.” This feature allows for different free spin modes based on how many scatters land. 

• Cleopatra: An iconic slot franchise, scatter symbols here unlock a 3x multiplier. 

As you can see, scatter symbols here manifest in various ways, and many of them have to do with the game’s theme and design. The Free Fall with Gonzo’s Quest makes sense for the theme. In Book of the Dead, the scatter symbol itself is a book related to the Egyptian theme. 

This allows for another layer of creativity you don’t often get to come across with slots that don’t offer scatter symbols. These help create even more immersion. 

Discover the Jackpot Party slot games below and unlock exciting scatter-triggered bonuses like free spins, multipliers, and progressive jackpots:

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Strategies for Maximizing Wins with Scatter Symbols

Before diving into playing slots with scatter symbols, I have a few strategies I want you to keep in mind. 

• Look for High RTP Games: With online casinos, finding RTP (Return to Player) data isn’t difficult. By finding a game with a higher RTP that offers scatter symbols, chances are you may run into them more often which could lead to more consistent wins. 

• Play Demos: Play the demo version of the game you’re interested in. While each spin is random, you can get a feel for the theme and features. 

• Read Reviews: While player reviews can be somewhat hit or miss, reading real-life experiences from players could help gauge how much you may enjoy it. 

• Understand What You Get From Them: Scatter symbols are available in many games, but what do they unlock? Check with the game to see if you’ll unlock something you’re interested in. 

• Check the Paytable: Paytable is a crucial feature in slot games that helps players understand how rewards are earned. Understanding how you reap the rewards from these symbols is important. This will also help avoid any confusion down the line with why you did or didn’t unlock a feature.

• Manage your Bankroll: This is a universal tip, but remember to set a budget and stick to it. Never wager to chase losses. Treat this strictly as entertainment. Additionally, know when to call it quits. Set a daily budget if you need to, and once you spend that amount, stop for the day. Never wager more than you can afford to lose. 

Scatter Symbols vs. Other Special Symbols

I mentioned them above, but Wilds are another lucrative symbol. Scatter symbols can appear anywhere on reels, and they’re not required to land in any specific formation for the win. Conversely, Wilds take the place of a standard symbol and can help bridge the gap between a win. These still need to follow paylines. Think of Wilds as a card in a deck, like a joker, that can act as anything else, whereas scatters unlock special features. 

There are also bonus symbols to consider. These are somewhat like scatters. While they unlock features, they often need to land in specific places like wilds. Scatters can unlock multiple features, while bonus symbols are typically tied to a specific one. 

The Evolution of Scatter Symbols

Scatter symbols are a rather new characteristic and mechanic of slot games. These came online along with digital and video formats later in the 20th century. These were added as tools to make slot games more exciting and add variety across the board. This made certain games more appealing to players than others because of the added immersion and benefits that could come with them. 

These symbols changed slots forever due to them not needing to be tied to a payline. Overall, I believe these have added more player enjoyment. 

FAQs

What is a scatter symbol in slots? 

A scatter symbol is a unique symbol that can be found in various slot games. These are used to unlock special features within the game and aren’t tied to needing to land on any specific paylines. 

What does a scatter symbol do? 

As mentioned, scatter symbols can unlock features like bonus games, free spins, multipliers, and even jackpots. 

How often do scatter symbols appear in slots? 

There’s no way to tell. These games are available in many ways across a number of titles. This includes the number needed for certain features, what the features are, and how many features there are. 

Do scatter symbols unlock free spins? 

They can. However, it all comes down to how the game is programmed and what scatter symbols unlock. Generally speaking, free spins is a feature I often see unlocked with scatter symbols. 

Conclusion

Scatter symbols can add a lot of excitement to your slot gameplay. These can unlock features that can lead to even more winnings. That said, I recommend finding games you enjoy most first and foremost; from there, understand that scatter symbols are one of the rare symbols to appear, so don’t bank on getting them every session. 

If you find a game you enjoy that has scatter symbols, that’s a bonus. Play within your budget and enjoy the features they unlock when you’re lucky enough to land one.