What Are Scatter Symbols?
In online slots, a Scatter symbol is a special symbol that doesn't need to land on a specific payline to be valuable. Unlike regular symbols that must appear on consecutive reels from left to right, Scatters pay out or trigger features regardless of their position on the reels — as long as the required number appears anywhere on the screen.
Scatter symbols are among the most important symbols in any slot game. They almost universally unlock the most rewarding part of the game: the Free Spins bonus round.
How Free Spins Work
Free Spins (also called Free Games or Bonus Spins) are a set number of spins awarded at no additional cost to the player. During this round, your bet remains fixed at the amount it was when you triggered the feature, but you spin for free — meaning any wins go directly to your balance without deducting from it.
Triggering free spins typically requires landing a minimum number of Scatter symbols — commonly 3 or more — anywhere on the reels in a single spin.
What Makes Free Spins Exciting?
Free spins aren't just "free" versions of the base game. Most slot developers add enhanced mechanics during free spins to increase their value:
- Multipliers: All wins during free spins may be multiplied by a set value (e.g., 2x, 3x, or higher).
- Expanding Wilds: Wild symbols expand to cover entire reels during free spins.
- Sticky Wilds: Wilds that land during free spins remain in place for the duration of the round.
- Progressive Multipliers: A multiplier that increases with each spin or each win — common in PG Soft titles.
- Extra Wilds Added: Additional Wild symbols are injected into the reels each spin.
- Retriggers: Landing Scatters again during the free spins round adds more free spins.
Types of Scatter-Triggered Features
Not all Scatters lead to free spins. Here's a breakdown of common Scatter-triggered features you'll encounter:
| Feature Type | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Free Spins Round | Most common — a set number of spins at no cost with enhanced mechanics. |
| Bonus Game / Pick Screen | Player selects from objects to reveal prizes or multipliers. |
| Scatter Pay | The scatter itself pays a prize based on how many appear, without triggering a round. |
| Mystery Feature | Scatter triggers a randomly selected bonus from several options. |
How to Maximise Free Spins Value
While you can't control when Scatters land, you can approach free spins strategically:
- Read the paytable first: Understand what enhancements apply during free spins before you play.
- Check the retrigger rules: Games with easy retriggers offer longer, more valuable free spins sessions.
- Consider the buy feature: Some games allow purchasing free spins directly — useful if you want to experience the bonus round, but understand this costs more upfront.
- Match game volatility to your budget: High-volatility games with free spins may require patience before the bonus triggers.
Free Spins in PG Soft Games
PG Soft has built many of their titles around compelling free spins mechanics. Games like Mahjong Ways, Treasures of Aztec, and Wild Bounty Showdown all feature free spins rounds with distinctive multiplier or modifier systems that separate them from standard slot bonuses. Exploring the paytable of any PG Soft game will reveal exactly how their free spins round differs from the base game.
Summary
Scatter symbols and free spins are the heartbeat of most modern online slots. They represent the game's highest-value feature and are almost always where the most significant wins occur. Understanding how they work — and what enhancements each game applies — is essential knowledge for any slot player.