What Are Cluster Pays Slots?

Cluster Pays slots (also called grid slots) have become some of the most popular ways to play online slots, but what are they, and how do they work?

On this page, we will explain the Cluster Pays mechanic and give you clear examples of how it is played.

We will also give you the best-paying Cluster Pays (highest RTPs) slots, our overall favourites from the category, and much more.

Cluster Pays Slots Explained

When playing Cluster Pays slots, you can ignore traditional pay lines. Instead, you want the matching symbols to land in clusters connected horizontally or vertically.

When this happens, you create wins, but the requested number of matching symbols needed can vary from game to game.

It is also common for Cluster Pays slots to focus on consecutive wins as the winning symbols are removed from the grid and replaced by new ones in a tumble effect, which continues until the wins stop – a chain reaction.

Cluster Pays Examples

The best way to explain how Cluster Pays slots work is to give you some real examples.

Let’s look at three popular slots that use the Scatter Pays mechanic.

Reactoonz – Cluster Pays Example

Reactoonz has been around since 2017, but it is still one of the most popular online slots (in all categories). It is even listed as the most-played slot in some countries.

Reactoonz is played on a 7×7 grid with 49 symbols.

Wins happen when 5 or more matching symbols land in a cluster.

The symbols are removed and replaced by new ones, which continue until the wins stop.

The more consecutive wins you achieve, the higher the progress bar will reach until the game’s special features are released. Once all five bars are filled, the slot’s main feature, Gargantoon, is activated.

Le Bandit – Cluster Pays Example

This is one of our latest favourites in the Cluster Pays space and was released in 2023.

This game is played on a 5×6 grid.

5 or more matching symbols are needed to create wins, and this slot also uses tumble reactions that can lead to many consecutive wins.

On top of this, all winning symbols are highlighted and turned into prizes when a rainbow symbol lands on the grid:

Sugar Rush – Cluster Pays Example

Sugar-themed slots are popular, and Sugar Rush is one of the better ones.

This is played on a 7×7 grid, where 5 or more identical symbols must land in clusters to create wins. Winning combinations then disappear to make way for new symbols.

However, whenever a winning combo is part of a highlighted reel, it will leave behind a multiplier that can grow to x128.

Why Cluster Pays Slots Are Popular

Several hit slots have contributed to the success and popularity of Cluster Pays slots, but a few commonly used features make them great.

Firstly, the concept is easy to understand.

The tumbling effect is entertaining, as it can lead to many consecutive wins within the same spin/drop.

Multipliers are often used in one way or another to add that extra kicker needed.

Some games have implemented a progress bar, keeping you on your toes as you want to reach higher levels and bigger rewards.

History of Cluster Pays Slots

Someone needs to break barriers so others can adopt innovation, but the first one isn’t always the most successful.

One of the first traces of Cluster Pays slots led to the game studio NetEnt’s 2016 release of Aloha! Cluster Pays.

However, although we can choose among over 100 Cluster Pays slots from the best game studios today, many players still favour classic Play n Go slots like Reactoonz, Rise of Olympus, Moon Princess, and others.

But one thing is for sure: All slot developers are trying to get a piece of the pie, which is great for us players as competition will lead to better games and more quality for us to choose from.

The importance of Cluster Pays RTPs and various versions available

Nowadays, nearly all new online slots are released with multiple payout configurations.

This means that while one online casino might offer players a game with a 96% Return To Player (RTP), another casino might offer players a game with a 92% RTP.

Why is this relevant?

A higher RTP version will give you more chances of winning (and more entertainment) on average, while a lower payout version will increase casino profits as your money runs out faster when you get fewer spins from your hard-earned cash.

We often find that Cluster Pays slots are available in 3, 5, or 6 RTP versions, with RTPs ranging from around 84% to 96%.

Top 10 Best-Paying Cluster Pays Slots

We have got you covered if you are looking for Cluster Pays slots with the highest possible payout percentages.

Note that these games are available in several RTP versions, but we can guide you to premium online casinos that offer players the best-paying versions of each game by clicking on the links and visiting our slot reviews.

10. Wild Beach Party (Pragmatic Play) – 96.53% RTP

Wild Beach Party from 2022 is a reskin of the above Fruit Party 2, meaning all the mechanics and features are the same but packaged in a different theme.

The best RTP version averages a 96.53% payout again, while two lower RTP versions are also available.

Fruits play the central role in Wild Beach Party but are based on a beach with anime-styled female characters to add something extra to the mix.

Basically, it is the same game as Fruit Party 2 but uses a different theme.

9. Star Clusters Megaclusters (Big Time Gaming) – 96.54% RTP

Star Clusters Megaclusters from 2020 is game studio Big Time Gaming’s first contribution to this Top 10 Best Paying Grid Slots list, as it averages a 96.54% payout.

Thankfully, only one RTP version of the game is available now.

Star Clusters Megaclusters is played on a 4 to 8-reel and 4 to 8-row game grid using Cluster Pays.

It’s possible to win up to 23,000x your stake, and bets start from 20p up to £2 (aged 18-24) and £5 (aged 25+) per spin.

This slot uses Big Time Gaming’s unique Megaclusters feature, where a winning combo splits into four smaller symbols.

The main aim is to reach the Free Spins, where the grid expands to 8×8, and the Gold Wild multipliers can reach x10 values.

8. Gems Bonanza (Pragmatic Play) – 96.55% RTP

The top RTP version of Gems Bonanza from 2020 averages a 96.55% payout, while the 95.45% and 94.53% RTP versions should be avoided.

Gems Bonanza is played on an 8-reel, 8-row game grid using Cluster Pays where the max win is capped at 10,000x your stake. Bets start from 20p and go up to £2 (aged 18-24) and £5 (aged 25+) per spin.

Five different modifiers can be triggered during the base game and there is a Gold Fever Meter. The meter needs 114 winning symbols to activate the Gold Fever Bonus, where the most significant wins can be achieved.

7. Contact (Play’n GO) – 96.55% RTP

The best RTP version of Contact from 2019 averages a high 96.55% payout.

Unfortunately for us players, most online casinos have opted to offer one of these lower RTP versions to their players: 94.55%, 91.62%, 87.41%, or 84.66%.

That’s a difference of almost 12% between the highest and lowest RTP versions. Follow the CasinoWizards guidance to play on the best RTP version.

Contact is played on a 5-reel, 7-row game grid using Cluster Pays. Bets start at 20p and move up to maximum bets for UK players of £2 (aged 18-24) and £5 (for those aged 25+) per spin.

You can win up to 1,517x your stake.

Due to its low max win potential, Contact has disappeared into the abyss among casino game lobbies.

Still, for casual players looking for some grid slot entertainment with a high RTP (when choosing the best version), Contact could be an excellent option.

6. Mining Rush (Pragmatic Play) – 96.56% RTP

Mining Rush from 2024 is another Pragmatic Play slot that, in theory, could be played on a nice 96.56% RTP version. However, you are more likely to come across the 94.51% payout version, as UK casinos usually offer this option. As long as you avoid the 92% RTP version, you will still get more out of your cash long term.

This mining-themed slot is about matching 5 or more symbols in a cluster to create wins, but it’s the nuggets and increasing levels that you really need to look after.

When 1 or 2 scatters appear, and there is a win, the scatters transform into nuggets. These nuggets can have different values and increase in levels randomly when wins occur.

5. Trigger Happy (Big Time Gaming) – 96.58% RTP

Trigger Happy is a Big Time Gaming slot from 2024 that can offer a 96.58% RTP. However, it’s more likely that you will come across the 94.23% payout version when playing on UKGC-licensed casinos.

This stuffed animal/critter game for adults can deliver wins of up to 50,000x the bet so its highly volatile and risky. Wilds are constantly present, and the bonus panels can help you to create wins.

The multipliers can reach high levels in the free spins.

4. Tome of Madness (Play’n GO) – 96.59% RTP

Rich Wilde and the Tome of Madness from 2019 qualify for position 4 in this list as the best version of the slot averages a payout of 96.59%, while any lower RTP versions should be avoided.

The slot offers a pretty low max win potential of 2,000x stake with bets starting from 10p per spin.

Tome of Madness is played on a 5×5 game grid using Cluster Pays and with great graphics and a wide variety of features, as we have become accustomed to with Play’n GO grid slots.

3. Finn and the Swirly Spin (NetEnt) – 96.62% RTP

Finn and the Swirly Spin from 2017 is NetEnt’s contribution to this Top 10 list as the best RTP slot version averages a 96.62% payout.

Once it was released, the slot received considerable attention due to its unique game mechanics. It features a spiral pattern in which you need to bring a key to the centre of the grid with the help of winning combinations, which removes symbols and clears the path.

Once enough keys are collected, you can access the different Free Spins games.

Finn and the Swirly Spin mainly targets casual players due to its low/medium volatility setting and max win cap of 840x stake.

2. Magnetz (Relax Gaming) – 96.66% RTP

Game Studio Relax Gaming has become a favourite among many casino players, as it has released many quality slots in recent years.

While Magnetz from 2021 hasn’t received top ratings from players and the casino community, it is Relax Gamin’s best-paying grid slot.

Magnetz is played on a 3-reel, 4 to 9-row game grid using Cluster Pays. Bets start from 10p per spin up to £2 (aged 18-24) and £5 (aged 25+) per spin.

The maximum win is 1,000x your stake.

The low max win potential has contributed to the mixed reviews of the game but fits casual players well.

Once the BONUS word across the grid is lit, 5 Free Spins, played on an expanded 9×3 grid, are awarded.

Unibet exclusively offers Magnetz.

1. Jammin’ Jars (Push Gaming) – 96.83% RTP

Jammin’ Jars, from 2018, has a max win potential of 20,000x your stake and is still found in most online casinos’ top lists because it’s so popular.

Check out our Jammin’ Jars slot review to find the casinos that let you play on the 96.83% RTP version while avoiding the lower 95.25% and 90.45% versions.

Jammin’ Jars is played on an 8×8 game grid using the Cluster Pays mechanic.

The main aim is to land three or more Jam Jar symbols on the reels that trigger the Free Games. During the Free Games, you can increase the multipliers to crazy amounts, which will help you achieve huge wins.

The sequel Jammin’ Jars 2, released in 2021, offers a higher 50,000x max win cap but doesn’t come close to the original Jammin’ Jars high RTP as it is the best paying grid slot ever released.

The Most Popular Cluster Pays Slots

Playing with high RTPs can increase the overall joy of the experience when playing Cluster Pays slots, as you get more from your buck on average, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that the above games are among the best.

We also give you our favourite Cluster Pays slots in another top list below.

CasinoWizards Top 10 Cluster Pays Slots

Note that these slots are also available in various RTP versions, but we will recommend the highest-payout versions in our game reviews.

10. Moon Princess (Play’n GO)

The theme of Moon Princess might not be everyone’s ultimate choice, but the game is excellent.

This slot was released in 2017 but is still one of many players’ favourite Cluster Pays slots. Although some enhanced versions and follow-ups have been released over the years, we prefer this original version.

We play on a 5×5 grid; three or more matching symbols are needed to create wins. This slot offers special powers, a charge meter, and free spins.

The max win is 5,000x the bet

9. Rise of Olympus (Play’n GO)

You will find several classic Cluster Pays slots here, many of which are by Play’n GO.

Rise of Olympus is one of them.

This game is also available as an updated version with a higher max win, but we prefer this option with a max win of 5,000x the bet.

If this game looks familiar, it is because Rise of Olympus is a clone of Moon Princess, but here, the manga girls have been replaced by masculine Greek gods.

Otherwise, the features and overall maths are identical.  

8. Cluster Kingdom (ELK Studios)

Cluster Kingdom is one of our favourite online slots from 2024.

In this odd-looking slot, you need 5 or more matching symbols in a cluster to create wins.

Cluster Kingdom is full of surprises, as you can trigger sticky re-drops, feature symbols, and three separate bonus games.

We have experienced some nice wins in this slot but haven’t yet been close to the maximum win of 10,000 times the bet.

7. Gemix (Play’n GO)

Gemix is another classic from 2014 that successfully captures the essence of Candy Crush and transforms it into an online slot.

It’s unusual to find a best-paying version of 96.83% these days, but while lower RTP versions are available, our review can guide you to the highest RTP option.

Five identical symbols in a cluster are needed to create wins in the 7×7 grid, and consecutive wins are crucial to progressing the meter, which can lead to bigger wins and higher levels.

The max win offered in Gemix is 4,513x the bet.

6. Viking Runecraft (Play’n GO)

Viking Runecraft is another example of Play’n GO’s skills in creating popular Cluster pays slots.

Consecutive wins are once again crucial to hitting nice wins and exploring what this slot offers.

Keep an eye on the Charge of Destruction meter, as you need to fill it with 20 winning symbols during a spin to trigger one of four bonuses.

You can win up to 5,000x the bet on this entertaining Cluster Pays slot.

5. Honey Rush 100 (Play’n GO)

What about a Cluster Pays slot where you can win 50,000x the bet?

Ok, the max win probability is extremely low, but that is what could happen in theory when playing Honey Rush 100.

The main formula is used again as Cluster – and consecutive wins are needed in this slot, but the layout is different, and there are some fun tweaks here.

Each 30, 60, and 90 collected symbols during one spin trigger a feature.

4. Le Bandit (Hacksaw Gaming)

Game studio Hacksaw Gaming has released some fantastic online slots, and Le Bandit is one of our favourites. It also happens to be a Cluster Pays slot.

In this 5×6 grid, five or more matching symbols in a cluster are needed to create wins. The winning symbols are removed and replaced by new ones, while the affected positions are highlighted.

These highlighted positions can become coin symbols if a rainbow appears on the grid before the spin ends.

There are also lucky clovers that add multipliers, and three or more scatters trigger the free spins.

You can win up to 10,000x the bet in this fun game.

3. Sugar Rush 1000 (Pragmatic Play)

Sugar Rush 1000 is the updated version of Sugar Rush, where you can win up to 25,000x the bet.

This slot is fun and popular due to its multiplier feature, which is added to positions where consecutive wins occur during a spin.

These multipliers can reach values of up to 1,024x the bet.

Ok, it’s super volatile, but exciting things can happen when luck is on your side.

2. Reactoonz (Play’n GO)

Who could have imagined these strange-looking aliens becoming one of the most played online slots ever?

Consecutive Cluster Pays wins fill the progress bar that can trigger the game’s features.

Fill all five bars, and the main feature, Gargantoon, enters the game.

Reactoonz has aged gracefully since its release in 2017, and if you are going to try one Cluster Pays slot, then Reactoonz is it.

The max win in this slot is 4,750x the bet.

1. Jammin Jars (Push Gaming)

Ok, to our favourite Cluster pays slot, Jammin Jars.

This is not only the best-paying Cluster Pays slot (when choosing the 96.83% RTP version) but also the one we enjoy playing the most.

The Jam Jar is your best friend in this game, acting as the wild and scatter. You need three of these on the grid to trigger the free spins where all the potential can be released.

In the free spins, the jam jars are your ticket to the big wins, as these multipliers increase in value when included in wins.

Other Popular Cluster Pays Slots

There are so many good Cluster Pays slots out there, so we need to mention a few more that will offer you a great online casino experience.

If you want even more variety, then try these slots:

• Hand of Anubis – A dark, broody, and atmospheric slot to try out.
• Stack Em – Cartoonish and charming slot with a retro look.  
• Hot Potato – The increasing multipliers and humorous graphics make this fun to play.  
• Starburst Galaxy – Hardcore Starburst fans might get disappointed because this version is so different, but once you understand the features, many entertaining things are happening here.  

The odd ones to try out

Ok, we are not finished yet. There are some odd ones out there, too, so for players looking for an unusual Cluster Pays slot to try, look no further:

• Tarasque – This one is so odd, so it needs to be tried to understand it.  
• Adventures Beyond Wonderland Magical Maze – The White Rabbit with the key moves along the path when wins happen, and symbols disappear until it either reaches the door or the wins stop.
• Propaganda – Propaganda touches some of humanity’s darkness while offering entertaining features.

The Best Game Studios for Cluster Pays Slots

Slot developer Play’n GO is the clear overall winner when creating Cluster Pays, but others have released some impressive games.

These include:

• Hacksaw Gaming
• Push Gaming
• Pragmatic Play
• ELK Studios

The Future of Cluster Pays Games 

We can’t see Cluster pays going anywhere as the format is popular.

The classic Cluster Pays titles might currently dominate the most prominent positions in UK Slot Sites‘ game lobbies, but we believe that it’s just a matter of time before new releases start taking market share from these legacy titles.

The reason is that the industry and players are evolving, and when new features are being innovated together with technical developments, new types of Cluster Pays slots will eventually take over the throne.

We will continue to review all major Cluster Pays titles and other slots and keep you updated on any significant developments.

Frequently Asked Questions