Software developers come up with new features and implement them in slot games on a daily basis. One of the latest innovations in the industry is Cluster Pays, a system introduced by Net Entertainment  in 2016 with the online video slot Aloha! Cluster Pays. The groundbreaking feature takes the gameplay to a whole new level as there are no paying lines or ways to win you should care about. Instead, the game pays as long as you create winning clusters of a sufficient number of matching symbols. Slots using the Cluster Pays feature typically offer other innovative bonus features which can boost players’ winning chances additionally. In this article, we will present you with the basics of this innovative mechanics and the ways you can benefit from it. We will also provide you with a list of slot machines that use the Cluster Pays mechanics.

How Cluster Pays Work?

Instead of landing identical symbols on a paying line, when playing a Cluster Pays slot players should form clusters of identical symbols. Symbols can be positioned anywhere on the reels as long as they are placed on adjacent positions. Each game has its own rules when it comes to the number of matching symbols required to create a cluster and you can easily check it out by visiting the paytable with all payouts listed.

Top Cluster Pays Slots

Here you can find the basic rules of Cluster Pays slots released by NetEnt so far. Don’t forget to give them a try on our website and check their features out in free play mode.

Aloha! Cluster Pays

The 2016 NetEnt title takes you to Hawaii where you can enjoy the splendours of a tropical island with a fitting music score and colourful graphics. Boasting cartoon-like animations, Aloha! Cluster Pays is a 6-reel 5-row video slot which offers multiple bonus features including Sticky Win Re-spins, Wilds, stacked symbols and free spins with the Symbol Drop feature.

To create a cluster and win a prize, a player has to match 9 symbols on adjacent positions anywhere on the reels. The minimum payout you can win while playing Aloha! Cluster Pays is 5 coins while the biggest prize stands at 10,000 coins. The maximum payout the player can win is 100,000 coins when playing at the maximum bet level.

The Legend of Shangri-La Cluster Pays

Inspired by Oriental spiritualism, The Legend of Shangri-La is the second slot release from the Cluster Pays series by NetEnt. You will be transferred to the paradise-like island where the monk represented as the red panda and three gurus – the tiger, elephant and monkey – will meet you to help you win big. Despite its Oriental theme, the 6-reel 5-row slot is quite unique due to its innovative and lucrative bonus features including free spins, Sticky Re-Spins, Nudge Reel and Random Substitutions.

You will win as long as you form clusters of 9 or more matching symbols. The mechanics in the game functions the same way as in Aloha! Cluster Pays, so if you liked the 2016 title, you will love this one too. The paytable is identical to the one in Aloha! Cluster Pays with the Koi fish awarding 5 coins for a cluster containing 9 symbols of a kind and the tiger awarding 10,000 coins when you cover the screen completely with symbols portraying it.

EmojiPlanet

EmojiPlanet is also a 2017 slot release which differs from the previous two in numerous aspects. First of all, it is a standalone game which does not belong to the Cluster Pays series. The biggest difference is in the number of identical symbols you need to create a cluster to get paid. Unlike two previous titles which require at least 9 matching symbols, EmojiPlanet pays whenever you place 5 or more symbols of a kind on adjacent positions. That makes hitting wins easier while the paytable is absolutely the same, starting with a minimum payout of 5 coins for a cluster created with 5 two-hearts symbols and going up to 10,000 coins awarded for covering the reels entirely with smiley faces.

The slot machine inspired by emojis also uses a 6×5 grid and comes equipped with rewarding bonus features. The one triggered at every winning spin is Avalanche introduced with another iconic NetEnt slot Gonzo’s Quest. Thanks to it, you will get respins as long as you create clusters and win. Due to the Avalanche feature and other 5 exciting bonuses which can be activated throughout the game, the maximum possible payout in EmojiPlanet stands at impressive 1,000,000 coins. Visit the NetEnt Slots section on our website to read full reviews of the video slots using the Cluster Pays mechanics and try them without risking your own money.

Advantages of Playing Cluster Pays Slots

Advantages of playing slot machines that use the innovative Cluster Pays mechanics are obvious: you can focus on creating clusters instead of worrying about paying lines and have more fun during the gameplay. Winnings may come more frequently, but you should not believe that you will rob the casino as these slots are still games of chance. You win some, you lose some.

Keep in mind that low payouts are really low and that you need to create bigger clusters for higher payouts. Additional bonus features will help you boost your balance, but you must not forget to implement all the basic tips and tricks while playing Cluster Pays slots including money management. If Lady Luck is not on your side, no matter how innovative and entertaining this mechanics can be, you can end up broke.