For those new to the world of online slots, it can be overwhelming to navigate the various terms and concepts thrown at them. However, today we will be focusing on one key element: wild symbols. Wild symbols have become incredibly popular in online slots due to their ability to trigger bonus features and increase chances of winning.

Wild symbols can come in different shapes and forms, but their main purpose is to substitute for other symbols (excluding scatters) in order to form a winning combination. If you come across a wild symbol while playing your preferred online slot, it is definitely something to be excited about.

Game developers have also created a variety of wild symbols to increase the entertainment factor for players. In this article, we will explore the different types of wild symbols in detail. This information will be particularly useful for those who want to fully understand the mechanics of online slots and increase their chances of winning.

What are the different types of wild symbols available?

Wild symbols bring an exhilarating atmosphere whenever they appear on the reels. As they are the only symbol that can substitute for other symbols in online slots, they are highly prized and adored by players.

Wilds come with a range of exciting features, and they are available in various forms, such as:

Stacked wilds

The term “stacked wilds” refers to wild symbols that are stacked on top of one another, creating an entire column of wilds. These symbols offer the highest potential out of all wilds since they significantly increase the chances of creating a winning combination.

If any payline passes through these stacked wilds, it is likely to result in a win. Additionally, the main advantage of stacked wilds is that they fill up an entire column, leading to multiple paylines being hit per spin and generating more significant wins.

Typically, stacked wilds appear vertically on the reels and not horizontally, although this has occurred in the past. It is important to note that since these are stacked symbols, they cannot appear horizontally.

Sticky Wilds

Sticky wilds are one of the most sought-after wild symbols in online slots. They have gained immense popularity due to their unique feature of remaining in place for an extra spin.

Although sticky wilds do not increase the probability of winning, they do provide an additional opportunity for players to hit a winning combination. Sticky wilds are similar to regular wilds, but with the added advantage of staying on the reels for an extra spin.

Expanding Wilds

Get ready for some enchanting moments when expanding wilds appear on the reels. These wild symbols start off as regular wilds before they expand across the reels or columns, creating an impressive visual effect. They are usually triggered by specific conditions determined by the slot game.

For instance, the presence of several regular wilds on the reels may activate an expanding wild. Similar to stacked wilds, expanding wilds also fill up a whole reel or column with wilds, increasing the chances of hitting multiple paylines and triggering more wins.

Overlay Wilds

Overlay Wilds are a type of wild symbol that might not be as common as others, but they are equally thrilling. When Overlay Wilds land on the reels, they appear stacked in different shapes and sizes. These wilds take over various symbols on the reels, excluding the regular wilds.

You can enjoy the Overlay Wilds feature in many NetEnt slot games, such as the NetEnt Rocks series. This special feature can lead to more significant wins and add an extra layer of excitement to the gameplay.