What is a wild symbol?

By Doug Holmes
faq
what is a wild symbol

A wild symbol is one of the slot features found in most online slots, wilds could be present in classic single reels slots, video slots and even in progressive jackpot slots. If you are familiar with casino card games the easiest to understand the function of the wild is to think of it as a joker. Wild symbols can stand in or substitute for any paying symbols although it cannot replace bonus symbols.

Each slot game has its own rules although wild symbols always have the power to substitute for other symbols and in most cases also represents the highest valued symbol. So, if you’re aiming for a high valued payout, a combination of five wilds would be your answer.

Are there different types of wild symbols in online slots?

There are a huge variety of different types of wild symbols in online slots, which guarantees a highly enjoyable wild experience. The different types of wilds most commonly found in video slots include sticky wilds, locked wilds, frozen wilds, multiplier wilds, expanding wilds, random wilds, colossal or giant wilds, replicating or duplicating wilds, and walking or spreading wilds. Each of the wild functions differently although they still stand in for all paying symbols.

Multiplier wilds mean that the wild symbol carries a multiplier value, and, in most slots, wilds present during the free spins feature increase payout by 2x or 3x. Sticky wilds remain in the same position on the reels these are also referred to as locked wilds due to their habit of locking into the same position for one or more spins, while frozen wild froze in position for either a re-spin or free spins.

What are Walking or Spreading Wilds?

Walking or spreading wilds are quite new and this exciting new breed of wilds are loved by online players and for good reason. Spreading wilds are wild symbols that can spread to the left or right to transform one of the symbols on an adjacent reel into a wild. Walking wilds was introduced by NetEnt’s branded slot titled The Invisible Man, in which wild symbols can appear on any reel and then take one step in the left or right direction with every spin until they disappear off the reels. In this, particular, slot, once two wilds collide on a reel, the free spins round activate.

What are a Giant or Colossal Wilds?

Giant or Colossal wilds are the newcomers in the world of video slot wild features and colossal wilds can appear in 3 x 3 format, meaning they take the space of three horizontal and three vertical symbol spaces and should you be able to line-up two or three of these in a single spin the payouts are equal to colossal wins.

How do Expanding Wilds work?

Expanding wilds are wilds symbols that have the capability to expand across an entire reel, one of the most popular slots that contain these wilds are Starburst. Should players get 3 expanding wilds, it means three entire reels are wild, which leads to massive payouts.

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Doug Holmes Author

Doug is a passionate Slot fan and an expert in the gaming industry and has written extensively about online slot games and various other related information pertaining to online slots. In his spare time, he enjoys time with friends and family, reading, travelling, and of course, playing the slots.

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