Starburst Megaways
- RTP
- 96.06%
- Volatility
- HIGH
- Max win
- 200,000×
- Hit freq
- -
- Grid
- -
- Bet
- -
- Released
- 2020-06-01
A playable demo is not available in your region.
Our take
NetEnt's Megaways version of the most recognised slot in online gambling — Starburst Megaways shifts from the original's low volatility to high, retaining expanding wilds, adding 117,649 ways and a 200,000× theoretical ceiling.
Starburst Megaways is NetEnt's Megaways adaptation of Starburst (2012) — the slot that defined a generation of online casino player acquisition. Released in 2020, the Megaways version applies the variable-ways engine to the iconic jewel aesthetic: 6 reels, up to 117,649 ways to win, pays both ways, and the expanding wild mechanic from the original Starburst. RTP is 96.06%, volatility is high — a fundamental departure from the original Starburst's low volatility and fixed paylines.
How Starburst Megaways Works
The 6-reel Megaways layout uses variable row counts (2–7 per reel) to generate 64–117,649 ways to win per spin. Starburst Megaways pays both ways — left-to-right and right-to-left — following the original Starburst mechanic. This double-direction evaluation approximately doubles win frequency vs left-only Megaways configurations.
Expanding Starburst Wilds: The Starburst wild symbol (the star) lands on any of the middle four reels and expands to cover the full reel height. An Expanding Wild triggers a respin — the wild holds in place while the other reels spin again. Up to three expanding wilds can be active simultaneously (each triggering an additional respin), creating extended wild-covered win opportunities.
200,000× max win context: The 200,000× theoretical maximum is achieved when three expanding wilds simultaneously cover reels 2, 3, and 4 at maximum reel heights, with Megaways combining the wild positions across 117,649 ways. This is a mathematical extreme under optimal conditions — more useful as a ceiling indicator than an expected outcome.
Starburst Megaways vs Original Starburst
The original Starburst (2012) is a 5-reel, 10-payline fixed game with low volatility — designed as a low-variance, high-frequency win experience that made it ideal for casino welcome bonus wagering. Starburst Megaways is fundamentally different: high volatility, variable ways, expanding wilds with cascading potential. Players expecting the original Starburst experience will find the Megaways version significantly more volatile and session-feel distinct. The expanding wild mechanic is the only substantive element carried from the original.
Play Starburst Megaways for Free
A free demo is available at NetEnt and Evolution Gaming partner casinos. The expanding wild respin mechanic runs in demo mode.
Pros
- Iconic NetEnt brand — Starburst is the most recognisable slot in online gambling history
- Expanding wilds with respins retained from the original — familiar core mechanic
- 96.06% RTP — competitive for a major brand Megaways title
- Pays both ways — effectively doubles win-direction coverage vs standard left-only Megaways
- 200,000× theoretical ceiling — among the highest in the Megaways genre
Cons
- High volatility — completely different session feel from the original low-volatility Starburst
- Players seeking original Starburst bonus wagering mechanics will find Megaways version incompatible
- Expanding wild mechanic, while effective, is less novel in 2024 than it was in 2012
- Very different from original — the Starburst brand recognition may mislead players expecting familiar gameplay
How it plays
Megaways
Each spin generates a variable number of ways to win - up to 117,649 on the classic Megaways engine.
Math & maxes
Math breakdown
- Volatility score
- 3 / 5
- Max win
- 200,000x the stake
FAQ
Is Starburst Megaways the same as Starburst?
No. The original Starburst (2012) is a low-volatility, 10-payline fixed game. Starburst Megaways (2020) is high volatility with up to 117,649 variable ways and a significantly different session feel. The expanding wild mechanic is the primary shared element.
What is the RTP of Starburst Megaways?
96.06%. Check the in-game information panel as operators may configure NetEnt games at different RTP tiers.
What is the maximum win on Starburst Megaways?
200,000× is the theoretical maximum under optimal conditions (three expanding wilds at maximum ways). In practice, the expanding wild respin mechanic creates large wins in the 100–1,000× range in normal sessions.
Does Starburst Megaways pay both ways?
Yes. Like the original Starburst, the Megaways version pays both left-to-right and right-to-left.
