Multiplier Wilds Explained: How They Work and The Top 5 Games
Did you know a single multiplier wild can turn a modest $50 win into a jaw-dropping $500 payout? This game-changing feature is why multiplier wilds have become a fan favourite in online pokies.
Unlike regular wilds, multiplier wilds don’t just substitute symbols—they multiply your wins, sometimes by as much as x5 or more. It’s the kind of feature that transforms ordinary spins into extraordinary moments of excitement.
In this guide, our pokies experts will share everything you need to know about multiplier wilds, from how they work to the best games featuring this mechanic. Whether you’re here to maximise your wins or simply understand why this feature is a must-have, you’re in the right place.
Ready to uncover the secrets of multiplier wilds? Let’s spin into it!
What Are Multiplier Wilds?
Multiplier wilds are one of the most exciting features in online pokies, designed to do more than just substitute symbols—they actively boost your payouts. Unlike standard wilds, these symbols multiply the winnings of any payline they contribute to, offering values like 2x, 3x, or even higher.
What sets multiplier wilds apart is their versatility. Some games feature fixed multipliers (e.g., every wild multiplies wins by 3x), while others offer dynamic multipliers that increase based on certain conditions, such as consecutive wins or triggering bonus rounds.
In rare cases, multiplier wilds stack, compounding their effects for potentially massive payouts. For example, two 3x multiplier wilds on the same payline could result in a 9x total multiplier.
These wilds aren’t just functional—they’re often accompanied by unique visuals, such as glowing numbers or energetic animations, and engaging sound effects that heighten the excitement when they appear. Multiplier wilds add a strategic layer to gameplay, as players anticipate their impact on winning paylines.
How Common Are Multiplier Wilds?
The appearance of multiplier wilds varies depending on a game’s design, with their frequency tied to volatility and bonus mechanics. In high-volatility pokies, these wilds are rarer, often appearing during free spins or bonus rounds, but when they do, the payouts can be massive. Medium-volatility games, however, tend to feature them more regularly, offering consistent chances for boosted wins.
Multiplier wilds typically land on central reels (like 2, 3, and 4) to maximise their impact on paylines. Some games, though, keep players guessing by scattering them across the grid. When they do appear, their effects are immediate—doubling, tripling, or even multiplying wins by up to 10x.
These wilds shine in games with cascading reels or multi-tiered bonuses, where they can chain together for jaw-dropping payouts.
How Do Multiplier Symbols Work?
Mechanics
Multiplier wilds are triggered when a designated wild symbol lands on the reels. Once active, they multiply the payouts of any paylines they form part of. Depending on the game, multipliers may be fixed (e.g., every wild applies a 2x multiplier) or variable, scaling based on gameplay conditions like the number of wilds on the reels or progress in a bonus round.
In some games, multiplier wilds stack, allowing for cumulative effects. For instance, two 2x wilds in a payline multiply your winnings by 4x. Advanced features in games like Buffalo King Megaways even include cascading reels where multiplier wilds increase incrementally with each cascade, creating enormous payout potential.
Triggers
Multiplier wilds typically appear in the base game or bonus rounds. Some games feature them on specific reels—usually the middle ones (2, 3, or 4)—where they maximise their impact on paylines. Bonus rounds often increase their frequency, adding layers of excitement and higher winning potential.
Variability
The value of multiplier wilds can vary significantly between games, ranging from modest 2x boosts to enormous 10x multipliers or higher. Games like Dead or Alive 2 take this further by introducing wild multipliers that can stack across paylines, turning modest wins into monumental payouts.
Visuals and Sounds
When multiplier wilds activate, expect dynamic visuals like glowing symbols, animated explosions, or cascading effects. These are often paired with celebratory chimes or energetic sound effects, creating a memorable moment that keeps players engaged.
Top 5 Pokies With Multiplier Wilds
So, how do you know which pokies are worth playing in search of a winning combination? That's where we come in.
Based on years of experience playing multiplier pokies, we've put together some of our favourite pokies games for you to check out. And they're available at many online casinos in Australia.
1. Deadwood
Deadwood by Nolimit City is a gritty, high-volatility pokie that puts multiplier wilds front and centre, offering explosive payout potential through its signature feature: the xNudge Multiplier Wilds.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Feature Trigger | Activates when the wild symbol lands partially on reels 2, 3, or 4. |
| Payout Potential | Max win of 13,950x your stake, achievable through stacking multipliers and bonus rounds |
| Odds/Frequency | Medium frequency in base gameplay, with higher occurrence during Shootout Spins and Gunslinger bonuses. |
Feature Mechanics: The xNudge System
In Deadwood, multiplier wilds manifest as towering stacks that nudge into full view when they land partially on the reels. This “nudge” mechanic adds a level of suspense to each spin, as every nudge increases the wild's multiplier by +1. For example, a wild fully nudged into place on reel 3 can multiply winnings by up to 4x. The feature becomes even more electrifying when multiple multiplier wilds land on different reels, as their effects stack together for exponentially larger payouts.
- Nudging Multiplier Wilds: If a wild symbol lands partially on reels 2, 3, or 4, it nudges into full view, increasing its multiplier with each nudge. For instance, a wild covering two spaces nudging into three will apply a 3x multiplier.
- Bonus Round Boosts:
- Shootout Spins: Multiplier wilds interact with sticky high-value symbols, driving massive payouts when reels align.
- Gunslinger Spins: Every nudge adds to the total multiplier, turning the round into a high-risk, high-reward frenzy.
Potential Payouts
The xNudge multiplier wilds are pivotal in unlocking Deadwood’s max win potential of 13,950x your stake. By stacking multiple wilds across reels 2, 3, and 4 during the Gunslinger Spins, players can achieve extraordinary payouts. High-value symbols like gold bars or whiskey bottles amplify these rewards, making every spin feel like a thrilling heist.
Visuals and Sound Effects
Deadwood immerses players in its Western outlaw setting with gritty, cinematic animations and tension-filled sound effects. When multiplier wilds nudge into place, the screen pulses with golden glows and dramatic slow-motion effects, emphasising the magnitude of the potential win. The accompanying soundtrack—complete with gunshots and whistling winds—sets the stage for high-stakes action.
Why It Stands Out
What sets Deadwood apart is its xNudge multiplier wilds, a feature that adds layers of anticipation and strategy to every spin. The ability to stack multipliers across multiple reels during bonus rounds elevates the game to a class of its own. Combined with Nolimit City’s signature bold design and immersive mechanics, Deadwood delivers an experience that’s as rewarding as it is unforgettable.
2. Chaos Crew
In Chaos Crew by Hacksaw Gaming, multiplier wilds are embodied by the rebellious “Cranky Cat” symbol, a graffiti-style design that adds a wild edge to the reels. Each time a Cranky Cat wild lands, it applies a random multiplier (ranging from 2x to 20x) to its respective reel. These wilds not only enhance winning combinations but can also stack across paylines, creating explosive payout opportunities. Its multiplier wilds are at the heart of the chaos, delivering massive payout potential with every spin.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Feature Trigger | Activated when the “Cranky Cat” symbol lands on any reel. |
| Payout Potential | Max win of 10,000x your stake, driven by stacked multipliers and bonus rounds. |
| Odds/Frequency | Medium frequency during base gameplay, with higher appearances in the Free Spins feature. |
Feature Mechanics
- Base Game Activation: Multiplier wilds appear randomly during the base game, often combining to create unpredictable and exciting wins.
- Free Spins Synergy: In the Free Spins round, multiplier wilds become persistent, stacking with every spin to increase payouts exponentially. The tension builds as multipliers accumulate, transforming smaller wins into massive rewards.
- Random Range: The multipliers applied by Cranky Cat wilds vary between 2x and 20x, keeping players on their toes and amplifying the volatility.
Payout Potential
The combination of stacked multiplier wilds and bonus round mechanics can lead to Chaos Crew’s impressive max payout of 10,000x your stake. High-value symbols like skulls and graffiti add to the thrill, especially when aligned with multiple wilds.
Visuals and Sound Effects
Chaos Crew brings its multiplier wilds to life with electric animations, including vibrant bursts of color and edgy sound effects. The punk-rock aesthetic perfectly complements the high-energy gameplay, making every spin feel like a high-stakes adventure.
Why It Stands Out
Chaos Crew’s multiplier wilds are a perfect match for its volatile, high-risk gameplay. Their ability to stack and persist during free spins creates moments of pure adrenaline, making it a standout title for thrill-seekers.
3. Eastern Emeralds Megaways
Set against a backdrop of golden dragons and glowing jade, Eastern Emeralds Megaways is all about precision and power. Multiplier Wilds increase as they land on later reels, and in free spins, players can choose their risk level—going for more spins with smaller multipliers or fewer spins with massive ones.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Feature Trigger | Multiplier Wilds appear on reels 2, 3, 4, and 5 during both base and free spins. |
| Payout Potential | Up to 17,420x your stake. |
| Odds/Frequency | Multiplier Wilds appear frequently, with their impact amplified during free spins due to higher multiplier values. |
Feature Mechanics
In Eastern Emeralds Megaways, Multiplier Wilds appear on reels 2, 3, 4, and 5, and the further right they land, the higher their multiplier:
- Reel 2 = 2x multiplier
- Reel 3 = 3x multiplier
- Reel 4 = 4x multiplier
- Reel 5 = 5x multiplier
If multiple Multiplier Wilds are part of the same win, their values multiply each other, dramatically increasing payouts.
Visuals and Sounds
Set in a serene Asian landscape, the game is filled with golden dragons, glowing emeralds, and an elegant soundtrack. When Multiplier Wilds hit, they shimmer, adding to the thrill of the moment.
Payout Potential and Frequency
- Multiplier Wilds Frequency: Frequent in both base and bonus games, with higher multipliers available during free spins.
- Max Win: Up to 17,420x your stake.
- Volatility: High—designed for players looking for big payout potential.
Why It Stands Out
Eastern Emeralds Megaways gives players control over their free spins, offering options with more spins and smaller multipliers or fewer spins with much bigger multipliers. It’s a beautifully designed game that offers strategic decision-making alongside big win potential.
4. The Dog House Megaways
If you love dogs and big multipliers, The Dog House Megaways delivers both in a high-energy, lighthearted slot. Wild symbols not only replace other symbols but also come with 2x or 3x multipliers, stacking together in free spins to create some truly exciting payout potential.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Feature Trigger | Wild symbols with multipliers appear on reels 2, 3, 4, and 5 during both base and free spins. |
| Payout Potential | Up to 12,305x your stake. |
| Odds/Frequency | Multiplier Wilds appear moderately, with increased potential during free spins due to sticky or raining wild features. |
Feature Mechanics
In The Dog House Megaways, Wild symbols appear on reels 2 through 5, each carrying a random multiplier of 2x or 3x. If multiple Wilds land in the same win, their multipliers multiply each other, leading to massive payouts.
The game’s free spins round gives players two options:
- Sticky Wilds – Wilds stay locked in place for the entire round, keeping their multipliers active.
- Raining Wilds – Up to six Wilds can appear on every spin, offering unpredictable but exciting win potential.
Visuals and Sounds
With its suburban setting and lively dog characters, the game has a playful and welcoming feel. The dog house Wilds bounce when they land with a multiplier, adding to the energy of the game.
Payout Potential and Frequency
- Multiplier Wilds Frequency: Moderate in the base game, more frequent in free spins.
- Max Win: Up to 12,305x your stake.
- Volatility: High—big wins happen, but they require some patience.
Why It Stands Out
The stacking Multiplier Wilds in Sticky Wilds Free Spins make this game an exciting choice. With two free spin modes, players can tailor their experience, whether they prefer steady multipliers or a more unpredictable approach.
5. Retro Tapes
Bringing a nostalgic ‘80s vibe to the reels, Retro Tapes is a grid-style pokie where cassette tapes hold the key to big wins. The game’s Multiplier Wilds don’t just substitute symbols—they increase in value with every win, setting up chain reactions that can lead to massive payouts.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Feature Trigger | Wild Tape Symbols appear randomly during spins. |
| Payout Potential | Up to 10,000x your stake. |
| Odds/Frequency | Wild Tape Symbols can appear frequently, especially during bonus features, offering substantial win opportunities. |
Feature Mechanics
In Retro Tapes, Wild Tape Symbols act as Multiplier Wilds, creating chain reactions of wins. Each Wild Tape starts with a 1x multiplier, but every time it’s part of a winning cluster, its multiplier increases. Even better, Wild Multiplier Symbols can land, boosting all Wild Tapes by up to 5x before turning into prize symbols. This means multipliers can grow quickly, leading to huge potential payouts.
Visuals and Sounds
Bright neon cassette tapes, pixel-style visuals, and a nostalgic soundtrack make Retro Tapes a blast from the past. Wild Tape Symbols light up when they increase in value, making every win feel even more rewarding.
Payout Potential and Frequency
- Multiplier Wilds Frequency: Moderate, especially in bonus rounds.
- Max Win: Up to 10,000x your stake.
- Volatility: High—big wins are possible, but patience is key.
Why It Stands Out
Instead of just sitting there, Multiplier Wilds increase in value, creating exciting chain reactions. If you enjoy grid-style pokies with engaging mechanics, Retro Tapes delivers a fresh take on Multiplier Wilds.
Types of Multiple Wild Symbols
There are a few different types of multiple wild symbols you can find in online pokies.
Let's look at some of the most common ones you'll find at an online casino site in Australia.
Stacked Multiplier Wilds
Persistent Multiplier Wilds
Cascading Multiplier Wilds
Chaining Multiplier Wilds
Other Pokie Features
Conclusion
Multipliers are a fun pokie feature that is available on most pokies at some of Australia's best casino sites.
Although they might not be the newest or fanciest online pokies feature, they still give you the chance to win extra cash - which is always a good thing!
Based on our experience, we recommend trying out some of our favourite games in demo mode so you can try them before using any of your own money!
Have fun, and we hope these symbols can improve your chances of winning next time you spin the reels!
Ryan is our resident pokies expert. Not only does he provide readers with the latest insights, innovations and technology news related to pokies, but he also knows all there is to know about pokies game developers.
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