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What are Changing Reels in Slots?

Changing reels is a broad term to describe dynamic slot machine features or mechanics that can alter the game's reel layout during gameplay. The reels could expand, shift or collapse to vary the number of positions symbols, or could change with every spin, like they do in Megaways slots. These mechanics ensure each spin of the reels can offer something different, whether that’s increased ways to win or bigger win potential. 

How Do Changing Reels Work?

Changing reels can work in many ways, as several reel mechanics and features can alter how the reels look. The difference is in how they do it and the dynamics they bring to the gameplay. One thing is certain, and that’s the reels can alter from their base configuration during spins or when features trigger.

Here are the most common features that are known for changing reels:

  • Expanding Reels: This feature is common in many slots, and it works by increasing the size of specific reels. That increases the number of symbols that can appear and, therefore, the number of paylines or ways to win as well. 

  • Shifting Reels: Following a winning combination, this feature shifts reels to the right or left. It creates the chance to increase payouts with longer winning combinations. 

  • Split Symbols: While these don’t visibly change the reel structure, split symbols can increase the ways to win on a slot. These are symbols that can split into two, three or even four of the same symbol within a single cell. 

What Mechanics are Known for Changing Reels?

Certain mechanics, such as Megaways and Trueways, are known for being dynamic reel modifier mechanics that work by changing reels. Below, we’ve described how some of the most popular work: 

  • Megaways: Developed by Big Time Gaming and leased out to other interested slot developers, Megaways is easily the most well-known reel-changing mechanic. Each reel can hold a random number of symbols between 2 and 7. That means the ways to win for every spin can change from the last.   

  • Trueways: Many providers have come up with similar mechanics to Megaways, with BGaming being one of them. It spices things up by allowing between 2 and 8 symbols to land on each reel, meaning ways to win can increase up to a staggering 262,144. 

  • Abyssways: Created by Play’n Go, Abyssways works by constantly shifting the reel grid during free spins. Symbols drop out from the bottom while new rows appear at the top, so the reel height changes on every spin. This push-and-pull effect means the number of ways to win varies dynamically, ranging from 4,096 up to 46,656.

  • InfiniReels: A creation by NetEnt, InfiniReels can theoretically create an infinite number of paylines/ways to win. There are 27 to begin with, but each win unlocks a new reel to increase that number. The more consecutive wins, the more reels appear, and the bigger the winning potential. 

What Slots Feature Changing Reels?


Many slots feature changing reels features or mechanics; you only have to count how many Megaways games there are to see that. We offer many of them here at mBitcasino. 

If you’re new to reels shifting, expanding or producing random numbers of symbols, check out a couple of our slot recommendations below to experience them for yourself. Don’t forget, you can play for crypto or for free using our demo modes.

The Dog House Megaways

  • Release date: 2020
  • Provider: Pragmatic Play
  • RTP: 95.53%
  • Paylines: Up to 117,649

We could have picked hundreds of examples of Megaways slots, but The Dog House Megaways is easily one of the best. As well as having dynamic reels that can deliver a random number of win ways up to a maximum of 117,649, the slot boasts several exciting features. That includes two free spins rounds, one with sticky wilds and the other with raining wilds. 

Elvis Frog Trueways

  • Release date: 2022
  • Provider: BGaming
  • RTP: 96.79%
  • Paylines: Up to 262,144

BGaming has used the Trueways reel modifier mechanic in several slots to date, but the most played here at mBitcasino is Elvis Frog Trueways. As well as offering dynamic reels that can change with every spin, the slot features a free spins bonus with multipliers and a Hold & Win round that could land players one of three fixed jackpots. 

Why Play Changing Reel Slots at mBitcasino?

At mBitcasino, we have hundreds, if not thousands, of slots that boast changing reel features or mechanics. From Megaways titles to collapsing and expanding reels, you’ll find a slot to play in our lobby. Sign up today and check some of them out.