Few slot games have achieved the legendary status of Starburst by NetEnt. Since its release in 2012, this visually dazzling slot has captivated players around the globe with its cosmic theme, vibrant jewel symbols, and straightforward yet thrilling gameplay. Starburst stands out for its easy-to-understand mechanics, featuring five reels, ten paylines, and the unique ability to win both ways—left-to-right and right-to-left. Its expanding wilds and frequent re-spins keep the excitement high, making it a top choice for both new and experienced players seeking regular wins and a visually stunning gaming experience.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Slot Title | Starburst |
| Developer | NetEnt |
| Realised Date | 2012 |
| Theme | Space, Gems |
| RTP | 96.09% |
| Volatility | Low |
| Bonus Feature | Expanding Wilds with Re-Spins |
| Multipliers | No standard multipliers, max win 500x bet per spin |
| Jackpots | No progressive jackpot, max win 50,000 coins or 500x bet |
| Min. Max. Bet | 0.10 – 100 (currency may vary by casino) |
| Reels | 5 |
| Rows | 3 |
| Paylines | 10 (Win Both Ways) |
| Layout | 5x3 |
Starburst offers a captivating blend of simplicity and excitement through its well-crafted features and bonuses. Players can expect a smooth gameplay experience enhanced by expanding wilds, re-spins, and a unique win-both-ways mechanic. While it does not include traditional free spins or bonus rounds, its features are designed to keep the action fast-paced and rewarding. The expanding wilds not only substitute for other symbols but also trigger re-spins, giving players multiple chances to increase their winnings. This combination of features makes Starburst appealing to both beginners and seasoned slot enthusiasts looking for steady thrills and frequent wins.
The expanding wild is the centerpiece of Starburst’s bonus features. Represented by the multicolored Starburst symbol, these wilds appear exclusively on the middle three reels—reels 2, 3, and 4. When a wild lands, it expands vertically to cover the entire reel, dramatically increasing the chances of forming winning combinations. This expansion also locks the wild in place for the duration of the re-spin feature, which is triggered immediately after the wild appears. The locked wild reel remains on the screen while the other reels spin again, offering another opportunity to win without placing an additional bet. This feature adds an exciting dynamic to the game, as it can lead to multiple wins in a single spin sequence.
Expanding wilds are relatively frequent due to the game’s low volatility, making this feature a consistent source of excitement and potential payouts. The ability to trigger up to three consecutive re-spins with expanding wilds can significantly boost your winnings, especially when multiple wilds appear during these respins. This mechanic keeps players engaged and hopeful for those big, sparkling wins.
Re-spins in Starburst are directly tied to the expanding wild feature and serve as a valuable bonus that enhances gameplay. Each time an expanding wild lands on reels 2, 3, or 4, it activates a re-spin, where the wild reel remains locked in place while the other reels spin again. This feature can be triggered up to three times consecutively if additional wilds appear during the re-spins, potentially leading to a chain of wins without additional bets.
The re-spin feature is particularly exciting because it extends the playtime and increases the chances of hitting multiple winning combinations in a single round. Unlike traditional free spins, these re-spins are immediate and tied to the appearance of wilds, which keeps the game fast-paced and engaging. The locked wild reels act as a powerful anchor, often creating multiple payline wins thanks to the game’s win-both-ways mechanic. This feature is a key reason why Starburst remains popular among players who enjoy frequent, rewarding gameplay without complicated bonus rounds.
One of the standout features of Starburst is its win-both-ways mechanic, which sets it apart from many other slots. Instead of paying out only from left to right, Starburst pays winning combinations from both left to right and right to left. This effectively doubles the number of ways players can win on each spin, increasing the excitement and potential payout frequency.
This feature is particularly valuable because it complements the expanding wilds and re-spin mechanics perfectly. With paylines paying in both directions, the chances of forming winning combinations increase significantly, especially when wilds expand to cover entire reels. The win-both-ways feature makes Starburst a slot that feels more generous and rewarding, especially for players who appreciate steady wins over high-risk, high-reward gameplay. It also contributes to the game’s low volatility, ensuring that wins come regularly and keep the momentum going.
Unlike many modern slot games, Starburst does not include traditional bonus rounds such as free spins or pick-and-win games. Instead, it relies on its core features—the expanding wilds, re-spins, and win-both-ways—to create a rewarding and engaging experience. This simplicity is part of Starburst’s charm, making it accessible to players of all experience levels.
The absence of bonus rounds means that the gameplay remains straightforward and fast-paced, without interruptions or complex rules. Players who enjoy classic slot action with a modern twist will appreciate this design choice. The game’s features are well-balanced to provide excitement and winning potential without overwhelming the player with too many bonus mechanics. This focus on core gameplay elements has helped Starburst maintain its popularity for over a decade, proving that sometimes less is more in slot design.
Playing Starburst is straightforward, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned slot players. The game features simple controls, clear rules, and a smooth interface, allowing you to focus on the fun and excitement. To get started, you’ll adjust your bet according to your budget, spin the reels, and watch for winning combinations and special features like expanding wilds and re-spins. With 10 fixed paylines and a win-both-ways mechanic, Starburst offers plenty of chances to win on every spin. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the game and maximize your enjoyment.
Begin by selecting your bet level and coin value. The bet level determines how many coins you wager per payline and can be set from 1 to 10. The coin value adjusts the worth of each coin, typically ranging from £0.01 to £1.00 or equivalent in your currency. Your total bet per spin is calculated by multiplying the bet level by the coin value and the number of paylines (which is fixed at 10). This means your bet can range from as low as 0.10 up to 100 per spin, accommodating both cautious players and high rollers. Once you’re happy with your bet, the amount will be displayed clearly on the screen.
After setting your bet, press the Spin button to start the game. The five reels will spin and then stop to reveal a combination of colorful gem symbols and special icons. Your goal is to land matching symbols on any of the 10 paylines, which pay out wins from both left to right and right to left, effectively doubling your chances. The game’s vibrant visuals and energetic soundtrack add to the immersive experience as you watch the reels come to a stop.
Winning combinations are formed when matching symbols land on a payline in sequence. Thanks to the win-both-ways feature, you can win by matching symbols starting from either the leftmost or rightmost reel. This increases the frequency of wins and keeps the gameplay exciting. The highest-paying symbols include the gold BAR and lucky 7 icons, while the colorful gems offer smaller but more frequent payouts. Keep an eye out for the Starburst Wild symbol, which can substitute for other symbols to complete winning lines.
The Starburst Wild symbol is the key to unlocking bigger wins. It appears only on reels 2, 3, and 4 and expands to cover the entire reel when it lands. This expanded wild locks in place and triggers a re-spin, giving you an extra chance to win without placing another bet. If additional wilds appear during the re-spins, they also expand and lock, and the re-spin count resets up to a maximum of three consecutive re-spins. This feature can lead to multiple wins in a single spin sequence and is what makes Starburst especially thrilling.
If you want to enjoy the game without manually spinning every time, Starburst offers an autoplay option. You can set the game to spin automatically for anywhere from 10 up to 1000 spins. This is a great way to get a feel for the game or to play hands-free while still enjoying the visual and audio excitement. Autoplay can be paused or stopped at any time, and it will automatically deactivate if you hit a big win or a preset loss limit, helping you manage your bankroll responsibly.
As with any slot game, it’s important to manage your bankroll wisely. Start with smaller bets to get familiar with the game’s pace and features, then adjust your bet size as you become more confident. Starburst’s low volatility means you can expect frequent, smaller wins that keep the gameplay engaging without long dry spells. Remember to enjoy the vibrant graphics, cosmic soundtrack, and the thrill of the expanding wilds and re-spins as you play. With these steps, you’re ready to dive into the colorful world of Starburst and aim for those sparkling wins!
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