Hold and Spin Feature Explained: How They Work and The Top 5 Games
Hold and Spin (aka spin and win/hold and win) feature isn’t just another pokie gimmick—it’s where real thrills meet serious win potential. By locking symbols in place and triggering respins, this feature ramps up suspense with every spin, offering a shot at massive payouts. It’s a game-changer that transforms regular rounds into heart-pounding moments, and we’ve seen firsthand how it delivers standout wins.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best games with Hold and Spin, showing you how this feature works, its unique twists, and what makes each title worth playing. Ready to uncover the pokies that truly nail this mechanic? Let’s dive in!
What is a Hold and Spin Feature?
The Hold and Spin feature is a thrilling pokie mechanic where triggering symbols lock in place, giving players respins to add more winning symbols to the reels. Typically activated by landing a specific number of symbols—like Coins or Shields—this feature builds suspense as you chase bigger payouts.
Expect dramatic animations, glowing locked symbols, and sound effects that ramp up the tension with each respin. Unlike regular spins, where payouts depend on paylines, Hold and Spin shifts the focus to accumulating values or jackpots. It’s a fast-paced, high-stakes bonus round that keeps players hooked with its exciting visuals and huge win potential.
The Hold and Spin feature flips standard pokie gameplay on its head, turning every spin into a high-stakes, edge-of-your-seat moment. By locking key symbols in place and resetting respins, it shifts your focus from traditional paylines to stacking up wins through cash values, multipliers, or jackpots. It’s like a game within a game—designed to keep the excitement going and your heart racing.
How Does Hold and Spin Work?
The Hold and Spin feature flips standard pokie gameplay on its head, turning every spin into a high-stakes, edge-of-your-seat moment. By locking key symbols in place and resetting respins, it shifts your focus from traditional paylines to stacking up wins through cash values, multipliers, or jackpots. It’s like a game within a game—designed to keep the excitement going and your heart racing.
Triggers
The Hold and Spin feature kicks in when you land a specific number of matching symbols—usually 6 or more—in a single spin. For example, in Wolf Treasure by IGTech, getting 6 Moon Symbols locks those symbols onto the reels and activates the respin feature.
What makes this interesting is how games subtly tweak symbol frequency to keep you guessing. Take Thunder Shields by iSoftBet: during high-volatility spins, you’ll notice more frequent appearances of Shield Symbols on the reels, especially when you’re close to triggering the feature. It’s this kind of balancing act that creates those “so close!” moments, keeping you hooked.
Reel Locations
Not all reels are created equal when it comes to Hold and Spin. Developers carefully design where symbols land to strike a balance between frequent triggers and higher-value payouts:
- Middle Reels (2, 3, and 4): These are your sweet spots. They’re packed with more symbols, so triggering the feature often starts here. In Big Bass Hold & Spinner by Pragmatic Play, you’ll notice that Golden Coins tend to cluster on these middle reels, boosting your odds.
- Outer Reels (1 and 5): These reels don’t just show up to look pretty—they often hide the big-ticket symbols, like jackpots or high-value multipliers. In Thunder Shields, the outer reels are where those massive Colossal Shields tend to drop, covering multiple spaces and ramping up the stakes.
This setup isn’t random—it’s designed to build suspense as reels fill up with locked symbols, leaving you chasing that final piece of the puzzle.
Mechanics
- When the feature triggers, the action really heats up. You’ll start with 3 respins, and every time a new symbol lands, the counter resets back to 3. Here’s where things get interesting:
- Respins Reset: It’s not just about locking symbols—it’s about building momentum. Every new symbol feels like a lifeline, keeping the round alive.
- Symbol Values: The locked symbols carry cash values, multipliers, or jackpots. In Wolf Treasure, Moon Symbols can award fixed jackpots, like the Mini (30x), Major (100x), or even the Mega (1,000x) prize.
- Reel Completion: If you fill every reel space, you’re in for a major reward. In Sphinx Fortune by Booming Games, completing all 15 positions with Pyramid Symbols unlocks a massive bonus, often pushing your total payout toward the game’s 8,000x max win.
Some games add extra spice to the mix. For instance, Thunder Shields throws in Colossal Symbols—huge 2x2 or 3x3 blocks that can instantly boost your winnings by covering multiple reel spaces. It’s like hitting the jackpot before you’ve even finished the round.
Top 5 Pokies With Hold and Spin
Dive into our top 5 Hold and Win pokies – cherry-picked by our savvy crew!
1. Wolf Treasure
Wolf Treasure by IGTech is a timeless favourite among pokie enthusiasts, blending straightforward gameplay with thrilling payouts. The Hold and Spin feature is its centerpiece, offering jackpot potential and edge-of-your-seat action. Its glowing Moon Symbols and jackpot-driven suspense make it a standout for players chasing big wins.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Feature Trigger | Land 6 or more Moon Symbols anywhere on the reels. |
| Payout Potential | Up to 1,000x your stake via the Mega Jackpot. |
| Odds/Frequency | Medium volatility; feature triggers approximately once every 90 spins. |
Feature Mechanics
The Hold and Spin feature is triggered by landing 6 or more Moon Symbols anywhere on the reels. These symbols lock in place, and players receive 3 respins, which reset each time a new Moon Symbol lands. The feature focuses on collecting cash values or triggering Mini, Major, or Mega jackpots, creating a progressive build-up of tension.
Visuals and Sounds
When the feature activates, reels darken, and the locked Moon Symbols light up with a glowing effect. The accompanying suspenseful music and dramatic sound effects amplify the intensity, drawing players into the action with each respin.
Payout Potential and Frequency
The feature delivers up to 1,000x your stake via the Mega Jackpot, with cash values adding consistent rewards throughout. It triggers approximately once every 90 spins in this medium-volatility game, striking a solid balance between risk and reward.
Why It Stands Out
Wolf Treasure’s simplicity and jackpot integration make it a top choice for players who enjoy accessible mechanics with high-reward potential. The anticipation of filling all reel positions for the Mega Jackpot creates an unmatched adrenaline rush.
2. Big Bass Hold & Spinner Megaways
Pragmatic Play’s Big Bass Hold & Spinner Megaways reimagines the popular fishing series with a Megaways twist. This version builds on the Hold and Spin feature with cascading reels and multiplier-packed coins, delivering even more thrilling gameplay for fans of the series.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Feature Trigger | Land 3 or more Coin Money symbols during the base game. |
| Payout Potential | Up to 10,000x your stake with cascading reels and multipliers. |
| Odds/Frequency | High volatility; feature triggers approximately once every 100 spins. |
Feature Mechanics
The Hold and Spin feature triggers when 3 or more Coin Money symbols land during the base game. These symbols lock in place as cascading reels clear away non-winning symbols. Players start with 3 respins, resetting with every new Coin symbol. Special Golden Coins bring multipliers of up to 50x, significantly boosting payouts.
Visuals and Sounds
Golden Coins sparkle with animated multipliers when they land, while cascading reels create a dynamic, fast-paced atmosphere. The upbeat fishing-themed music and celebratory sound effects during big wins keep the energy high throughout the feature.
Payout Potential and Frequency
This high-volatility game offers a maximum payout of 10,000x your stake, with the feature triggering approximately once every 100 spins. The addition of cascading reels adds unpredictability, making each feature unique.
Why It Stands Out
The combination of cascading reels, high multipliers, and the Megaways mechanic elevates the Hold and Spin feature to new heights. It’s a must-play for fans of dynamic, high-stakes pokies.
3. Rhino Hold and Win
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Feature Trigger | Activates when 6 or more Bonus symbols appear on the reels. |
| Payout Potential | Up to 2,000x your stake. |
| Odds/Frequency | The feature triggers with 6 or more Bonus symbols, offering moderate frequency with potential for substantial rewards. |
Feature Mechanics
In Rhino Hold and Win, the Hold and Spin feature is triggered by landing 6 or more Bonus symbols. Players receive 3 respins, and each new Bonus symbol resets the respin count to 3. The feature continues until no respins remain or the grid is filled. Special symbols can appear during this round, offering additional multipliers or fixed jackpot prizes, enhancing the excitement and potential rewards.
Visuals and Sounds
The game showcases a vibrant savannah theme, with detailed animal symbols and a lively soundtrack that immerses players in the wild setting. The Hold and Spin feature is accompanied by dynamic animations, highlighting the anticipation and thrill of accumulating Bonus symbols.
Payout Potential and Frequency
- Hold and Spin Frequency: The feature triggers with 6 or more Bonus symbols, offering moderate frequency with potential for substantial rewards.
- Max Win: Up to 2,000x your stake.
- Volatility: Medium to High—balancing regular smaller wins with the possibility of larger payouts during the feature.
Why It Stands Out
Rhino Hold and Win combines the popular Hold and Spin mechanic with an engaging theme and the opportunity to win fixed jackpots. The addition of special symbols during the feature adds an extra layer of excitement, making it appealing to players seeking both entertainment and substantial win potential.
4. Royal Joker: Hold and Win
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Feature Trigger | Landing 3 Bonus symbols on the reels activates the Hold and Win feature. |
| Payout Potential | Up to 21,150x your stake. |
| Odds/Frequency | The Hold and Win feature is triggered by landing 3 Bonus symbols, leading to high volatility with substantial rewards. |
Feature Mechanics
In Royal Joker: Hold and Win, the feature is initiated when 3 Bonus symbols appear simultaneously. Players receive 3 respins, and each new Bonus symbol that lands resets the respin count to 3. The round continues until no respins remain or the grid is filled with Bonus symbols. Notably, the Joker symbol acts as a Wild in the main game and provides multipliers during the bonus game, enhancing the value of collected coins.
Visuals and Sounds
The game features a classic fruit machine design with a modern twist, incorporating vibrant graphics and engaging sound effects. The Joker symbol adds a lively element, and the animations during the Hold and Win feature are smooth and captivating.
Payout Potential and Frequency
- Hold and Win Frequency: The feature is triggered by landing 3 Bonus symbols, leading to high volatility with substantial rewards.
- Max Win: Up to 21,150x your stake.
- Volatility: High—designed for players seeking significant payouts, though wins may be less frequent.
Why It Stands Out
Royal Joker: Hold and Win offers a fresh take on the classic fruit slot genre by incorporating the Hold and Win mechanic. The addition of the Joker symbol as a Wild and multiplier during the bonus game adds excitement and increases winning potential, making it appealing to both traditional and modern slot enthusiasts.
5. Money Cart 2
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Feature Trigger | Landing 3 or more Bonus symbols initiates the Hold and Spin feature. |
| Payout Potential | Up to 5,000x your stake. |
| Odds/Frequency | The feature is central to the game, offering frequent opportunities for substantial wins. |
Feature Mechanics
In Money Cart 2, the game focuses entirely on the Hold and Spin feature. When 3 or more Bonus symbols land, they lock in place, and players are awarded 3 respins. Each new symbol that lands also locks in place and resets the respin count to 3. The feature includes special symbols like the Payer, Collector, Sniper, and Necromancer, each adding unique modifiers to enhance winning potential.
Visuals and Sounds
The game presents a steampunk-inspired Wild West theme with detailed character designs and atmospheric sound effects. The animations are dynamic, especially when special symbols activate their features, creating an engaging gaming experience.
Payout Potential and Frequency
- Hold and Spin Frequency: As the core feature, it occurs frequently, providing regular chances for significant wins.
- Max Win: Up to 5,000x your stake.
- Volatility: High—while wins can be substantial, they may not occur frequently.
Why It Stands Out
Money Cart 2 distinguishes itself by centering gameplay around the Hold and Spin mechanic, eliminating traditional base game spins. The inclusion of various special symbols with unique abilities adds depth and excitement, appealing to players who enjoy feature-rich slots.
Types of Hold and Spin Features
Hold and Spin with Multipliers
Hold and Spin with Fixed Jackpots
Hold and Spin with Colossal Symbols
Hold and Spin with Reel Completion Bonuses
Hold and Spin with Symbol Upgrades
Hold and Spin with Bonus Integration
Conclusion
The Hold and Spin feature brings a level of excitement and strategy to online pokies that few other mechanics can match. Its combination of locking symbols, resetting respins, and offering jackpots or multipliers creates moments of genuine suspense with every spin.
Whether you’re chasing a life-changing Mega Jackpot in Wolf Treasure or enjoying the dynamic twists of cascading reels in Big Bass Hold & Spinner Megaways, this feature keeps gameplay fresh and engaging.
Ready to dive in? Explore these top Hold and Spin games to find even more thrilling titles to try.
Explore More Pokie Features
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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