Sticky Wilds Explained: How They Work and The Top 5 Pokies To Play
Sticky Wilds are a game-changing feature in online pokies, locking into position for multiple spins to ramp up your chances of hitting bigger payouts. While standard Wilds disappear after a single spin, Sticky Wilds hold tight, sometimes sticking around for 2, 3, or even 5 spins in a row. This can multiply your opportunities to land winning combinations without needing fresh symbols on every spin.
In this guide, We break down exactly how Sticky Wilds work, how they stack up against other Wild features, and where you’ll find pokies that use them best. I’ll also share expert tips for making the most of Sticky Wilds, alongside a list of top games where these clingy symbols can unlock major rewards.
If you’re ready to learn how Sticky Wilds can turn a single spin into a chain of payouts, you’re in the right place.
Let’s get started!
What Are Sticky Wilds?
Sticky Wilds are exactly what they sound like — Wild symbols that stick to the reels for more than one spin. Unlike regular Wilds that disappear after helping you land a win, these symbols stay in place, giving you multiple chances to create new winning combinations.
Here’s where things get exciting: Sticky Wilds can remain locked on the reels for 2, 3, or even more spins, depending on the game. In some pokies, they stick around until you trigger a bonus round or free spins, supercharging your chances of a big win. Imagine landing a Sticky Wild on the first spin and watching it hold tight while the rest of the reels spin — it’s like having an extra shot at victory with every turn.
Sticky Wilds come in several variations, adding unique layers to gameplay. You’ll find Walking Sticky Wilds that shift positions, Sticky Wilds with Multipliers that boost your wins, and Standard Sticky Wilds that hold their position for a set number of spins. Each type offers something different, and they’re explained in detail further down the page.
Sticky Wilds often appear during bonus rounds or free spins, making those moments even more rewarding. They can show up on specific reels or across the entire grid, depending on the game’s design. Some pokies even pair Sticky Wilds with multipliers, turning modest wins into impressive payouts.
In short, Sticky Wilds are a feature that can turn one lucky spin into a chain reaction of wins. They’re a must-know for any player chasing bigger payouts in their pokies sessions.
How Do Sticky Wilds Work?
Sticky Wilds take the excitement of Wild symbols to the next level by staying on the reels for multiple spins, amplifying your chances of forming winning combinations. Here’s a breakdown of their mechanics, triggers, and interactions:
Mechanics of Sticky Wilds
- Locked Positions: When a Sticky Wild lands, it locks into its position for 2 or more spins. The exact duration depends on the game and bonus feature. Some pokies let Sticky Wilds hold indefinitely until a bonus round ends.
- Chained Wins: Because Sticky Wilds remain in place, they can contribute to multiple winning combinations across consecutive spins without moving. This makes them especially valuable during respins or free spin features.
- Interaction With Other Features: Many pokies pair Sticky Wilds with multipliers, cascading reels, or expanding grids. For example, Jammin' Jars combines Sticky Wilds with increasing multipliers for explosive potential.
Triggers for Sticky Wilds
- Bonus Rounds: Sticky Wilds most commonly activate during bonus rounds, like free spins or respins. For instance, in Dead or Alive II, Sticky Wilds trigger exclusively in the free spins feature.
- Respins: Some pokies activate Sticky Wilds with respins. In Spinions Beach Party, every Sticky Wild landing triggers a free respin, keeping the action rolling.
- Random Events: A few pokies feature Sticky Wilds as random enhancements, triggered during base gameplay to add surprise wins.
Why Sticky Wilds Are Unique
Sticky Wilds stand out because of their ability to extend winning streaks across multiple spins. Unlike standard Wilds that vanish after a single use, Sticky Wilds stay active, multiplying the excitement and payout opportunities with every spin. Games that pair Sticky Wilds with multipliers or respins can turn a single symbol into a massive win trigger.
Whether they’re triggering bonus rounds, chaining wins, or interacting with other features, Sticky Wilds deliver consistent action that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
In short, Sticky Wilds are a feature that can turn one lucky spin into a chain reaction of wins. They’re a must-know for any player chasing bigger payouts in their pokies sessions.
Top 5 Pokies With Sticky Wilds
Because it’s such a popular pokies feature, there are countless pokies to choose from when you want to play pokies online with sticky wilds - making it a little overwhelming to know where to start!
That’s why our experts have put together our list of top pokies with sticky wilds.
We’ve played all of these online pokies for real money and they all feature sticky wilds to help boost your chances of winning.
1. Jammin’ Jars
Released by Push Gaming in 2018, Jammin’ Jars is a fan-favourite, blending vibrant visuals and high-energy gameplay.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Feature Trigger | Sticky Wilds activate during the bonus round when Wild symbols land and remain in place for subsequent spins. |
| Payout Potential | Max win of up to 20,000x your original wager with multiplier boosts. |
| Odds/Frequency | Sticky Wilds appear frequently in the bonus rounds, paired with unlimited multipliers. |
Feature Mechanics
Sticky Wilds in Jammin’ Jars behave like cluster multipliers. Once they land, they stick to their position and increase the win multiplier every time they contribute to a winning cluster. The 8x8 grid layout allows Sticky Wilds to chain together wins in multiple directions, creating explosive combinations.
Visuals and Sounds
The colourful fruit symbols pop against the funky disco background, and the Sticky Wilds — depicted as glowing jam jars — pulse with energy when activated. The upbeat soundtrack and retro visuals make every spin feel like a dancefloor win.
Payout Potential and Frequency
Sticky Wilds appear frequently during bonus rounds, especially when multipliers come into play. With potential wins of up to 20,000x, even a single spin with Sticky Wilds can deliver massive payouts.
Why It Stands Out
The combination of unlimited multipliers and Sticky Wilds makes Jammin’ Jars a pokie that rewards both strategy and luck, delivering a unique gameplay experience.
2. Dead or Alive II
NetEnt’s 2019 sequel, Dead or Alive II, turns the Wild West into a high-stakes showdown where Sticky Wilds are the stars.
| Aspect | Details |
| Feature Trigger | Activated during the free spins round, where Wild symbols lock in place. |
| Payout Potential | Max win of 40,500x your stake with Sticky Wilds. |
| Odds/Frequency | Sticky Wilds are rare but incredibly rewarding during bonus rounds. |
Feature Mechanics
In Dead or Alive II, Sticky Wilds appear as outlaw symbols. Once triggered in the free spins round, they lock onto the reels and remain in place for the duration of the round, multiplying any wins they contribute to.
Visuals and Sounds
The gritty Wild West aesthetic shines through, with saloons, whiskey bottles, and wanted posters setting the scene. Sticky Wilds stand out as old-school outlaw portraits, complete with a subtle glowing effect as they lock onto the reels.
Payout Potential and Frequency
Sticky Wilds are infrequent but critical to landing massive wins, especially given the game’s 40,500x payout potential. High volatility ensures every spin feels like a gamble in a Wild West shootout.
Why It Stands Out
Dead or Alive II’s Sticky Wilds combine thrilling visuals with high volatility, creating an adrenaline-filled chase for life-changing payouts.
3. Spinions Beach Party
Quickspin’s 2016 release brings beachy fun and Sticky Wilds together for a lighthearted yet rewarding pokie.
| Aspect | Details |
| Feature Trigger | Sticky Wilds activate during the respins bonus. |
| Payout Potential | Max win of 1,876x your stake. |
| Odds/Frequency | Frequent Sticky Wilds in bonus features. |
Feature Mechanics
Spinions Beach Party features Sticky Wilds during the respins round. Whenever a Sticky Wild lands, it holds its position while triggering an automatic respin, giving you extra chances to win.
Visuals and Sounds
Bright and cheerful, the beach-themed visuals feature quirky orange Spinions, cocktails, and sunny backdrops. Sticky Wilds glow when activated, and the upbeat, summer soundtrack keeps the vibe playful and fun.
Payout Potential and Frequency
While the max win of 1,876x is modest, Sticky Wilds appear frequently during respins, ensuring the gameplay stays engaging.
Why It Stands Out
Its fun visuals and simple mechanics make Spinions Beach Party an entertaining, stress-free game that still delivers solid rewards.
4. Vikings Go Berzerk
Yggdrasil’s Viking-themed adventure brings Sticky Wilds into an epic battle on the high seas.
| Aspect | Details |
| Feature Trigger | Activated during free spins and Rage Mode. |
| Payout Potential | Max win of up to 4,000x your stake. |
| Odds/Frequency | Medium volatility with reliable Sticky Wild triggers. |
Feature Mechanics
Sticky Wilds appear randomly in free spins or Rage Mode, locking onto reels to create winning combinations. Additional Sticky Wilds can extend your bonus round for even greater payouts.
Visuals and Sounds
Set aboard a Viking ship, the reels feature fierce Viking warriors, glowing Sticky Wilds, and dramatic animations. Thunderous sound effects and epic music bring the battle to life.
Payout Potential and Frequency
The 4,000x payout and frequent Sticky Wilds in bonus rounds make Vikings Go Berzerk a well-balanced game with plenty of action.
Why It Stands Out
The game’s combination of engaging visuals, exciting features, and balanced volatility makes it a top pick for fans of Sticky Wilds.
5. Narcos
NetEnt’s 2019 Narcos pokie brings the gritty crime drama to the reels with Sticky Wilds and thrilling mechanics.
| Aspect | Details |
| Feature Trigger | Sticky Wilds appear during the Walking Wilds feature. |
| Payout Potential | Max win of 1,506x your stake. |
| Odds/Frequency | Medium volatility with frequent Sticky Wild appearances. |
Feature Mechanics
In Narcos, Sticky Wilds behave like Walking Wilds, shifting left across the reels with each spin while staying active, creating multiple winning opportunities.
Visuals and Sounds
The game’s visuals are straight out of a crime thriller, with glowing Sticky Wilds, shootouts, and dark cityscapes. Explosive sound effects and a tense soundtrack enhance the drama.
Payout Potential and Frequency
Sticky Wilds appear often in the bonus rounds, offering frequent wins despite the modest 1,506x payout cap.
Why It Stands Out
Narcos combines cinematic visuals with exciting Sticky Wild mechanics, making it an immersive and action-packed pokie experience.
Different Types of Sticky Wilds
Sticky wilds can take a few different forms. Here are some of the various types we’ve seen while playing pokies online.
Random Sticky Wilds
Multiplier Sticky Wilds
Expanded Sticky Wilds
Walking Sticky Wild
Sticky Wilds with Respins
Conclusion
You’ll find sticky wilds on plenty of modern video pokie machines. Particularly ones offering multiple bonus features or additional bonus rounds.
They’re a great pokie feature that helps increase the game's thrill and boost your chances of winning. Plus, they can also potentially keep you playing for longer.
Check out some of the games we love above, or do some research yourself at some of the top Australian online casinos. And consider giving a few games a spin in demo mode before choosing your favourite.
Good luck!
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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