Ultimate Guide to Walking Wilds: How They Work and Top 5 Games To Play
Ever wondered why they’re called walking wilds? These aren’t your typical wild symbols—they don’t just land on the reels and stay put. Instead, they move across the screen with each spin, creating fresh chances for wins as they journey from reel to reel. It’s this movement that gives them their name—and their edge.
Walking wilds add a layer of excitement because they extend the action. With every step, they keep payouts rolling, turning a single spin into a sequence of potential rewards. Whether they stroll left, right, or even upward in some games, they bring an extra thrill to every round.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about walking wilds: how they work, where to find them, and why they’re one of the most dynamic features in pokies today. Let’s get started.
What are Walking Wilds?
Walking wilds, also known as shifting wilds, are special wild symbols that don’t just sit on the reels—they move! These symbols do what any wild does: substitute for standard symbols to complete paylines and create winning combinations. But here’s the twist—they don’t disappear after a spin. Instead, they stick around and “walk” across the reels, shifting positions with every spin for extended chances to win.
On their first appearance, walking wilds behave like random wilds, popping up unpredictably and substituting for almost any symbol (except scatters or other wilds). The magic happens after that initial spin. These wilds move one position at a time—whether left, right, or sometimes even vertically—until they stroll off the reels completely. This slow and steady movement means they stay in play longer, turning one win into several chances.
For example, if a walking wild lands on reel one, it shifts to reel two on the next spin, then reel three, and so on. Each step brings new opportunities to hit big, keeping you hooked for multiple spins.
Walking wilds usually appear randomly during the base game, though some pokies tie them to bonus rounds or specific triggers. Their unpredictable nature combined with their ability to extend winning potential makes them one of the most exciting features in online pokies. Every time they appear, you know you're in for an extra thrill.
How Do Walking Wilds Work?
Walking wilds add a dynamic twist to gameplay by moving across the reels after they land, sticking around for several spins and offering multiple opportunities to win. Let’s break down how they operate step by step:
Landing the Wild
Walking wilds typically appear randomly during the base game or as part of bonus rounds. They act like regular wilds on the spin they land, substituting for other symbols to complete paylines. Once the spin is complete, their unique behavior kicks in.
The "Walk"
After the initial spin, the walking wild begins its journey. Most commonly, it moves horizontally across the reels, either from left to right or right to left. For example, if a walking wild lands on reel 3, it shifts to reel 4 on the next spin, then to reel 5, continuing until it exits the reels entirely. Some games offer vertical or diagonal movement, adding variety to the mechanic.
Re-Spins with Each Step
Every time the walking wild moves, you’re awarded a free re-spin. This mechanic extends the feature’s impact, creating opportunities for multiple consecutive wins. In some pokies, additional wilds landing during re-spins can trigger chain reactions, filling the screen with even more winning potential.
Interaction with Other Features
Walking wilds often work alongside other features like multipliers, sticky wilds, or bonus symbols. For instance, some games pair walking wilds with free spins, where the feature is amplified to deliver bigger payouts or activate bonus rounds.
Why Placement Matters
The position of a walking wild on the reels can significantly impact its potential. Wilds landing on reels closer to the edge (e.g., reel 1 or 5) might only walk a short distance, while those starting on central reels (e.g., reel 3) maximise their presence, walking across more paylines.
Visuals and Sounds
When walking wilds are in motion, games often highlight their journey with dramatic animations like glowing trails, footprints, or shifting light effects. Accompanying sounds, such as whooshing effects or rhythmic chimes, add to the excitement and anticipation of their next move.
Walking wilds are designed to keep players on the edge of their seats, with every re-spin feeling like a new opportunity for a big win. Their movement transforms the game, creating a sense of continuity and momentum that keeps gameplay engaging and full of surprises.
Top 5 Pokies With Walking Wilds
Because our experts have spent countless hours spinning the reels, we’ve built up a fantastic library of the very best online pokies Australian can offer.
Here are our top pokie picks with Walking Wilds.
1. Jack and The Beanstalk
Released by NetEnt in 2011, Jack and the Beanstalk brought walking wilds into the spotlight. Its innovative use of these wilds in both the base game and free spins round—with an added 3x multiplier—gives players a mix of strategic depth and adrenaline-pumping excitement.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Feature Trigger | Wilds land anywhere on the reels in base or bonus rounds, triggering an instant respin and starting their movement across the reels. |
| Payout Potential | Walking wilds contribute to payouts of up to 3,000x your stake, amplified by the 3x multiplier. |
| Odds/Frequency | Walking wilds show up on average every 40–60 spins in the base game, with increased frequency in the free spins round. |
Feature Mechanics
Walking wilds in Jack and the Beanstalk activate when they land anywhere on the grid, awarding an immediate respin. The wild then shifts one reel to the left with every spin, creating multiple opportunities to form new paylines. A 3x multiplier on all wins involving walking wilds ensures that each respin can lead to significant rewards. During the bonus round, the feature ties directly into the treasure collection mechanic, further enhancing its value and depth.
Visuals and Sounds
These walking wilds glow in an ethereal gold light as they shift reels, leaving behind a shimmering trail that mirrors the magical fairytale theme. Each move is paired with soft harp strings and whimsical chimes, keeping players immersed while heightening the anticipation of a big win.
Why It Stands Out
Walking wilds aren’t just an add-on in Jack and the Beanstalk; they’re the foundation of its gameplay. The 3x multiplier transforms standard payouts into substantial wins, while the way the wilds interact with treasure symbols in the bonus round adds strategic layers to every spin. This blend of mechanics, design, and payout potential makes it a timeless classic in the world of online pokies.
2. San Quentin
San Quentin is one of the most innovative online pokies from NoLimit City, offering a gritty prison theme with an array of standout features. Among them, its walking wilds—dubbed “xWays Wilds”—take center stage, creating unparalleled payout potential with every step across the reels.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Feature Trigger | Walking wilds are activated during the Lockdown Spins bonus round when an xWays Wild lands. |
| Payout Potential | Up to 150,000x your stake when walking wilds align with top-paying inmate symbols and multipliers. |
| Odds/Frequency | Walking wilds are rare in the base game but become frequent in Lockdown Spins, triggered every few bonus rounds. |
Feature Mechanics
In San Quentin, walking wilds—represented by xWays Wilds—are tied exclusively to the Lockdown Spins bonus round. These wilds start on the reels with a multiplier and shift position on each spin, increasing your chances of landing winning combinations. What sets them apart is their ability to pair with Razor Split symbols, doubling their multiplier and amplifying payouts to stratospheric levels.
Visuals and Sounds
The walking wilds in San Quentin bring the game to life with gritty animations of tattooed inmates and electric sparks as the wilds move across the reels. The accompanying sound effects—like the clanging of prison gates and intense drumbeats—escalate the tension, making every shift feel like a pivotal moment.
Why It Stands Out
San Quentin’s walking wilds are not just an exciting feature—they’re a strategic tool for unlocking massive payouts. When combined with other mechanics like Razor Splits and Jumping Wilds, they create chain reactions that can result in game-changing wins. This unique interplay of features makes San Quentin a top pick for players chasing high-stakes action.
3. Ramses Revenge
Relax Gaming’s Ramses Revenge delivers a fresh take on Egyptian-themed pokies, with its walking wilds at the heart of its high-octane gameplay. These wilds chase down explorers, multiplying their value with every move, creating a unique sense of thrill and strategy.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Feature Trigger | Activated during the Free Spins round when explorers are captured by mummies. |
| Payout Potential | Massive max payout of 49,996x your stake if wilds align with high-value symbols. |
| Odds/Frequency | Walking wilds appear exclusively in the bonus game, with an activation rate of approximately 1 in 180 spins. |
Feature Mechanics
In Ramses Revenge, walking wilds are mummies that chase explorer symbols across the reels. With each move, they create new winning opportunities by substituting for regular symbols. The mummies also increase their multiplier value when they capture an explorer, amplifying wins for the remainder of the bonus round.
Visuals and Sounds
The mummies are eerily animated with glowing green eyes, and suspenseful sound effects escalate as they move across the reels. Every respin feels like part of a high-stakes treasure hunt, keeping players engaged.
Why It Stands Out
The chasing mechanic elevates walking wilds beyond a simple feature. Coupled with multipliers and the thematic mummies, it offers a unique mix of strategy and excitement that sets Ramses Revenge apart from other Egyptian-themed pokies.
4. Fat Rabbit
Released by Push Gaming, Fat Rabbit is a farmyard adventure with a unique twist on walking wilds. This game combines charming visuals with a strategic edge, thanks to its interactive wild mechanic. Walking wilds in Fat Rabbit don’t just stroll across the reels—they actively grow and consume, creating dynamic opportunities for bigger wins.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Feature Trigger | Triggered when the rabbit symbol lands alongside carrot wilds. |
| Payout Potential | Max payout of 10,223x your stake when fully expanded wilds align with premium symbols. |
| Odds/Frequency | Walking wilds appear frequently in the bonus round and occasionally in the base game during carrot collections. |
Feature Mechanics:
In Fat Rabbit, walking wilds come alive during the Harvest Bonus round. When the rabbit symbol lands and starts consuming carrot wilds, it expands and walks across the reels. Each carrot collected increases the rabbit’s size, potentially transforming it into a giant wild that covers multiple reels. This walking and growing mechanic adds layers of anticipation and significant payout potential.
Visuals and Sounds:
The visuals in Fat Rabbit are as playful as its theme. The walking rabbit wild hops from reel to reel, munching on carrots with cheerful animations. The game’s lighthearted sound effects—like the crunch of a carrot and upbeat banjo tunes—enhance the fun, making every spin feel rewarding.
Why It Stands Out:
What sets Fat Rabbit apart is how the walking wild mechanic integrates seamlessly into the Harvest Bonus round. The expanding wild adds strategy and excitement, as players eagerly collect carrots to boost the wild's size and winning potential. It’s this interactive twist that has made Fat Rabbit a cult favourite among pokie fans.
5. Jellyfish Flow
Jellyfish Flow by Habanero dives into an underwater world where walking wilds swim across the reels, leaving trails of rewards in their wake. Launched in 2020, this high-volatility slot combines stunning aquatic visuals with an innovative grid-expansion mechanic tied to the walking wilds, offering up to 823,543 ways to win.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Feature Trigger | Triggered when jellyfish wilds land on the reels, activating movement and grid expansion. |
| Payout Potential | Max payout of 16,291x your stake when wilds align with premium symbols. |
| Odds/Frequency | Walking wilds appear moderately often in the base game but become more impactful during grid expansions. |
Feature Mechanics:
Walking wilds in Jellyfish Flow are represented by glowing jellyfish symbols. When they appear, they drift across the reels with each spin, leaving behind expanded grids that increase the number of ways to win. The longer the jellyfish remains in play, the greater the potential for payouts, as it creates cascading opportunities for winning combinations.
Visuals and Sounds:
The jellyfish wilds illuminate the screen with vibrant neon colors, accompanied by soothing underwater sound effects like bubbling water and faint echoes. The combination of visuals and sounds creates a serene yet thrilling atmosphere that keeps players engaged with every spin.
Why It Stands Out:
Jellyfish Flow’s walking wilds aren’t just about movement—they actively change the game’s structure by expanding the grid. This dual mechanic of walking and grid growth makes every appearance of the jellyfish wilds feel significant, keeping gameplay fresh and rewarding. For players who love a blend of strategy and surprise, Jellyfish Flow delivers in spades.
Why Play Pokies With Walking Wilds?
Although it can depend on the game you choose to play, typically walking wild slots will pay out more than traditional or classic pokie games by giving you more chances of getting a winning combination.
They offer the potential for unlimited free spins when the walking wilds feature is activated.
But like any online gambling game, in reality, it doesn’t always work out that way. There's never a guarantee of a win when you play pokie machines online - no matter what features the game offers.
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Conclusion
Walking wilds are more than just a fun feature—they’re a game-changer for players who enjoy dynamic gameplay and extended winning potential. By moving across the reels and triggering re-spins, they create exciting opportunities for payouts that stretch across multiple spins, all while bridging the gap between base gameplay and bonus rounds.
Whether it’s the hopping rabbit in Fat Rabbit or the drifting jellyfish in Jellyfish Flow, walking wilds inject strategy and unpredictability into your pokie experience. They reward patience and keen observation, making every spin feel like a chance for something extraordinary.
Ready to explore? Dive into pokies with walking wilds and discover the thrill for yourself!
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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