Play 5 reel slot games

5 reel slot games are considered the modern standard, allowing for stacks of paylines, high visual appeal, and room for an abundance of bonus features and in-game twists.

In this guide, we’ll explore how 5 reel slot games work, what their main features are, and how you can make the most out of them through responsible play.

What are 5 reel slots?

Modern online slot machines have five vertically spinning reels, and usually offer at least 10 paylines on which you can match up symbols to win prizes.

These are feature-rich slot games that allow for complex symbol combinations, which, in turn, can lead to bigger payouts. These games tend to have varied themes, unique twists, full soundtracks and creative animations.

In the modern age, most slot games you’ll play online have at least five reels, particularly those that are branded.

How 5 reel slot games work

When you play 5 reel slots, you set all five vertical pillars spinning, and the aim is to match symbol combinations from left to right. The more reels a game has, the more combinations and possibilities you can expect.

These are also slot games with bonus features galore – such as free spins rounds, wild symbols, scatter symbols for instant wins, expanding wilds, moving symbols, reel stacks, and pick-and-click rounds – the list really does go on!

Above all, 5 reel games are some of the most flexible – you can often set how many paylines you’d like to bet on, and how much you’d like to wager per spin.

Top 5 reel slot games to play

If you’re looking for video slots with 5 reels to try, here’s a selection of LeoVegas’ most popular games you might want to explore:

• Gonzo’s Quest: This classic slot from NetEnt takes players deep into South America on the hunt for ancient treasure. It’s a visually impressive game even more than 10 years on, with an avalanche reels system and free spins with extra multipliers to boot. This medium-high-volatility game is aimed at patient players who can manage their bankrolls carefully.
• Starburst: Back with NetEnt, this intergalactic gem-busting slot bucks the trend of most 5 reel games and lets you win from right to left as well as from left to right! This super-simple game is low volatility with a straightforward expanding wild. It’s a game that appeals to players looking for a quick spin or two on the go without any complex features.
• Book of Dead: Play’n GO’s Book of Dead is a highly volatile game that plunges you deep into ancient tombs in the hope of raiding loot. The main draw of this slot game is its free spins round and expanding symbols, which can grant up to 5,000x your bet. This visually impressive game appeals to patient players who appreciate simple gameplay.
• Big Bass Splash: Pragmatic Play’s Big Bass Splash is one of the studio’s hallmark slots, offering high-volatility gameplay and a free spins round with stacks of angling-themed multipliers. You can keep free spins rolling with extra fish added to the grid – it’s a popular game with players who appreciate special features!

Why play 5 reel slots?

5 reel slot games are popular with players because they tend to balance entertainment value and prize potential well – and they’re often much more varied than smaller slots with lots of themes and features.

Players also choose 5 reel slot games for the extra interaction and visual reward. Unlike simpler 3 reel slot games, these titles up the ante when it comes to the visual aesthetic, and some games are crammed with five or more features.

In terms of volatility, 5 reel games measure around mid to high on the scale, which means that they don’t always pay frequently, but when they do, there’s a potential for big wins.

5 reel slots also frequently support advanced mechanics such as Cash Collect bonuses and Megaways fit-outs.

Tips for playing 5 reel slot games

Here are some final tips to take away before you play 5 reel slot games:

• Always check the paytable carefully – make sure that you understand how games work and how you can make combinations.
• Try to activate bonus features before you play if there’s an option to – and make sure to play responsibly.
• Choose games with a high RTP (Return to Player) and mid-to-low volatility for more predictable, frequent wins.
• Set loss and time limits when you play (these games can get quite immersive at times).