Sticky Wilds vs Walking Wilds: Understanding Special Symbol Behaviors

Special symbols like sticky wilds and walking wilds are features found in many modern video slots that add excitement and new ways to win. However, despite seeming similar on the surface, sticky wilds and walking wilds actually behave quite differently.

Understanding exactly how these special symbols work, along with the key differences between them, allows slot enthusiasts to better leverage them for bigger payouts. This guide will explain what both sticky wilds and walking wilds are, how they differ and strategies around them.

What Are Sticky Wilds?

Sticky wild symbols have become a popular feature in many modern video slots on platforms like online casino NV. As the name suggests, these special wild symbols remain “stuck” on the reels for a predetermined number of spins after they first appear.

During the spins where a sticky wild is stuck on the reels, it substitutes for other symbols to help create winning symbol combinations, just like a normal wild. However, unlike normal wilds that may only substitute for a single spin, sticky wilds continue substituting across multiple spins, thereby increasing the chances for big wins.

Once the predetermined number of spins is reached, the sticky wild then disappears from the reels like a normal symbol. But during the time it remains active, it greatly improves the odds of hitting winning combinations.

Key Attributes of Sticky Wilds

• Remain on the reels for multiple spins after first appearing
• Substitute for other symbols to create wins while active
• Disappear after a set number of spins
• Increase odds of hitting winning combinations

What Are Walking Wilds?

Like sticky wilds, walking wilds are special wild symbols that move around the reels to help create wins. However, instead of remaining stuck in one place, walking wilds actually “walk” from position to position on subsequent spins.

Walking wilds usually first appear after meeting certain conditions, like getting a trigger symbol or hitting a bonus round. On the next spin after they first appear, a walking wild will then move one reel over to the left or right. On the following spins, it continues shifting its position across the reels.

As the walking wild shifts around the reels, it substitutes for other symbols like normal wilds. This helps “walk” winning symbol combinations into place. Walking wilds disappear from the reels after a set number of spins or when a win is created using them on the last reel.

Key Attributes of Walking Wilds

• Move to an adjacent reel after each spin
• Substitute for symbols as they “walk” around
• Disappear after walking off the last reel or set spins
• Help shift wins into place as they move

Key Differences Between Sticky and Walking Wilds

While sticky wilds and walking wilds are both special types of wilds, they behave differently:

Attribute	Sticky Wilds	Walking Wilds
Movement	Stay in the same place	Move positions each spin
Duration	Set number of spins	Set number of spins or walks off reels
Impact on Wins	Increased odds while stuck	Help shift wins into place

As shown in the table, while both symbols substitute to help create wins, sticky wilds do it while remaining stuck, while walking wilds shift around to positions where they can walk wins into place.

Strategies and Tips

• With sticky wilds, hope they land in a position that substitutes for high-paying combos
• Watch where walking wilds move and shift other symbols to build wins
• Triggering either can indicate a lucrative bonus round
• Their duration directly impacts value – longer is better

Conclusion

While sticky wilds and walking wilds seem similar as special wild symbols, understanding the key differences allows slot enthusiasts to better recognize and leverage them. Sticky wilds bring increased odds while they remain stuck substituting in their landed position. Meanwhile, walking wilds dynamically shift around, walking winning combinations into place.

Now that you know exactly how these two types of special symbols differ and behave on the reels, you can better spot slots with these features for a fun, rewarding gameplay experience. Just keep their unique mechanics in mind as you spin for those big win possibilities.