Mechanics of "discovering the world" in slot machines

Introduction

Mechanics of "opening the world" are techniques in slot machines, thanks to which the player gradually reveals new locations, bonus zones or plot episodes. Instead of instant access to all functions, developers break down content into stages, encouraging them to return and play further to explore everything to the end.

1. Progress map and expedition stages

A map with several "dots" is displayed at the bottom or side of the screen - each point is a new location or a bonus round.

Set of points or symbols: for regular and bonus winnings, you earn points that open the next point.

• Expedition Quest (GameArt): Seven dots on a jungle map, each unlocking a new type of freespin (Sticky Wild, multiplier, extended reels).
• Temple Map Adventure (Pragmatic Play): Three areas - at the entrance to the temple, inside the hall of relics and in the secret chamber - open 50 XP each.

2. "Fog of war" and gradual disclosure of symbols

A large grid of hidden symbols or tiles covered with "fog" is described.

Mechanics: after each spin or when special characters appear, parts of the background or grid are cleared, opening up new characters and features.

• Mystery Fog (Yggdrasil): prize multipliers and chests are hidden under the "fog"; at each Wild-back, a random area of fog is removed.
• Fog of Fortune (NetEnt): field 6 × 6 is divided into sections; each winning combination removes fog in one of them.

3. Chapter by chapter: cutscene scenes

The description of the slot machine is divided into chapters, accompanied by short animations or comic book inserts.

Transition between chapters: activated when collecting the required number of scatters or XP.

• Chronicles of Gold (Play 'n GO): Every 10 freespins replace the background location and story insert about treasure hunting.
• Lost Stories (Quickspin): After each level, you see an animated scene about the hero's adventures.

4. Level pumping of the "world"

Descriptive instead of maps or fog, the player pumps a "planet" or "station," opening up new functions.

Experience system: points are awarded for bets and winnings; when the threshold is reached, the level of peace increases.

• Galactic Frontier (Red Tiger): pumping a base on the planet gives access to new bonus zones (respins in the moons, labyrinths in the asteroid belt).
• Arctic Base (IGT): Four levels - from field station to research fortress, each with its own freespin mechanics.

5. Algorithmic "sequential discoveries"

Description hidden functions appear according to a predetermined algorithm: for example, every 5th victory opens a unique bonus.

1. Every N winning spins is a special mode.

2. Collected collector symbols launch a new set of mechanics.

• Collector's Tale (Playtech): For every 20 scatters, new symbols open with an increased payout.
• Forge of Heroes (Microgaming): After every five chain cascades, the "metal mining" mode is activated with a multiplied rate.

6. Feature Buy as an instant discovery

The description allows you to skip the basic evolution of the world and immediately open the desired location or function.

Pros: direct access to the "end of the card," saving time.

Cons: high price (usually 50-150 × rates) may not justify EV without a well-thought-out strategy.

• Map Quest Buy (Pragmatic Play): buy access to the final chapter of the map for 100 × bet.
• Temple Rush Feature Buy (NetEnt): Instantly opens all levels of the freespin screen.

Practical tips for choosing a slot with world opening mechanics

1. Pay attention to the speed of progress: it is optimal when to open one location you need 30-50 spins with a minimum bet.

2. Check progress is maintained: it is important that progress is not reset at half-time.

3. The balance of volatility: the mechanics of "opening the world" work better in mid-volatile slots - so that bonuses fall out regularly, but bring tangible prizes.

4. Test demo mode: Study how many cycles it takes to get to the end of the map or remove all the fog.

5. Feature Buy with caution: use only with a clear understanding of EV and confidence in the high return of the bonus.

Conclusion

The mechanics of the "discovery of the world" in the slots create the effect of a long study and involve several sessions. Maps, fog of war, story chapters, level progress and algorithmic discoveries - all this allows players to feel like pioneers. Choose a machine with a suitable pace of evolution of the world, test the demo and go on an exciting expedition!