Starburst
Talk about a casino classic! Starburst is a slot icon. Released over a decade ago, it remains one of the most played titles in the business. It’s got that simple charm that makes you feel comfortable, kind of like ordering a nice double-double at Tim Hortons.
The game takes you on a cosmic adventure where brightly colored gems spin across five reels and three rows. The graphics are gorgeous, honestly hiding the game’s age, and the retro electronic soundtrack sets a fantastic, high-paced mood.
Written by: Alex Ivanov
Fact Checked by: Martin Hansen
Game Specs
Provider: NetEnt
Release Date: 2020-06-20
Theme: Space, Jewels, Arcade, Stars
Layout: 5 Reels, 3 Rows
Paylines: 10 (Pay Both Ways)
RTP%: 96.09% (Note: RTP can vary by casino/jurisdiction, sometimes listed lower)
Variance: Low
Player Suitability: Recommended for beginner or intermediate players
Minimum Bet: C$0.10/spin
Maximum Win Potential: Up to 500x your bet
Technology: JS, HTML5
Minimum OS: iOS 11+ // Android 6.0+
Game Size: 4.7MB
Last Update: N/A
Key Gameplay Features You Should Look Out For
This is the heart and soul of the game, truly. The Starburst Wild is the multi-colored star symbol and it can appear on the three middle columns: Reels 2, 3, and 4.
Expansion: When a Wild lands, it immediately covers the whole column. This is a massive visual and mechanical boost.
Sticky Respins: Crucially, the Wild column locks in place, and the other reels spin again at no cost. If a new Wild lands during this respin, it too locks and triggers another respin. You can get up to three consecutive respins with three Wild columns locked, creating the highest potential payouts. For fans, this feature activates frequently enough to keep the action lively and the anticipation high.
This is a simple mechanic, yet it changes everything. With only 10 fixed win lines, Starburst allows winning symbol combinations to form from both the far left reel and the far right reel.
Double the Opportunity: This effectively means every column has the potential to start a win line. It softens the experience of a symbol combination lining up perfectly on the right side, only to realize it didn’t start on Reel 1—here, that’s still a win!
Wild Synergy: When combined with the Expanding Wilds on the middle columns, the ability to pay both ways is what generates the maximum prize. Three wild columns in the middle, combined with the highest-paying symbols on the outside columns, leads to that sought-after 500x win.
The feel of the game is a critical feature for its popularity. Starburst is known for its high-energy display when a significant win lands.
Visual Rush: When you connect a good sequence (often 50x your stake or more), the screen explodes with arcade-style light effects and dazzling colors. This celebratory rush is a hallmark of the slot and is a huge part of the fun.
Adjustable Play: The game offers Autoplay options where you can set limits for losses and single wins, keeping the session within comfortable boundaries. For those who like a speedy experience, the option for Quick Spin helps maintain a fast pace, which is often preferred by seasoned players.
The symbol set is simple, yet effective for chase potential.
The BAR: This is the symbol every player is chasing. The Gold BAR is the highest-paying icon. Landing a five-of-a-kind BAR win is a great result, but locking in three Wild columns and hitting BARs on the remaining two is the dream ticket for the top 500x prize.
The Lucky Seven: The second-best symbol, often seen as the last high-paying symbol you need before the BARs show up.
Top Wins Potential - Fans Goal And Strategy
Due to its low variance and 500x maximum reward, Starburst encourages controlled play focused on feature chaining. Online communities target two main success points:
Strategic Success: The 100x Wild Chain
The strategy is simple: trigger the Expanding Wilds and chain 2-3 consecutive Respins. These frequently produce wins of 50x to 100x the stake. The accompanying light show is famous and rewards steady play.
The Ultimate Goal: The 500x Combination
Achieving the 500x prize cap requires a precise setup:
- Three consecutive Expanding Wilds must lock onto the middle reels (2, 3, and 4) via the Respin feature.
- The final, outermost reels (1 and 5) must then land the Gold BAR symbol.
- Hitting this specific combination is the primary target for serious players and constitutes the game’s grand prize.
Also, check this Starburst winning video shared by a fan on YouTube:
Graphics & Sound
Recent News
The popularity of Starburst shows no sign of slowing down, and its developer, NetEnt, is clearly building on its legacy.
A New Era: In recent company news (late 2024), NetEnt announced a “New Era” built partly on the success of Starburst. This update confirmed the release of a thematic sequel, Starburst Galaxy, which expands the cosmic concept.
Behind the Scenes Upgrades: NetEnt confirmed that classic games, including Starburst, will receive user experience (UX) and visual updates. Additionally, they introduced new spin functionalities like Speed Spins and Super Speed Spins, allowing players to adjust the pace of their session.
There is also talk of the developer introducing the GigaMath Model and new multi-level jackpots to some offerings. Operators can even create their own look for the game with a Starburst Brandable option, meaning you might soon see your favorite casino with a custom Starburst skin!
We also recommend game’s fans to check this awesome website dedicated to Starburst and discover recent news, features, interviews and more.
Final Verdict:
Starburst is a monumental slot for a reason. Its low volatility, coupled with the generous Pay Both Ways mechanic and the thrilling Expanding Wild Respins, offers constant, low-risk action. It’s the perfect slot for players who prefer frequent small hits over chasing distant jackpots, providing a sleek, high-energy arcade feel. The simple gameplay and classic, gorgeous visuals confirm its status as an enduring casino classic – it’s an easy favourite, plain and simple.