Starburst Slot Game Guide and Review

Welcome to our definitive guide to Starburst, the legendary online casino slot from NetEnt that has captivated players for over a decade. Launched in 2012, its timeless appeal, vibrant visuals, and straightforward yet thrilling gameplay have cemented its status as an all-time great. This low-volatility gem offers an arcade-like experience with its famous expanding wilds and a unique ‘Win Both Ways’ feature, making it a perfect choice for both new and seasoned online slots enthusiasts.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to play Starburst online. We’ll delve into its mesmerising theme, explain the core gameplay mechanics, break down its special features, and show you how to get the most out of every cosmic spin. Prepare for a journey through a galaxy of sparkling jewels and astronomical wins with one of the most iconic video slots ever created.

About Starburst

Starburst is a flagship video slot developed by the renowned software provider, NetEnt. Set against a cosmic backdrop, the game blends the simplicity of classic arcade games with the slick graphics of modern slots. The theme is a dazzling fusion of outer space and precious gemstones, creating a vibrant and almost hypnotic atmosphere. Since its release, it has become a staple in online casinos worldwide, beloved for its fast-paced action and frequent, smaller wins, which is a hallmark of its low volatility design. The game is built on a 5-reel, 3-row grid and features 10 fixed paylines. However, its standout ‘Win Both Ways’ mechanic means that winning combinations can be formed from right to left as well as the standard left to right, effectively doubling your chances to win on every spin.

How to Play Starburst

Getting started with Starburst is incredibly simple, making it one of the most accessible slots on the market. The goal is to land three or more matching symbols on any of the 10 paylines. First, you need to set your stake. You can adjust the ‘Level’ (from 1 to 10) and the ‘Coin Value’ to customise your total bet per spin, starting from a minimum of £0.10. The maximum stake for this slot is £5 per spin, catering to casual players. Once your bet is set, simply hit the spin button to launch the reels. For convenience, an Autoplay function allows you to set a predetermined number of spins to run automatically. Thanks to the Win Both Ways feature, the game feels more like a 20-payline slot, as winning combinations pay out from both reel 1 and reel 5.

Starburst Symbols and special features

The symbols in Starburst are a vibrant collection of multi-coloured, sparkling gems, alongside two higher-paying traditional slot symbols. The purple, blue, orange, green, and yellow gems are the lower-value symbols. The more lucrative icons are the classic red ‘7’ and the golden ‘BAR’, which sits atop a shimmering planet. The most important symbol in the game, however, is the Starburst Wild. This multi-coloured, star-shaped symbol is the key to unlocking the game's main feature. It can only appear on the middle three reels (reels 2, 3, and 4) and substitutes for all other symbols to help form winning combinations. When it lands, it expands to cover the entire reel, triggering the game's exciting re-spin bonus.

Starburst Bonus Rounds

The primary bonus feature in Starburst is the Starburst™ Wilds feature. Unlike many modern slots that have multiple complex bonus games, Starburst focuses on perfecting this single, high-impact mechanic. This feature is triggered whenever one or more Starburst Wild symbols land on reels 2, 3, or 4. Upon landing, the wild symbol will expand vertically to fill the entire reel. Not only does this create more opportunities for wins, but it also automatically triggers a free re-spin while the expanded wild reel remains locked in place.

Starburst Free Spins

Technically, Starburst does not have a traditional free spins round that is triggered by scatter symbols. Instead, it offers a re-spins feature that is integrated into its bonus round. When a Starburst Wild expands and locks a reel, you are awarded one re-spin. If another Starburst Wild lands on one of the other middle reels during this re-spin, it too will expand and lock in place, awarding an additional re-spin. This process can repeat up to three times, potentially leaving the three central reels completely wild for a final, thrilling re-spin with huge win potential. A maximum of three consecutive re-spins can be triggered.

Starburst Theme and Graphics

The theme and graphics of Starburst are a major part of its enduring appeal. It boasts a stunning cosmic theme filled with brilliantly rendered, 3D-effect gemstones that shimmer with every spin. The background is a serene, deep-purple galaxy, which provides a beautiful contrast to the bright symbols on the reels. The soundtrack perfectly complements the visuals, with an ethereal, futuristic synth-pop tune that builds in excitement when you land a win. The overall aesthetic is clean, polished, and mesmerising, proving that a slot doesn't need a complex narrative to be visually engaging.

Starburst Mobile experience

NetEnt is a pioneer in mobile gaming, and Starburst is a prime example of their expertise. The game is fully optimised for mobile play through NetEnt’s Touch® platform, ensuring a flawless experience on any device. Whether you are playing on an iOS or Android smartphone or tablet, the game adapts perfectly to any screen size. The graphics remain crisp, the gameplay is smooth, and all the controls are intuitively designed for a touchscreen interface. You lose none of the desktop version's quality, allowing you to enjoy this cosmic classic on the go.

Starburst Real money

While playing Starburst in demo mode is a great way to familiarise yourself with the game, the real thrill comes from playing for real money. To do so, you simply need to be logged into your casino account and have funds available. You can then set your desired stake and spin for the chance to win actual cash prizes. The game's low volatility means that wins are frequent, which can help extend your gameplay session. Always remember to play responsibly and set a budget before you begin a real money session to ensure your experience remains fun and safe.

Starburst FAQs

What is the RTP of Starburst?

The Return to Player (RTP) for Starburst can vary, but it is well-regarded for its typically high payout percentage. Some versions, like the one mentioned at Slots Temple, boast an exceptionally high RTP of 98.05%, which is significantly above the industry average and offers players excellent theoretical returns over the long term.

How does the 'Win Both Ways' feature work in Starburst?

The 'Win Both Ways' feature is a core mechanic of Starburst. In most slot games, winning combinations must start from the leftmost reel (reel 1). In Starburst, winning lines can be formed from left-to-right (starting on reel 1) and from right-to-left (starting on reel 5), effectively doubling your chances of hitting a winning combination.

Is Starburst a good slot for beginners?

Absolutely. Starburst is often recommended as the perfect introductory slot for new players. Its rules are very simple, the betting options are easy to understand, and the low volatility provides a steady stream of smaller wins, which makes for an engaging and less risky gaming experience compared to high-volatility slots.