How to Play Starburst: Complete Gameplay Guide

Starburst is a classic 5-reel, 3-row video slot developed by NetEnt, originally released in 2012. It features 10 fixed paylines that pay wins both ways, from left to right and right to left, which increases opportunities for winning combinations. The game’s theme revolves around cosmic gems, enhanced with retro arcade sounds, appealing to players who enjoy simple yet visually attractive slots.

The slot’s volatility is low, meaning wins tend to occur more frequently but usually for smaller amounts compared to high-volatility slots. Its Return to Player (RTP) is about 96.08%, a standard figure for many slots, although this may vary slightly depending on the operator’s configuration. Starburst offers straightforward gameplay without complex bonus rounds or scatter symbols, making it accessible for beginners and casual players alike.

A key feature is the Starburst Wild, which can appear only on reels 2, 3 and 4. When a Wild lands, it expands to cover the entire reel and locks in place, triggering a re-spin of the other reels. This Wild expansion and respin functionality is the only special feature in the game and can lead to consecutive respins if additional Wilds appear, up to a maximum of three respins triggered by up to three expanded Wild reels.

The paylines in Starburst reward players for matching symbols consecutively along any of the 10 lines, paying from either the leftmost or rightmost reel direction. Only one win, the highest from one direction per active line, is paid for each spin, while wins from different paylines are combined. The combination of both-ways paylines and the expanding Wild feature makes for dynamic gameplay despite the absence of free spins or multipliers.

Playing Starburst involves simple controls and predictable steps, ideal for beginners and those who prefer less complexity. The session begins by setting your stake, then spinning the reels to see if you hit winning combinations enhanced by the game’s special Wild feature.

When the Spin button is pressed, the reels spin and come to a stop displaying various gem symbols arranged in 5 columns (reels) and 3 rows. Wins are then evaluated on each of the 10 fixed both-ways paylines. If a win occurs, the amount is shown on the screen according to the paytable provided in the game’s information panel.

The core excitement comes when the Starburst Wild symbol lands on reels 2, 3 or 4. This Wild symbol expands to fill the whole reel and locks in place for the next spin, which is a respin of the remaining reels. Each respin uses the same bet as the triggering spin and can add further Wilds, which will extend the respin feature up to three times. The expanding Wild reels stay fixed through all respins until no new Wild appears, ending the feature.

Starting a Round and Setting Your Stake

Before spinning, determine your stake for the round. This amount sets the bet per spin and applies to any respins triggered by Wild symbols. The game interface includes a control panel where you can adjust the bet value according to limits set by your chosen operator.

Starburst is a 5-reel, 3-row video slot with 10 fixed paylines that pay both left to right and right to left, increasing winning chances. The game features expanding Starburst Wilds on reels 2, 3 and 4, which trigger respins locked in place up to three times. It has low volatility and an RTP of about 96.08%.

Players set a stake before spinning. When a Starburst Wild lands, it expands across its reel and triggers a respin using the same bet value. Up to three respins can be won if multiple Wilds appear consecutively.

Key Game Features

• Developed by NetEnt and released in 2012.

• 10 fixed paylines active on every spin, paying wins both directions.

• Low volatility ensures frequent wins with moderate sizes.

• Starburst Wild expands to fill reels 2, 3 or 4 and locks in place for respins.

• Respins repeat at the triggering stake, up to three times total.

• No free spins, bonus rounds, multipliers or scatter symbols.

Starburst Game Specifications