Why Eye of Horus Megaways Changes the Classic Formula

If you have spent any time with online slots, you have almost certainly crossed paths with the original Eye of Horus. That game built a loyal following with its straightforward gameplay, ancient Egyptian theme, and the satisfying feeling of watching expanding symbols fill the reels. The new Eye of Horus Megaways takes that familiar foundation and rebuilds it around the dynamic Megaways engine, which means every spin can bring a different number of ways to win. Instead of the fixed 10 paylines of the original, you get up to 117,649 ways, and that single change alters the entire rhythm of the session.

The most obvious difference is the reel structure itself. The original Eye of Horus uses a classic 5×3 layout with a fixed grid, while the Megaways version uses six reels with varying row heights, plus a top horizontal reel that adds an extra symbol to each spin. This is not a cosmetic tweak. The cascading wins mechanic means winning symbols disappear and new ones drop in, which can chain multiple wins from one spin. The original game had no cascades at all. If you are coming from the classic title, the first few spins in the Megaways version might feel faster and more volatile, because the potential for bigger combinations is much higher.

The free spins bonus is where the two games truly diverge. In the original, landing three scatters triggers 10 free spins with a random symbol chosen to expand. In Eye of Horus Megaways, you get 15 free spins, and the expanding symbol mechanic still exists, but it works differently. During the bonus round, a symbol is selected at random, and whenever it appears, it expands to cover the entire reel and locks in place for that spin. With the Megaways engine, that expanded symbol can create enormous payouts, especially if it lands on multiple reels at once; The top reel also participates in the bonus, which adds another layer of possibility that the original simply does not have.

What makes this version particularly interesting for players who know the original well is the shift in betting range and volatility. The Megaways edition tends to feel more swingy. You might go through dry spells, but the wins that do land can be substantially larger than anything the classic game offers. The max win potential is also dramatically different, with the Megaways version advertising a maximum win of 10,000x your stake, compared to the more modest ceiling of the original. That is a meaningful upgrade for anyone chasing bigger payouts, though it comes with a higher risk profile.

How the Expanding Symbol Mechanic Evolved

In the original Eye of Horus, the expanding symbol was the heart of the experience. A random symbol would be chosen during free spins, and whenever it appeared, it would stretch to cover the entire reel, potentially creating full-screen wins if enough of them landed. It was a simple but effective feature. The Megaways version keeps that core idea but adapts it to the new engine. The chosen symbol now expands on any reel it appears on, and because the reels can have different heights, the expansion can feel more dramatic. A symbol landing on a tall reel covers more positions, which means more ways to win from a single appearance.

There is also a difference in how the scatter symbols behave. The original uses the Eye of Horus symbol as the scatter, and the Megaways version does the same, but the top reel adds an extra chance to land scatters. With the top reel in play, you have seven positions where a scatter can land instead of just five, which slightly increases the frequency of triggering the bonus. For players who found the original’s bonus trigger frustratingly rare, this is a welcome improvement. The bonus buy option is also available in the Megaways version, allowing you to purchase direct access to the free spins round for a set multiple of your stake, something the original never offered.

Volatility and Session Experience

Anyone moving from the original to the Megaways version should expect a different session experience. The original is a low-to-medium volatility game that delivers frequent small wins and the occasional medium-sized payout. It is a comfortable, steady game. Eye of Horus Megaways sits at medium-to-high volatility. You will see more dead spins and more small cascading wins that barely cover your stake, but the potential for a single spin to produce a massive result is far greater. This is not a game for players who prefer a slow, predictable burn. It rewards patience and a willingness to ride out the variance.

The betting range also differs. The Megaways version generally starts at a slightly higher minimum bet, which can be a barrier for players who enjoyed the original’s low-stakes approach. The maximum bet is also higher, which appeals to high rollers. If you are someone who likes to play with small stakes over long sessions, the original might still be the better fit. If you want the chance at life-changing wins and do not mind the swings, the Megaways version is the clear choice.

Comparing the Two Games Side by Side

That table highlights the practical choices you face. The original is a reliable, familiar game that does exactly what it promises. The Megaways version is a more ambitious reimagining that trades stability for potential. Neither is objectively better. It depends entirely on what you want from a session. If you value the comfort of knowing exactly what to expect, the original serves you well. If you are drawn to the possibility of a 10,000x win and enjoy the unpredictability of cascading reels, the Megaways edition is the one to explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still trigger free spins in the same way as the original?
No. In the Megaways version, you need three or more scatters anywhere on the six main reels or the top reel. The top reel adds an extra chance to land scatters, so the trigger rate feels a bit more generous than the original.

Does the expanding symbol work during the base game?
No. The expanding symbol mechanic is exclusive to the free spins bonus round, just like in the original. During the base game, you only get cascading wins and standard symbol payouts.

Is the bonus buy worth using?
It depends on your bankroll and risk tolerance. The bonus buy costs 100x your stake, which is steep, but it guarantees entry into the free spins round. If you prefer to let the game decide when to trigger the bonus, you can simply play normally and wait for scatters to land.

Which game has better return-to-player percentage?
Both games sit in a similar RTP range, typically around 96 percent. The Megaways version can vary slightly depending on the casino and the specific configuration, so it is worth checking the game information screen before you play.

Final Thoughts for Players Considering the Switch

Moving from the original Eye of Horus to the Megaways version is not just a graphical upgrade. It is a fundamentally different gaming experience. The cascading reels, the top horizontal reel, the higher volatility, and the dramatically increased max win all combine to create a game that feels faster, more chaotic, and more rewarding in the right moments. The original remains a solid choice for casual sessions, but if you are ready for a more intense ride with the potential for substantial payouts, Eye of Horus Megaways delivers exactly that. Try both in demo mode first, feel the difference in pacing, and then decide which one matches your playing style. For many players, the answer is clear once they experience the thrill of a full-screen expanding symbol in the Megaways engine.