Big Buffalo Megaways is a Skywind pokie built around shifting reels, animal symbols and a Free Games round that can start small or run much longer. We checked the feature set because this game has several optional extras, including Buy In and Ante Bet controls, plus Wild multipliers inside the bonus.
last updated 1 July 2026
Big Buffalo Megaways Pokie Review
Nature-Themed
Buffalo-Themed
Animals-Themed
Quick Facts
RTP
96.5%
Volatility
High
Provider
Skywind Group
Min Bet
AU$0.20
Max Bet
AU$200
Max Win
5,000x
Free spins
Bonus game
Wild symbol
Scatter Symbol
Multiplier
Symbol Stacked
Jackpot Game
Slot reels
6
Slot lines
117,649 ways to win
Release Date
2021
Page contents
- Game Overview
- Game Features & Mechanics
- Technical Specifications
- Paytable & Symbol Values
- Graphics, Animations & Sound Design
- Game Gallery
- Big Buffalo Megaways on Mobile Devices and Other Platforms
- How Big Buffalo Megaways Compares to Similar Pokies
- About Skywind — The Developer Behind the Game
- Final Verdict
- Last Pokie Reviews
- Frequently Asked Questions
Game Overview
Big Buffalo Megaways is Skywind’s Megaways upgrade of its prairie-themed Big Buffalo format. The game uses six reels, animal symbols and changing reel heights rather than fixed paylines. The main draw is the Free Games round, where the number of starting spins can jump sharply if more Scatters land. We found the base game easy to follow because there are no complicated pick screens or side boards, but the optional controls matter. Buy In can take you straight to the feature, while Ante Bet changes the cost of the next spin in exchange for a higher feature chance. The checked version lists 96.50% RTP, high volatility and a maximum win of 5,000x bet, so this is not a low-pressure classic pokie.
Game Features & Mechanics
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Dynamic Reel Height
Every reel can land a different number of symbols. That changing layout decides how many possible ways are active on each spin.
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Ways Pays
Wins pay through matching symbols on adjacent reels from the left. The game pays the highest result on each winning way.
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Base Game Setup
The main game is mostly about symbol drops and ways wins. The bigger feature decisions sit in Ante Bet and Buy In.
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Bonus Round Rules
During Free Games, Wilds on reels 2 to 6 can add multipliers when they take part in a paying combination.
Technical Specifications
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Volatility Level
The official game listing marks Big Buffalo Megaways at 5/5 volatility. That points to sharper swings than a softer daily-play pokie.
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RTP Explained
The checked version lists 96.50% RTP. That is the theoretical long-term return before casino-specific settings or local versions are considered.
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Bet Range
The checked version runs from $0.20 to $200 per spin. Bet limits can still change by casino, currency and available feature controls.
Paytable & Symbol Values
Big Buffalo Megaways uses animal symbols, card ranks and number symbols across its changing reel layout. The buffalo is the top regular symbol, paying 20, 50, 100, 125 and 150 for 2 to 6 of a kind. Eagle and wolf share the next pay level, with values of 8, 25, 60, 100 and 125. Fox and cougar pay 5, 20, 40, 75 and 100.
The lower symbols are A, K, Q, J, 10 and 9. A and K pay 10, 20, 40 and 60 for 3 to 6 of a kind. Q and J pay 5, 15, 30 and 50, while 10 and 9 pay 5, 10, 25 and 40. Animal symbols pay from 2 of a kind, while card and number symbols pay from 3. Regular wins need matching symbols on adjacent reels from the left.
Special Symbols
Wild Symbol
The Wild appears on reels 2 to 6. It substitutes for all regular paying symbols, except for the Free Games symbol. During FS, Wilds can randomly multiply wins by 2x, 3x or 5x.
Free Games Symbol
The Free Games symbol works as the Scatter. Landing 3 or more of these symbols triggers the Free Games feature.
Graphics, Animations & Sound Design
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Graphics
Big Buffalo Megaways uses a dry prairie setting with cliffs, open sky and animal symbols in the centre of the screen. The background does not fight the reels, which helps because the symbol count can change every spin. The buffalo symbol is easy to spot, and the card ranks stay simple.
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Animations
The animations are mostly tied to reel changes, wins and bonus outcomes rather than long character scenes. That suits the game because the screen already shifts through the Megaways layout. Free Games feel busier once Wild multipliers start landing, but the action remains readable.
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Sound Design
The sound follows the western wildlife theme with steady background music and sharper win effects. It is not a cinematic soundtrack, and that works fine here. The useful part is that bonus triggers and win reveals have clear audio separation without making the base game feel noisy.
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Visual Feel & Interactivity
The game feels wider and more open than a fixed-payline buffalo pokie because the reels keep changing height. Most of the interaction comes from choosing whether to use Ante Bet or Buy In before a spin. Once the reels start, the game explains results through symbols and counters.
Game Gallery
Big Buffalo Megaways on Mobile Devices and Other Platforms
Big Buffalo Megaways works on mobile, tablet and desktop, but the reel size matters more than it would in a standard 5x3 slot. The game can show up to 7 symbols on each reel, so smaller phone screens can feel packed when the layout expands. We found the base game manageable on mobile because the symbols are not overly detailed, but Free Games are easier to follow on a wider display. Buy In and Ante Bet controls should also be checked carefully before play, especially if the casino places them close to the spin area. Desktop gives the cleanest paytable view, while tablet is the better mobile balance.
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Android
Android play is fine on larger phones. Smaller screens can make the full reel height feel tight when all six reels expand.
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iOS
iOS handles the game smoothly when the casino lobby is well optimised. Bigger iPhone screens make Scatters and Wilds easier to separate.
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Tablet
Tablet is the best mobile option for this slot. The Megaways grid has room to expand without making the buttons feel cramped.
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Desktop
Desktop gives the clearest setup for longer sessions. Paytable checks, bet changes, Ante Bet and Buy In controls are easier to manage.
Optimal Gameplay Tips
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Use Stable Connection
EssentialFree Games, retriggers and Buy In rounds all rely on clean game loading. A stable connection helps avoid reloads during feature sequences.
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Landscape Mode Recommended
RecommendedLandscape view gives the reels more width and makes the changing grid easier to read, especially when the game reaches higher Megaways counts.
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Audio Settings
OptionalThe game can be played without sound because bonus results are shown visually. Audio is mainly useful for separating ordinary wins from feature triggers.
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Full Screen Mode
RecommendedFull screen helps with this slot because the reel height changes often. It also makes bet controls and Free Games counters easier to check.
How Big Buffalo Megaways Compares to Similar Pokies
Big Buffalo Megaways
Skywind Group
96.5%
High
0.20
The Wild Chase
Quickspin
96.7%
Medium
0.25
Home of the Brave
Nolimit City
96.0%
Low
0.20
Big Bass Bonanza Hold & Spinner
Pragmatic Play
96.1%
High
0.10
Merlin's Millions Superbet HQ
NextGen Gaming
95.6%
High
0.50
About Skywind — The Developer Behind the Game
Skywind is an iGaming provider with a catalogue covering pokies, live dealer titles, engagement tools and other operator products. Its slot style often leans into familiar themes, then adds one or two clear mechanics that make the game easier to understand from the paytable. Big Buffalo Megaways shows that approach well. The theme is direct: desert scenery, wild animals and a buffalo as the top regular symbol. The structure is more technical because Megaways changes the grid every spin, but the feature path still stays easy to follow.
We checked this title as a Skywind Megaways release rather than a standard buffalo clone. The important part is how the provider keeps the bonus rules close to the main game. Scatters trigger Free Games, Wilds become stronger in the feature, and optional controls sit outside the reels. That gives the slot more depth without asking players to track several separate bonus screens at once.
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Broad Game Range
Skywind works across slots, live dealer games and engagement tools, so its pokies usually sit inside a wider casino product setup.
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Mobile-Led Delivery
The provider’s games are built for online play across devices. Big Buffalo Megaways still benefits from bigger screens because of the expanding reels.
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Feature-Focused Slots
Skywind often builds games around clear bonus tools, such as Free Games, Wild changes, buy access or extra-chance options before a spin.
Final Verdict
Why It’s Worth Playing
- The Megaways layout gives each spin a changing shape instead of locking the game into fixed paylines
- Free Games can start with a much larger spin count when more Scatters land in the base game
- Wild multipliers give the bonus round its main upgrade without adding a complicated second-screen feature
- Buy In is available for players who want direct Free Games access where the casino version allows it
- Ante Bet gives a clear optional trade-off: higher spin cost for a stronger feature-trigger chance
Things to Consider
- High volatility means quiet stretches are possible, especially if the bonus round does not land early
- Buy In costs 100x the current bet, so it should be treated as a separate high-cost feature choice
- Smaller phone screens can feel crowded when the Megaways grid expands to its highest reel height
Overall Rating
8.4
Bottom Line
Big Buffalo Megaways is best for players who like animal-themed pokies but want more movement than a fixed-line setup. The base game stays readable, while the changing reels and ways system give each spin a different layout. The Free Games round is the main reason to look at the slot, especially because Wild multipliers only become active there. We like that Skywind includes both Buy In and Ante Bet, but those tools change the cost of play and should be checked before use. Overall, this is a straightforward Megaways pokie with enough bonus control to feel flexible.
Last Pokie Reviews
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many ways does Big Buffalo Megaways have?
Big Buffalo Megaways can reach up to 117,649 ways to win. The exact number changes every spin because each reel can land a different number of visible symbols.
What triggers Free Games in Big Buffalo Megaways?
Free Games trigger when 3 or more Free Games symbols land. The number of starting spins depends on how many Scatters appear on the triggering spin.
Does Big Buffalo Megaways have Wild multipliers?
Yes. Wilds can multiply wins by 2x, 3x or 5x during Free Games. In the base game, the Wild works as a substitute without the bonus multiplier effect.
Is there a Bonus Buy in Big Buffalo Megaways?
Yes. The game has a Buy In feature that can trigger Free Games for 100x the current bet. Availability can still depend on the casino version.
What does Ante Bet do in Big Buffalo Megaways?
Ante Bet increases the cost of the next base-game spin and doubles the chance of triggering Free Games. The setting should be checked before spinning.
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