Getting to Know Merge Up 2

When I first fired up Merge Up 2, I was immediately drawn to its clean, no-nonsense vibe. This slot from BGaming teams up with Strmlytics to deliver a gem-filled adventure that’s all about clusters merging, transforming, and stacking up those Mega multipliers. If you’re a fan of casual, colorful slots with a twist, this one’s right up your alley.

The sequel takes a more 2D approach compared to the original, with graphics that remind me a bit of Candy Crush Saga—simple, bright, and easy on the eyes. But don’t let the simplicity fool you; the gameplay packs a punch with new symbols and multipliers that keep things exciting from the very first spin.

Theme, Gameplay & Payouts

Merge Up 2 runs on a 6×6 grid, where clusters of 4 or more matching gems horizontally or vertically trigger wins. The turquoise background keeps distractions at bay, so your focus stays locked on those sparkling gems. The interface is super intuitive—symbol hierarchy sits right above the reels, showing you how gems upgrade after wins, while your win history and Feature Buy options flank the sides.

Here’s what you need to know about the stakes and payouts:

  • Bet range: From 0.25 up to 25 per spin, so it suits both cautious players and high rollers.
  • RTP: A whopping 98.00%—that’s a Mega rare find in slots, meaning you get more bang for your buck over time.
  • Volatility: High, so expect less frequent but potentially Mega rewarding wins.
  • Max win: Up to 10,000x your bet, which can lead to some seriously Mega payouts.

The gem symbols come in two sets of eight, each with unique shapes and colors. The smallest clusters pay from 0.08x to 0.8x your bet, while big clusters of 12 or more can pay up to 80x. Plus, there are special Bomb and Scatter symbols that spice up the gameplay.

Special Features & Slot Mechanics

Wondering what makes Merge Up 2 stand out? Let me break down the Mega features that keep me coming back:

Cascading & Merging

This isn’t your typical cascade. Instead of all winning symbols disappearing, some merge and upgrade to the next gem in the hierarchy. Then, the rest of the symbols drop down, and new ones fill the gaps. This chain reaction continues as long as you keep forming clusters.

The number of new symbols added depends on your cluster size:

  • 4 or 5 symbols = 2 new symbols
  • 6 or 7 symbols = 3 new symbols
  • 8 or 9 symbols = 4 new symbols
  • 10 or 11 symbols = 5 new symbols
  • 12 or more symbols = 6 new symbols

This mechanic feels like a Mega puzzle unfolding right before your eyes, rewarding patience and strategy.

Position Multiplier

Here’s where things get really exciting. Every time you land a winning cluster, the positions involved get a faint white highlight. If you hit those spots again, their multipliers double—starting at x2 and potentially soaring up to a Mega x128! When clusters cover multiple multiplier positions, their values add up, leading to some seriously Mega wins.

Bomb & Scatter Symbols

Landing a cluster with the highest-paying gem triggers a Bomb. This Bomb explodes, wiping out 8 surrounding symbols and boosting multipliers in those spots by one step. After the explosion, the Bomb turns into a Scatter, which can also appear randomly on the reels.

Think of the Bomb as your Mega helper, clearing the way and boosting your chances for bigger combos.

Free Spins

Three or more Scatters at the end of a spin unlock free spins:

  • 3 Scatters = 12 free spins
  • 4 Scatters = 15 free spins
  • 5 Scatters = 20 free spins
  • 6 or more Scatters = 30 free spins

During free spins, all position multipliers stick around, letting you build Mega multipliers over multiple spins. Plus, hitting 3 or more Scatters during the bonus adds 5 extra spins, keeping the Mega fun going.

Feature Buy

If you’re like me and don’t want to wait for the bonus rounds, the Feature Buy options are a Mega time-saver:

  • 1.2x bet: Boosts your chance to trigger the bonus from the base game.
  • 100x bet: Starts the regular free spins round.
  • 250x bet: Free spins with all positions starting at x2 multipliers.
  • 500x bet: Free spins with 3-9 Bombs randomly placed, exploding to create starting multipliers.

These options let you tailor your Mega experience, whether you want to play it safe or go all-in for the big thrills.

Why I Keep Coming Back to Merge Up 2

What really impresses me about Merge Up 2 is how it improves on the original. The base game now includes position multipliers, so every spin feels like it could lead to a Mega win, not just the bonus rounds. The Bomb symbol adds a clever layer of strategy, exploding to clear space and boost multipliers before turning into a Scatter.

The 2D graphics might seem simple, but they fit perfectly with the gameplay’s casual, mobile-friendly vibe. It’s like a breath of fresh air compared to overly flashy slots. Plus, that 98% RTP is a Mega draw—few slots offer such generous returns.

In short, Merge Up 2 is a gem of a slot that combines straightforward fun with deep mechanics. Whether you’re chasing Mega spins or just enjoying the satisfying merges and explosions, it’s a game that keeps the excitement flowing.