The true payout potential of Aftermath lies within its bonus rounds: Bonus Spins, Super Bonus Spins, and four game-altering modifier symbols that dynamically reshape the reel grid on every avalanche. This guide details each bonus mechanic, triggering criteria, and feature buy costs. For a quantitative breakdown, explore our RTP analysis.
The Four Special Modifier Symbols
Bomb doubles the active round multiplier and remains locked in position throughout subsequent avalanches; every successive cascading payout benefits from a multiplier accelerating twice as fast. Upgrade promotes low-paying symbols into high-value premium symbols. Change transforms the 8 adjacent positions surrounding it into one identical matching symbol. Purge obliterates grid obstacles and wipes out medium- and low-tier symbols, clearing maximum space—this is the catalyst that enables the grid to expand from 4×6 up to 6×8.
These four mechanics chain together seamlessly, particularly during free games: triggering a Purge followed by a Bomb on an expanded layout creates the quintessential recipe for extended, high-paying avalanche sequences.
Bonus Spins: Triggers and Gameplay Mechanics
The Bonus Spins feature activates by landing clenched-fist scatter symbols anywhere on the reels:
| Scatters | Spins Awarded |
|---|---|
| 3 scatters | 8 Bonus Spins |
| 4 scatters | 10 Bonus Spins |
| 5 scatters | 12 Bonus Spins |
During the bonus round, the win multiplier no longer resets between spins: every winning cascade, no matter how small, feeds a persistent multiplier meter that climbs until the round concludes. Landing Special Wilds adds +2 to the multiplier. This cumulative accumulation represents your pathway toward the game's 25,000x top payout cap.
Super Bonus Spins: The Enhanced Feature Mode
If at least one of the triggering scatters is a Super Scatter, the Super Bonus Spins mode is unlocked. The crucial distinction lies in one pivotal rule: a Special Wild carrying a guaranteed value between +3 and +10 appears on every single spin. In practice, the persistent multiplier surges at an exponential pace compared to standard free games—making this the most lucrative and sought-after mode in the entire slot, as well as the rarest to hit organically.
The Elevate Feature: Purchasing Direct Bonus Access
For players who prefer immediate action over waiting for scatters to land organically, NetEnt's Elevate feature menu provides five distinct purchase tiers:
| Elevate Option | Cost | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Scatter Hunt | 5× bet | Substantially enhances scatter landing frequency |
| Feature Hunt | 10× bet | Significantly boosts the hit rate of special modifier symbols |
| Power Boost | 25× bet | Applies an enhanced booster to the upcoming spin |
| Bonus Spins | 100× bet | Instantly triggers standard Bonus Spins (8–12 spins) |
| Aftermath Spins | 500× bet | Instantly triggers enhanced Super Bonus Spins |
The premium Aftermath Spins tier at 500x total stake ranges from €100 to €10,000 depending on your selected base bet (€0.20 to €20). This high-variance feature buy is tailored exclusively for experienced players and never guarantees a return. Our dedicated strategy guide breaks down when feature buys can fit into a session plan and when they should be strictly avoided.
Risk-Free Bonus Practice
Our free demo simulator enables you to witness authentic bonus hit rates and test modifier dynamics firsthand without wagering a single euro. For foundational rules, consult our beginner's guide. Reminder: 18+ only; gamble responsibly.