Wild Symbols Explained
What the term means
A wild symbol substitutes for designated other symbols when calculating eligible combinations. It may also have its own prize or special expansion behaviour, but these are optional rules rather than universal properties.
How the system or behaviour works
The paytable states which symbols a wild can replace, whether it appears on all reels and how overlapping lines are scored. Sticky, expanding, stacked and walking wilds are different behaviours that should not be combined into one generic 'wild' feature.
Example and interpretation
In a conventional line game, a wild between two matching symbols may complete a three-symbol line if substitution is allowed. The same symbol might not substitute for a scatter or jackpot trigger, even when the artwork shows a similar icon.
Limits and cautions
A game with wilds is not automatically more favourable. The developer can adjust symbol frequencies and awards elsewhere in the mathematical model; a rules feature alone does not establish RTP.
Related concept to keep separate
For a different question, see Scatter Symbols Explained (/pokies/scatter-symbols-explained/). The comparison helps distinguish the present topic from a neighbouring concept without assuming the two share the same rules or conclusions.