Buffalo Thunderstorm Expands to 8x5 With 3,710.5x Win Potential

New release – Buffalo Thunderstorm by Elysium Studios. On 10th September 2026, Elysium Studios launched a cluster-pays slot called Buffalo Thunderstorm for Swintt. This slot features a cluster-pays system that will allow players to win up to 3,710.5 times the amount they have placed per spin. Additionally, this slot has an expanding reel grid (that can reach 8×5), increasing buffalo wilds and Free Spins modifiers.

Progressive wins cause board size to increase

Elysium Studios' main idea was simple. Every time a player achieves a winning cluster the number of rows displayed on the screen expands. The game starts off with 25 spaces on the 5×5 grid. Once a player achieves the first 3 consecutive Cluster Wins, 1 row is added after each win; thus allowing the entire 8×5 grid to be reached. Once the grid reaches maximum size, there is yet another option.

If the Symbol Swap function is activated when the grid is at maximum size all lower-value symbols may be converted to a premium symbol matching one of the remaining symbols. This could provide even more opportunities for a player to achieve additional clusters within their current sequence of wins.

It provides a good visual representation of what consecutive wins do for a player. Players can visually watch the grid expand as their winning streak grows, providing a sense of accomplishment and Progression as they transition from a smaller grid with fewer opportunities to a larger grid with more possibilities.

Growing buffalo wilds up to 3×3 positions

In addition to having the ability to grow the number of rows on the reel grid, buffalo wilds also grow in size. After achieving consecutive wins using buffalo wilds, they can grow and occupy up to 3×3 positions.

I believe that this relationship between the expanding reel grid and the growing buffalo wild is one of the strongest parts of the design of Buffalo Thunderstorm. The two mechanics operate together in an escalating manner. As the board expands so does the influence of the Buffalo Wild.

In my opinion, Elysium Studios has developed these two mechanics to support the escalation of a single sequence of wins. I am unable to find this listed as a specific item under features & functions in Elysium Studios’ list of maximum payouts which is provided at 3,710.5x.

Randomly selected modifier awarded before each free spin

When 3 scatter symbols appear anywhere on the 8×5 grid, they award players with 10 Free Spins. However, unlike other slot games, prior to each free spin, a random modifier will be awarded. There are four types of modifiers that can be selected: guaranteed symbol swap(s); buffalo wild occupying either a 2×2 or 3×3 space; multiplier ranging from 5x to 25x; etc.

An additional 10 Free Spins will be awarded if 3 additional scatters appear during the Free Spins round. A player can also use the bonus button if available to initiate Free Spins. Another option allows players to raise their wager and raises the odds of initiating Free Spins by 30% via the Bet Boost.

Why cluster pays slots remain relevant

As far as New Zealand's iGaming industry is concerned, the real interest lies in how cluster pays slots are progressing away from fixed-sized grids. Cluster pays mechanisms offer more flexibility than payline-based systems. However, as new cascades and cluster formats emerge, more needs to differentiate them from existing ones. Buffalo Thunderstorm uses physical changes to its own grid as that mechanism for differentiation. Unlike most cluster pays slots, instead of removing winning symbols and simply repeating, Buffalo Thunderstorm adds more winning options and/or environments as you succeed in your winning sequence.

According to Swintt chief commercial officer Anthony Dalla-Giacoma, this concept of building upon previous success is exactly what gives Buffalo Thunderstorm "its momentum" and "feature diversity". Dalla-Giacoma also pointed out that this approach fits well with Elysium Studios' wider range of titles.

Many titles in Elysium Studios' official portfolio utilize similar mechanics-based ideas such as cluster pays, expanding wilds, and changing environmental conditions throughout various stages of a game session such as Jungle Quest Morph & Win. Therefore, Buffalo Thunderstorm represents much more than just attaching a buffalo-themed skin to familiar cluster pays concepts.

The evolving 5×5-to-8×5 grid Expansion, growing 3×3 Buffalo Wilds, Symbol Swaps and changing Free Spins modifiers were all created around the premise that consecutive winning sequences should clearly show Progression from one stage to another. Thus, with possible wins up to 3,710.5x, Elysium Studios has developed a title that attracts players due to progressive wins rather than solely focusing on achieving the highest possible win.