What Makes Starburst So Appealing
Starburst has been one of the most played online slots in the UK for well over a decade, and it is easy to see why. NetEnt built it in 2012 around a handful of qualities that suit casual and beginner players especially well. It runs on 5 reels with 10 both-ways paylines, so wins pay from the left and the right. The volatility is low, which means the game tends to deliver small, frequent wins rather than long dry spells punctuated by big hits.
The signature mechanic is the expanding wild. When a wild lands on reels two, three or four, it expands to fill the whole reel and triggers a re-spin, and it can do this a few times in a row. There is no free spins round to learn and no complicated bonus buy – just a clean, arcade-style loop wrapped in a bright space-and-gems theme. If those are the traits you enjoy, the slots below share a family resemblance. Here is what “similar” means for each one, and how it differs from Starburst.
Seven Slots Similar to Starburst
Starburst XXXtreme
This is the direct sequel from NetEnt and the most obvious next step. It keeps the space-and-gems look, the both-ways wins and the expanding wild re-spins, so it feels immediately familiar. The key difference is intensity: Starburst XXXtreme is high volatility rather than low, and it adds random wild bet multipliers that can stack on top of each other. That makes it far swingier than the original, so treat it as the bigger, bolder cousin rather than a like-for-like swap.
Twin Spin
Twin Spin is another NetEnt classic and a natural pick for Starburst fans who like simple, feature-light play. It has a retro fruit-machine style and a headline mechanic where at least two adjacent reels start every spin linked as identical twins, sometimes expanding to cover more reels. There is no bonus round to trigger, which matches Starburst’s straightforward feel. Volatility sits in the low-to-medium range, so it is a little livelier than Starburst but still comfortable for smaller stakes.
Berryburst
Berryburst is NetEnt’s fruit-flavoured take on the Starburst formula, and the name is no accident. It swaps space gems for glossy berries and combines expanding wilds with cluster-pays, so wins form when matching symbols group together rather than along fixed lines. Like Starburst, an expanding wild triggers a re-spin, giving repeat chances at a win. It shares the same bright, easy-going mood, with medium volatility that keeps the action a touch more varied than the original.
Blazing Star
Blazing Star comes from Merkur rather than NetEnt and leans into the classic gem-and-star aesthetic that Starburst players tend to love. It is a stripped-back five-reel game with fruit and star symbols and a golden, retro arcade feel. There are no elaborate bonus features to master, which keeps it accessible and quick to pick up. The pacing is closer to a land-based fruit machine, so it is a good choice if you enjoy Starburst’s simplicity but fancy a change of studio and a slightly more traditional presentation.
Reel Rush
Reel Rush is a colourful, fruity NetEnt slot for players who like a brighter, sweeter theme. Instead of fixed paylines it uses an expanding ways system: successive wins unlock more symbol positions, building from a small grid up to hundreds of ways to win, before a free-spins round. It is a step up in complexity from Starburst and sits at medium volatility, but the candy-shop visuals and the satisfying build-up of winning ways give it the same feel-good, momentum-driven charm.
Gonzo’s Quest
Gonzo’s Quest is one of NetEnt’s most famous titles and a sensible way to venture beyond Starburst without straying too far. Its signature Avalanche mechanic replaces spinning reels with falling stone blocks – winning symbols vanish and new ones drop in, with each consecutive win raising a multiplier. That chained-win feeling echoes Starburst’s re-spins. Be aware it is a step up in volatility and swaps the gem theme for an Inca adventure, so it rewards a slightly larger bankroll and a bit more patience.
Sparks
Sparks rounds out the list as another NetEnt game that keeps things bright and gem-like. Its standout feature is roaming wilds, which move across the reels from spin to spin and can help stitch together consecutive wins, much as Starburst’s expanding wilds prolong a good moment. The neon, electric visuals share Starburst’s clean, modern polish. Volatility is on the lower side of medium, making it approachable for players who value frequent action over rare big payouts.
Where to Play These Slots
Every game on this list is a mainstream release from a well-known studio, which means you will find them across the same kind of UKGC-licensed, consumer-facing casinos where you already play Starburst. Availability varies from casino to casino, so it is worth checking a site’s game library before you register. Whichever you try, set a budget you are comfortable with, take breaks, and use the deposit limits and time-out tools your casino provides. If gambling ever stops feeling fun, free confidential support is available at GambleAware (gambleaware.org).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closest slot to Starburst?
Starburst XXXtreme is the closest match because it is NetEnt's official sequel. It keeps the space-and-gems theme, both-ways wins and expanding wild re-spins, but adds bet multipliers and higher volatility, so it is punchier than the original.
Are these slots low volatility like Starburst?
Some are and some are not. Twin Spin and Sparks stay in the low-to-medium range, close to Starburst's gentle feel, while Berryburst and Reel Rush are medium. Starburst XXXtreme and Gonzo's Quest are noticeably higher, so expect bigger swings from those two.
Do any of these slots have a free spins round like Starburst does not?
Starburst has no free spins feature, relying on expanding wild re-spins instead. Among the alternatives, Reel Rush and Gonzo's Quest include free-spins style rounds, while Twin Spin and Blazing Star stay feature-light and closer to Starburst's simple style.
Are all these slots made by NetEnt?
Most are. Starburst XXXtreme, Twin Spin, Berryburst, Reel Rush, Gonzo's Quest and Sparks are all NetEnt titles. Blazing Star is the exception, made by Merkur, and is included for its classic gem-and-star theme that Starburst fans tend to enjoy.
Where can I play slots similar to Starburst in the UK?
You will find these games at the same UKGC-licensed casinos that offer Starburst. Game libraries differ between casinos, so check the provider list before signing up, and always play within your budget using the responsible gambling tools available.