If you’re a fan of high-speed action, quirky aliens, and out-of-this-world slot mechanics, Space Wars by NetEnt might just become your new favorite. Originally released in 2013, this sci-fi-themed video slot quickly earned a cult following thanks to its vibrant graphics, humorous characters, and unique Re-Spin + Cloning Pod system that keeps the energy high on every spin.
Unlike traditional slots that follow a slower, more methodical pace, Space Wars launches players into a fast-moving alien battlefield where symbols teleport, wins get duplicated, and respins bring the action back again and again. It’s chaotic, colorful, and ridiculously fun.
The game was such a hit that NetEnt brought it back in 2022 with Space Wars 2 Powerpoints™, a sequel that introduced cluster wins, new bonus features, and even more alien mayhem — but the original still holds up for those who love straightforward, fast-paced slots with a sci-fi twist.
In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about Space Wars, including gameplay, features, strategy, and where to play it safely online.
Space Wars is a sci-fi-themed video slot developed by NetEnt, one of the most respected and innovative game providers in the online casino industry. Released in 2013, this game was among the first to combine a futuristic alien universe with fast-paced, feature-driven gameplay — and it has aged remarkably well.
The game is set in deep space, inside a glass-like arena orbiting an alien planet. On the reels, you’ll meet a variety of animated extraterrestrial characters, each one with a distinct personality and design. From one-eyed blobs to robotic invaders, every symbol bursts with energy and charm.
What gives Space Wars its unique identity is the Cloning Pod™, a high-tech container that activates after every win. The winning symbol is cloned and sent back onto the reels for a free respin, often resulting in a second (or bigger) win — a thrilling twist that breaks the typical slot rhythm.
Visually, the game is sleek and polished, with a clean interface, smooth animations, and a soundtrack straight out of a sci-fi cartoon. The atmosphere is playful and intense at the same time — perfect for players who love quick sessions packed with action.
In 2022, NetEnt released a sequel, Space Wars 2 Powerpoints™, that evolved the franchise with cluster mechanics, bonus attacks, wild overlays, and even more explosive features. Still, the original remains a favorite among those who appreciate straightforward, high-speed slot entertainment.
At first glance, Space Wars may seem like a standard video slot — but under the hood, it’s designed for fast, feature-packed gameplay with a twist. The game uses a 5-reel, 4-row layout and offers 40 fixed paylines, meaning all paylines are active during every spin.
The symbols in Space Wars are split between low-value crystal creatures and high-value alien heroes. Each has its own quirky animation and color theme.
Low-paying symbols:
High-paying symbols:
Wild Symbol:
What makes Space Wars unique is the Cloning Pod mechanic:
Combined with the fast reel speed and short pauses between spins, this creates an ultra-fluid gameplay loop that’s both engaging and potentially very rewarding.
What truly makes Space Wars stand out from traditional slots is its creative approach to bonus mechanics. While it doesn’t include free spins or complex mini-games like other NetEnt titles, it introduces a unique flow of play that revolves around Re-Spins and Cloning — keeping the action fast, unpredictable, and packed with win potential.
The core bonus mechanic is the Cloning Pod, which activates every time you land a winning combination.
Here’s how it works:
This process can be repeated again and again, creating back-to-back wins and near-instant rewards — no long animations or delays.
The green glowing Wild symbol helps trigger wins by substituting for any other symbol. While it doesn’t activate features on its own, it plays a crucial role during respins:
If you’re playing Space Wars 2 Powerpoints™, you’ll get even more chaotic fun:
Still, the original Space Wars keeps things clean, fast, and focused — ideal for players who want bonus excitement without complication.
Before diving into any slot, it’s important to understand two key elements that shape your playing experience: RTP (Return to Player) and volatility. These metrics help you anticipate how often and how much a slot might pay out over time — and Space Wars delivers a balance of action and payout potential that appeals to both casual players and thrill-seekers.
The original Space Wars slot has a Return to Player (RTP) of 96.8%, which is slightly above average for online slots.
The sequel, Space Wars 2, has an RTP of around 96.05%, depending on the casino and version being played.
Whether you’re a desktop player or love spinning on your smartphone, Space Wars delivers a flawless experience across all modern devices. Thanks to NetEnt’s HTML5 development, the game runs smoothly in browsers without any downloads or special apps.
You’ll enjoy the same:
Whether you’re playing portrait or landscape mode, the interface adjusts automatically to your screen size for maximum immersion.
The game also retains its fluid, arcade-like pace on mobile, which makes it perfect for short, action-packed sessions while commuting, relaxing, or on a break.
Even though Space Wars is ultimately a game of luck, there are smart ways to improve your session longevity, maximize winning potential, and make the most of its unique gameplay style. Here’s how to approach this slot strategically:
After the success of the original Space Wars, NetEnt released a sequel in 2022: Space Wars 2 Powerpoints™. While both games are set in the same quirky sci-fi universe, their gameplay and mechanics are vastly different. Let’s break down what sets them apart — and which version is right for your playing style.
| Feature | Space Wars (2013) | Space Wars 2 (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | 5 reels, 4 rows | 6 reels, 6 rows (dynamic) |
| Win Format | 40 fixed paylines | Cluster Pays |
| RTP | 96.8% | ~96.05% |
| Volatility | Medium | High |
| Main Feature | Cloning Pod + Respins | Powerpoints™, Free Spins, Wilds |
| Graphics Style | Classic cartoon-style aliens | Updated 3D visuals & animations |
| Bonus Rounds | None (respins only) | Multiple bonus-triggering mechanics |
| Best For | Fast casual play | Feature hunters, high-risk players |
Choose the original Space Wars if:
Go for Space Wars 2 if:
Both games are fun in their own right — it all depends on whether you prefer classic simplicity or modern chaos.
If you’re ready to blast off and join the alien showdown, Space Wars and its sequel are available at most top-tier online casinos that host NetEnt games. But not all casinos are created equal — here’s how to find the best places to play.
Look for trusted platforms that are:
Popular Choices:
Space Wars is often included in:
Before you claim a bonus:
Not ready to risk your bankroll? You can try Space Wars in demo mode:
Demo play is available on:
Space Wars is one of those rare slots that manages to be simple yet exciting, combining fast gameplay, charming characters, and rewarding mechanics without overwhelming players with complexity. Whether you’re spinning the original or exploring the chaos of Space Wars 2, there’s something undeniably fun about blasting aliens and cloning symbols for instant rewards.
If you enjoy:
…then the original Space Wars is a great pick for casual sessions and light-hearted entertainment.
For those who prefer:
…Space Wars 2 Powerpoints™ might be more your style.
In the end, NetEnt has created a slot duo that satisfies both old-school simplicity fans and modern bonus hunters — all wrapped up in a colorful, intergalactic package.
So if you’re ready to teleport into another galaxy, launch the reels and let the alien wars begin.
Yes! Both the original Space Wars and Space Wars 2 are available in demo mode at most online casinos that offer NetEnt games. You can spin with virtual credits to test the gameplay without risking real money — no registration required.
The original Space Wars doesn’t feature a traditional bonus round like free spins. Instead, it uses a unique Cloning Pod™ + Re-Spin mechanic that can lead to back-to-back wins. Space Wars 2, however, includes Free Spins, Powerpoints, and several other bonus triggers.
Both offer fair returns by online slot standards, but the original has a slight edge.
Absolutely. Both versions of the game are built with HTML5 and are fully compatible with iOS and Android devices. No app needed — just launch the game in your browser and play instantly.
It depends on your style:
