Automata with sticky Wild-symbols from Aristocrat

1) What is sticky Wild (in fact mechanics)

Sticky Wild is a wild that, after appearing, remains on the drums for a number of subsequent spins (usually for the entire bonus/series of respins). Is he:
  • replaces symbols according to standard rules;
  • is fixed in position until the end of the feature/round;
  • often amplified as a multiplier (x2/x3, etc.) in specific titles.
  • In Aristocrat, this mechanic is found in individual games and is officially highlighted as a feature filter in the game catalog ("Sticky Wilds").

2) Where Aristocrat really has Sticky Wild (confirmed examples)

Miss Kitty (various editions) is a classic with sticky cats in freespins: any Wild that falls in the bonus remains until the end of free spins. In the new version of Jackpot Carnival: Miss Kitty, sticky cats also turn into multiplier positions up to x3.
Miss Kitty Wild Ride - frequent basic and bonus features with flocking sticky Wild; in a separate Sticky Wild Free Game mode, Kitty/Diamond characters are fixed until the feature is completed, multipliers and jackpot spin are provided.
Pelican Pete (modern iteration) - "new adventure" with sticky cartoon Wild; in the bonus, you can choose between freespins and Cash Express: in both cases, mechanics remain, where wilds are fixed/strengthened.
Zorro Wild Ride - feature with sticky (persistent) Wild and increasing multipliers; on the earned "persistent state," wild symbols are retained between bets while new ones are added.

💡Note: Aristocrat has a list of Sticky Wild games officially labeled (there is a Sticky Wilds category in the catalog), but the availability of specific titles/versions depends on the region and build of the software.

3) Typical Sticky Wild formats at Aristocrat

1. Sticky for the duration of the freespins. Classic format (Miss Kitty): Wilds dropped in the bonus "hold" until the end of the round - key to big line payouts.
2. Sticky with multipliers. Variation, where the fixed wild gets a multiplier (up to x3 and higher) - found in modern versions of Miss Kitty and Pelican Pete.
3. Sticky in a "persistent state." Intermediate, cumulative mode in the database (Zorro Wild Ride): sticky wilds are saved between the backs until the replenishment chain breaks.

4) Where Sticky Wild hardly meet

In the link progressive series (Lightning Link, Dragon Link, Dollar Storm, Buffalo Link, etc.), Hold & Spin remains the flagship, not sticky wilds; sticky decisions are rare there, since the rhythm of these games is built around event "coins/balls" and a jackpot structure, rather than fixing wilds. (We watch games with Sticky through the official filter - there are significantly fewer of them than link hits.)

5) Impact on game feel and bankroll

Volatility. Sticky Wild boosts amplitude: a few fixed wilds "mature" to a large payout at the end of a feature; in idle segments may "not go" at all.
Tempo. In freespins, the pace is smoother: fixed wilds add line frequency, but the main profit comes from "assembly" on the last spins.
RTP. The theoretical return does not grow due to Sticky itself; mechanics redistributes the probability of winning within the bonus rather than "adds EV."

6) How to recognize Sticky Wild on a specific machine (field algorithm)

1. Help/Info → Features/Jacks/Free Games. Look for the wording "Sticky Wild (s)," "remain/stay until the feature ends," "persistent/stacking sticky wilds."
2. Catalog markings. The Aristocrat showcase has a Sticky Wilds tag (showing all mechanically enabled games available in the region).
3. Visual signs. In the bonus, the wilds are "highlighted" and remain at the same coordinates until the completion of the feature; in Zorro Wild Ride - an indicator of a persistent state above the drums.

7) Betting/Denome Selection Practice under Sticky Wild

Less spin, more "quality." If the goal is to "collect a setup" of 2-4 sticky wilds, calculate the budget so that you live to see the end of the bonus: the main payment often comes on the last backs.
Par/rate. Choose so that one round of freespins does not "eat up" a disproportionately large piece of bankroll; Sticky enhances dispersion.
Bonding with multipliers. In games where sticky wilds are also multipliers (Miss Kitty - up to x3; Pelican Pete - sticky multiplier wilds), the priority is to keep the grid until the end of the bonus.

8) Frequent questions (on the case)

Sticky Wild = always a big win? No, it isn't. Without enough fixations/multipliers, the total can be average.
Does Sticky work in the database or only in the bonus? Most of the titles listed are in bonus; exceptions like Zorro Wild Ride use persistent and in the database.
Is it possible to "hold" wilds longer than normal? No, it isn't. The duration is recorded by the game (usually until the end of the feature/respins).
Does the choice of high denom increase the chance of a "sticky" setup? No, it isn't. Denom affects the cost and amount of payments, not the logic of fixing.

9) Aristocrat games mini-shortlist with Sticky Wild (for reference)

Miss Kitty are sticky cats in freespins.
Jackpot Carnival: Miss Kitty - sticky multiplier cats up to x3.
Miss Kitty Wild Ride - flocking sticky wilds + a separate Sticky feature.
Pelican Pete (new version) - sticky multiplier Wild, choice of features.
Zorro Wild Ride - Sticky/persistent Wild and multiplier growth.

Conclusion

For Aristocrat, sticky Wild is a niche but strong winning amplitude growth tool that is implemented in specific series/reissues (Miss Kitty line, Pelican Pete, Zorro Wild Ride, etc.). Formats vary: sticky for the whole bonus, sticky with multipliers, persistent states in the database. Getting to know them is simple: check Help/Info on the machine and target the official Sticky Wilds tag in the catalogue. From the point of view of the game, Sticky increases the variance and transfers the "lion's share" of EV to the end of the feature - plan the bet and bankroll so that you live to "build" the setup.