Book of Dead Overview
Book of Dead by Play'n GO is one of the most iconic online slots ever created. Released in 2016, it remains a staple on virtually every major online casino platform. Set in ancient Egypt and following the adventures of Rich Wilde, the game is loved for its sleek design, atmospheric soundtrack, and rewarding free spins mechanic.
Key Stats at a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Developer | Play'n GO |
| RTP | 96.21% |
| Volatility | High |
| Paylines | 10 |
| Reels | 5×3 |
| Max Win | 5,000× stake |
| Min/Max Bet | €0.01 – €100 |
RTP and What It Means for Players
Book of Dead carries a published RTP of 96.21%, which sits comfortably above the industry average of around 96%. This means the game is theoretically player-friendly over extended play, but its high volatility is the defining characteristic — expect long dry spells punctuated by significant wins, particularly during the free spins round.
Base Game Mechanics
The game uses a standard 5-reel, 3-row layout with 10 fixed paylines. Symbols are drawn from Egyptian mythology:
- Rich Wilde (explorer): The highest-paying symbol
- Anubis, Ra, and Scarab: Mid-tier premium symbols
- 10, J, Q, K, A: Lower-paying card symbols
- Book of Dead: Acts as both Wild and Scatter
Landing 3 or more Book of Dead symbols anywhere on the reels triggers the free spins feature.
Free Spins Feature
This is where Book of Dead truly shines. Landing 3+ scatter symbols awards 10 free spins. Before the round begins, one symbol is randomly selected as the Special Expanding Symbol. During free spins, this symbol expands to fill the entire reel when it appears as part of a winning combination.
If the expanding symbol is Rich Wilde (the highest-value symbol) and it lands on three or more reels fully expanded, the payout potential is massive. Free spins can also be retriggered by landing 3 more scatter symbols during the feature.
Volatility: What to Expect Session-to-Session
Book of Dead's high volatility means the following is very common:
- Extended base game sessions with few significant wins
- Large swings in balance before hitting the bonus
- High variance between sessions — one session may be very profitable, another very lean
This game suits players who are comfortable with risk and who have a bankroll large enough to weather dry spells. It is not recommended for players seeking frequent, consistent wins.
Is Book of Dead Worth Playing?
Book of Dead earns its popularity through a combination of a solid RTP, straightforward mechanics, and a free spins round that can genuinely deliver significant payouts. It's an excellent choice for experienced slot players who understand volatility. Beginners may find the swings frustrating, but the 96.21% RTP makes it one of the fairer high-volatility options available.
Pros
- Above-average RTP of 96.21%
- Simple, clean mechanics easy to understand
- Iconic status means it's available at nearly every licensed casino
- Retrigger potential during free spins
Cons
- High volatility can drain bankrolls quickly in the base game
- No bonus buy feature (in most jurisdictions)
- Expanding symbol in free spins is random — lower-value symbols reduce win potential