Overview
Book of Dead by Play'n GO is one of the most widely played online slots in the world. Released in 2016 and built around an ancient Egyptian adventure theme, it follows explorer Rich Wilde through the tombs of the pharaohs. Its enduring popularity comes down to a combination of accessible mechanics, engaging theme, and competitive RTP.
Key Game Specs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | Play'n GO |
| RTP | 96.21% |
| Volatility | High |
| Reels / Rows | 5 × 3 |
| Paylines | 10 |
| Min Bet | $0.01 |
| Max Win | Up to 5,000x stake |
| Bonus Feature | Free Spins with Expanding Symbol |
RTP and Volatility Analysis
At 96.21% RTP, Book of Dead sits comfortably above the industry average, making it a mathematically solid choice for players who are conscious of house edge. However, its high volatility is a critical factor to understand: wins don't come frequently, but when they do — particularly in the free spins round with the right expanding symbol — they can be substantial.
This high-variance profile means Book of Dead is better suited to players with a larger bankroll relative to their bet size, as dry spells between significant wins can be lengthy.
Core Gameplay Mechanics
The game uses a classic 5x3 grid with 10 fixed paylines. Symbols include Egyptian gods (Anubis, Ra, Osiris), a scarab, the explorer Rich Wilde, and card suit symbols. The paytable is straightforward — higher-value symbols pay out for 3, 4, or 5 of a kind on a payline.
The Book Symbol: Wild and Scatter
The Book of Dead symbol serves dual purpose — it's both the Wild (substituting for all other symbols) and the Scatter. Landing 3 or more Book symbols anywhere on the reels triggers the main bonus feature.
Free Spins Feature
The free spins round is where Book of Dead truly shines:
- Trigger 3+ Book symbols to receive 10 free spins.
- Before the free spins begin, one symbol is randomly selected as the expanding symbol.
- During free spins, that chosen symbol expands to fill the entire reel when it appears.
- Expanded symbols pay regardless of payline position — covering an entire reel counts as a full row.
- Free spins can be retriggered during the feature.
Landing the expanding symbol on multiple reels simultaneously is where the game's biggest wins originate. The high-value Rich Wilde or pharaoh symbols as the expanding pick can produce particularly large payouts.
What Players Like About It
- Clean, simple interface that's easy to navigate on both desktop and mobile.
- Genuinely exciting free spins round with meaningful win potential.
- Widely available at most online casinos, often included in welcome bonus offers.
- Above-average RTP for a high-volatility game.
What to Be Aware Of
- High volatility means you should use conservative bet sizing relative to your bankroll.
- The base game is fairly quiet — most of the excitement (and risk) is concentrated in the bonus round.
- Check your specific casino's RTP variant, as some platforms may run a lower setting.
Verdict
Book of Dead earns its classic status. It's a well-designed, high-volatility slot with a fair RTP that rewards patient, disciplined play. If you're comfortable with variance and want a genuinely thrilling free spins feature, it's well worth adding to your rotation. Always play the demo version first to get a feel for its rhythm before wagering real money.