Book of Dead Slot Review
Play’n GO built their reputation with the Rich Wilde series, and this third instalment arrived in January 2016 to solidify the Egyptian slot genre. The golden tomb backdrop and Ancient Egyptian theme weren’t new territory, but the combination of expanding symbols and high volatility mechanics distinguished Book of Dead from earlier releases. As part of the Rich Wilde adventure series, the game features the intrepid explorer alongside Egyptian deities like Anubis, Osiris, and the Pharaoh. The straightforward 5×3 grid with 10 adjustable paylines delivers classic video slot gameplay rather than chasing modern cascading mechanics. With an RTP of 96.21% and high volatility, the game targets players comfortable with risk in exchange for the 5,000x maximum win potential.
Base Game & Features
The game operates on a 5-reel, 3-row grid with 10 paylines that players can adjust. Unlike modern ways-to-win systems, the fixed payline structure represents traditional slot design from the mid-2010s era. Betting ranges from £0.10 to £50 per spin, accommodating both conservative bankrolls and higher stakes. Symbol selection follows the standard split between low-paying card values (9, 10, J, Q, K, A) and premium thematic symbols featuring Egyptian imagery.
The golden Book of Dead symbol serves dual functionality as both wild and scatter. As a wild, it substitutes for all symbols to complete winning combinations. When three or more Book symbols land anywhere on the reels, they trigger the free spins bonus while also awarding scatter payouts. Landing five Book symbols across the reels delivers a 200x stake payout independent of payline configuration.
Premium symbols include Rich Wilde himself as the highest-paying character symbol, alongside the Anubis, Osiris, and Pharaoh icons. These Egyptian-themed symbols deliver the substantial wins during both base gameplay and bonus rounds. The game includes a gamble feature available after any winning spin, allowing players to risk their win by guessing card colour for a 2x multiplier or suit for a 4x multiplier. This optional mechanic adds variance for those seeking additional risk-reward opportunities.
Book of Dead Free Spins
Landing three or more Book of Dead scatter symbols anywhere on the reels activates 10 free spins. Before the free spins round begins, the game randomly selects one higher-paying symbol to act as an expanding symbol throughout the bonus. This chosen symbol expands to cover entire reels when it appears, creating significant win potential even when symbols don’t land on adjacent reels.
The expanding symbol mechanic operates differently from standard payline requirements. When the special symbol lands on at least three reels during free spins, it expands to fill those reels completely before payouts are calculated. This expansion creates wins across multiple positions simultaneously, with payouts calculated on all active paylines. The mechanic delivers the strongest results when premium symbols like Rich Wilde or the Egyptian deities are selected as the expanding symbol.
Free spins can be retriggered by landing three or more Book symbols during the bonus round, awarding an additional 10 free spins with the same expanding symbol maintained throughout. The game reports triggering free spins approximately once every 113 base game spins, though actual frequency varies due to the random nature of the mechanic. The combination of expanding symbols and retrigger potential creates the primary route to the 5,000x maximum win.
High volatility means extended dry spells between bonus triggers are expected, though the expanding symbol mechanic compensates with substantial win potential when the feature does activate. Players seeking frequent smaller bonus wins should look elsewhere, as this feature is built for higher-variance gameplay with meaningful payout swings.
Our Honest Verdict
Book of Dead remains an industry fixture eight years after its January 2016 release, a longevity that speaks to the effectiveness of its straightforward design. The free spins with expanding symbols deliver genuine excitement, particularly when premium symbols are selected for expansion. The 5,000x maximum win continues to attract players despite more modern releases offering higher multipliers. Play’n GO’s decision to maintain the traditional 10-payline structure rather than adopting ways-to-win mechanics positions this firmly as a classic-style slot.
The high volatility profile suits risk-tolerant players comfortable weathering losing sessions in pursuit of substantial wins. Those seeking steady, consistent returns will find the variance challenging. The flexible bet range of £0.10 to £50 accommodates different bankroll sizes, though the volatility demands sufficient reserves for extended play. Mobile compatibility on tablet and smartphone platforms ensures accessibility beyond desktop sessions.
The game’s sustained popularity across casino catalogues worldwide demonstrates market validation of the formula. While the expanding symbol mechanic has been replicated in numerous subsequent releases, Book of Dead’s implementation remains competitive. It delivers exactly what it promises: high-variance Egyptian adventure gameplay with meaningful win potential for those willing to accept the inherent risk. Players new to high volatility slots might find the swings difficult, but veterans seeking this profile will find a well-executed example of the genre.
Book of Dead FAQs
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What is the RTP of Book of Dead?
The primary RTP is 96.21%, though operators can configure alternative versions including 94.25%, 91.25%, 87.25%, or 84.18%. Always check the specific RTP at your chosen casino, as it affects long-term return expectations. -
What is the maximum win on Book of Dead?
The maximum win is 5,000x your stake. This cap applies across all bet levels, meaning a £1 spin can deliver up to £5,000, while the maximum £50 bet offers potential wins up to £250,000. -
Does Book of Dead have free spins?
Yes. Landing 3 or more Book of Dead scatter symbols triggers 10 free spins. Before the round begins, one symbol is randomly selected to expand across entire reels during the feature. Free spins can be retriggered by landing 3+ scatters during the bonus. -
Can I play Book of Dead on mobile?
Yes. Book of Dead features responsive design optimised for tablet and smartphone gameplay. The mobile version maintains full functionality including all features, betting options, and graphics quality across iOS and Android devices. -
Does Book of Dead have a bonus buy feature?
No. Book of Dead does not include a bonus buy option. Free spins must be triggered organically by landing 3 or more scatter symbols during base gameplay. The feature triggers approximately once every 113 spins on average. -
What is the volatility of Book of Dead?
Book of Dead is classified as high volatility. This means less frequent wins with larger payout potential when they occur. Players should expect extended periods without significant wins, balanced by the possibility of substantial returns during successful bonus rounds. -
Is Book of Dead part of a series?
Yes. Book of Dead is the third game in Play’n GO’s Rich Wilde adventure series. The series features the explorer character Rich Wilde across different themed slots, with Book of Dead becoming the most successful and recognisable title in the franchise.
