Book of Vikings Slot Review
Pragmatic Play has established a formidable reputation across the “Book of” slot category, and Book of Vikings represents a solid entry into this competitive space. Released in July 2021, this Norse-themed offering takes the familiar book mechanics that have defined the genre and wraps them in a Viking aesthetic that differentiates it from the typical Egyptian book slots dominating the market. The game combines a generous 96.50% RTP with high volatility gameplay, positioning it for players who understand the trade-off between frequent wins and substantial payouts. Whilst the core mechanics remain true to the classic “Book” formula—scatter-triggered free spins with expanding symbols—the execution is competent enough to warrant attention from fans already invested in the genre.
Base Game & Features
Book of Vikings operates on a familiar 5×3 reel grid across 10 paylines, offering a traditional setup that prioritises simplicity over mechanical innovation. The game supports a wide betting range, from £0.10 to £100 per spin, making it accessible to both cautious players and high-stakes adventurers. Symbol values are straightforward: Thor sits at the premium tier with a 500x payout for five-of-a-kind, followed by Freya at 200x, whilst Helmet and Horn symbols offer 75x each. Card values—comprising the lower-paying tier—deliver 15x or 10x for five matching symbols. The Book symbol functions as both the Wild and Scatter, meaning it plays a dual role throughout gameplay.
During base game spins, the Book symbol can land anywhere on the reels and substitute for standard symbols to form winning combinations. The game doesn’t incorporate multipliers or modifiers into its base game experience, which keeps the action straightforward but also means dry spells between features feel genuinely dry. The animations are polished rather than flashy, with comic book-style visuals that complement the Norse theme without overwhelming the interface. Players familiar with other Pragmatic Play releases will recognise the familiar UI and spin speed, which falls somewhere between leisurely and brisk—neither particularly fast nor unnecessarily sluggish.
Bonus Features & Free Spins
Book of Vikings triggers its bonus feature when three or more Book Scatter symbols land anywhere across the reels, awarding 10 free spins to the player. During these free spins, a randomly selected symbol expands vertically to cover all three positions on a single reel—this mystery symbol mechanism is where the game’s potential truly emerges. The expanding symbol mechanic can create substantial wins when combined with additional premium symbol landings, and this is the period where the high volatility becomes most apparent.
Perhaps the most engaging element of Book of Vikings’ bonus feature is the retrigger mechanism. Landing three or more Book Scatter symbols during an active free spins round awards an additional 10 spins—and there is no limit on how many times this can occur. This creates the potential for extended bonus sessions that can either deliver explosive wins or extend a disappointing streak, depending on where the expanding symbols land. The lack of a retrigger cap means players can theoretically spin free spins sessions lasting considerably longer than the initial 10 awarded.
The game also includes a Bonus Buy feature that allows players to directly activate the free spins round by paying 100x their current bet. This feature provides an alternative path to the bonus without waiting for scatter symbols to land. However, it’s important to note that the Bonus Buy feature is not available to UK players due to UK Gambling Commission regulations, so this option will be unavailable on UKGC-licensed platforms.
Our Verdict
Book of Vikings presents a classic case of competent execution without genuine innovation. The game excels where it matters most: a respectable 96.50% RTP sits above many comparable “Book of” releases, and the 5,500x maximum win potential offers sufficient headline appeal for big-win chasers. The Viking theme, whilst not revolutionary, does provide visual differentiation that sets it apart from the parade of Egyptian-themed book slots flooding the market. The expanding symbol mechanic during free spins adds meaningful variance to the bonus round, and unlimited retriggering creates sessions that can become genuinely lengthy.
The limitations, however, are equally apparent. The base game lacks any modifier systems or multipliers, meaning gameplay between features can feel mechanically flat for players accustomed to more contemporary releases. The high volatility classification means the gap between dry spells and explosive sessions is genuinely pronounced—players new to high-variance slots may find the extended non-winning runs frustrating. Book of Vikings doesn’t push mechanical boundaries in the way other Pragmatic Play releases do; it’s a measured, middle-of-the-road offering that plays it safe.
This game sits squarely in the territory of “good enough but not remarkable.” It will absolutely satisfy players already deep into Book-style slots seeking a fresh aesthetic and solid mathematics. For innovation seekers or those prioritising feature-rich base gameplay, alternatives like Book of Shadows may prove more rewarding. Book of Vikings won’t transform your slot experience, but it will deliver honest, straightforward gameplay with genuine win potential—which, for many players, is precisely what they’re looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the RTP of Book of Vikings?
Book of Vikings offers an RTP of 96.50%, which ranks as one of the more generous options within the ‘Book of’ slot category. Pragmatic Play does offer an alternative 94.50% RTP version that operators can configure, but the standard 96.50% represents the primary return-to-player percentage. -
What is the maximum win on Book of Vikings?
The maximum win potential on Book of Vikings reaches 5,500x your stake. This is a substantial win multiplier that pushes slightly beyond Pragmatic Play’s typical comfort zone, providing genuine headline-worthy potential for players chasing big multipliers. -
How do you trigger free spins in Book of Vikings?
Free spins trigger when you land three or more Book Scatter symbols anywhere across the reels, which awards 10 free spins. During these free spins, a randomly selected symbol becomes an expanding symbol that covers all three positions on a single reel, increasing your win potential. Free spins can be retriggered unlimited times by landing three more Book symbols during active spins. -
What is the volatility of Book of Vikings?
Book of Vikings is classified as a high volatility slot, meaning you should expect infrequent payouts interrupted by longer dry spells, but when wins do land, they tend toward the substantial end of the spectrum. This gameplay pattern rewards patience and bankroll management, as the game is designed for players who can weather extended non-winning sessions in pursuit of larger rewards. -
Can you play Book of Vikings on mobile?
Yes, Book of Vikings is fully optimised for mobile play across iOS and Android devices. The game employs HTML5 technology that ensures responsive design across screen sizes, with clear graphics and easy-to-navigate controls on smartphones and tablets. -
What symbols appear in Book of Vikings?
The high-paying symbols include Thor (paying 500x for five of a kind), Freya (200x for five), and Helmet and Horn symbols (each 75x for five matching). Card values comprise the lower-paying tier, delivering 15x or 10x for five of a kind. The Book symbol functions as both Wild and Scatter, substituting for standard symbols and triggering the free spins bonus when three or more land. -
What betting range does Book of Vikings offer?
Book of Vikings accommodates a wide betting spectrum, ranging from £0.10 to £100 per spin. This broad range ensures the game remains accessible to cautious players making minimum bets whilst also serving high-stakes enthusiasts who prefer maximum wager amounts. -
Does Book of Vikings have a bonus buy feature?
Book of Vikings does include a Bonus Buy feature that allows direct activation of free spins by paying 100x the current bet. However, this feature is not available to UK players due to UKGC gambling regulations, so it will be unavailable on UK-licensed casino platforms.
