Dead or Alive 3: Wanted Slot Review
Jesse James, Della Rose, and their outlaw gang are the most wanted names in the Wild West, but after years of dodging capture, their luck is starting to run out. With one final heist on the horizon, a bounty hunter is closing in. The desert won’t save them now…dead or alive, he’s coming.
Gunslingers rejoice as our favourite crew of outlaws ride back into the action, aiming to stay one step ahead of the law once again in Dead or Alive 3: Wanted, courtesy of Netent!
The original Dead or Alive made its mark in 2013, delivering a Wild West experience that stood out above the rest. This led to the release of Dead or Alive 2 in 2019, a game that had just as much impact as its predecessor.
Over a decade since the original, and several years on from the sequel, the series returns for what may be its final chapter…are you ready for the action?
Base Game & Features
Dead or Alive 3: Wanted is a 5-reel, 5-row video slot with a high volatility score, a 96.03% RTP, and 21 fixed paylines. Wins occur when 3 or more identical symbols land on adjoining reels, according to the paytable.
Paytable symbols are made up of Badges, Traps, Revolvers, Axes, Flasks, and low-paying A, K, Q, J, & 10 card suits. Additionally, Wild symbols appear on all reels, substituting for all symbols except Scatters & Super Scatters.
Wanted Wilds & Bounty Hunters
Throughout the base game and Free Spins mode, 2 types of Wild symbols can appear in view.
- Wanted Wilds: Appear with a random Multiplier between x2 and x100.
- Bounty Hunter Wilds: Cover an entire reel, where they collect Multipliers from all Wanted Wilds from the same spin.
When 2 or more Bounty Hunter Wilds land on the reels, the leftmost variant collects the available Multipliers from all existing Wanted Wilds on the reels, while the far-right variant collects from both Wanted Wilds & existing Bounty Hunter Wilds.
However, when 2 or more Bounty Hunter Wilds land on adjacent reels, they merge into a single version covering both reels, with the sum of both Multipliers as a single value.
Dead or Alive 3 Wanted: Free Spins
Landing 3, 4, or 5 Scatters anywhere in the base game triggers the Free Spins mode, awarding the following outcomes:
- 3 Scatters: Awards 10 Free Spins
- 4 Scatters: Awards 10 Free Spins + 50x your bet
- 5 Scatters: Awards 10 Free Spins + 2,500x your bet
Once active, all Wanted Wilds visible on the reels at the time of their trigger will carry over to the Free Spins mode, transforming into Sticky Wilds. Furthermore, all additional Wanted Wilds that land during the session will also become Sticky Wilds.
Additionally, landing a Wanted Wild on all 5 reels will result in an additional +5 Free Spins.
Super Free Spins
Alternatively, having 1 of 3 Scatters appear as a Super Scatter guarantees the Super Free Spins mode. In this mode, Bounty Hunter Wilds are guaranteed to land on every spin.
Bonus Buy
Eligible players may purchase any of the following Bonus Buy options:
- Bonus Hunter: Each spin guarantees at least 1 Scatter or Super Scatter on the reels for 2x your bet
- Wanted Wilds: Triggers a spin with Wanted Wilds between x5 and x100 on the reels for 5x your bet
- Bounty Hunter: Guarantees 2 Bounty Hunter Wilds on the reels with every spin for 150x your bet
- Hunted Spins: Triggers the standard Free Spins mode with 3, 4, or 5 Scatters for 100x your bet
- Dead or Alive Spins: Direct entry into the Super Free Spins mode, with 1 of 3 Super Scatters, for 1,000x your bet
Dead or Alive 3: Wanted has a maximum win potential between 33,333x and 66,666x your bet. If a single session exceeds this, the player returns to the base game with the qualifying amount.
Our Honest Verdict
Dead or Alive 3: Wanted feels like a bit of a reset rather than a full-on leap forward. It’s Netent showing signs of life again after a fairly quiet spell under the Evolution umbrella, but at the same time, it still feels like they’re holding back for something bigger.
The reduced max win potential compared to Dead or Alive 2 stands out straight away. For some, it’s a big step backwards, especially when sequels tend to push things further over time. But realistically, Dead or Alive 2 was an outlier in terms of volatility, and while this one still has bite, it’s a little more controlled in how it delivers it.
That being said, the core of what makes Dead or Alive… dead or alive is still very much here. Sticky Wilds remain the driving force, and when they start to stack up, the game creates those tense, high-value moments the series is known for.
The newer mechanics help freshen things up without overcomplicating it. Wanted Wilds with multipliers up to x100 add that extra layer of potential, while Bounty Hunter Wilds are where things can really kick off, collecting and combining those values into something meaningful. When they start merging across reels, you can see exactly where the big wins come from.
Free Spins are still where most of the action is. Carrying over Wanted Wilds as Sticky Wilds is a nice touch and keeps the momentum going, while the Super Free Spins mode, which offers guaranteed Bounty Hunter Wilds, is clearly designed to be the most volatile part of the game.
The Bonus Buy options also give players different ways to approach it, whether you want to ease in or go straight for the big features, which feels pretty standard for a modern release.
All in all, it feels like Dead or Alive 3: Wanted is a clear step forward. It couldn’t be a clearer reflection of where modern slot releases are right now. It keeps the DNA of what made the originals so popular, but packages it in a way that fits today’s market
Dead or Alive 3: Wanted FAQs
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What is the maximum win in Dead Or Alive 3 Wanted?
Wanted offers a maximum win ranging from 33,333x up to 66,666x your stake. -
How do you trigger Free Spins?
Free Spins in Dead or Alive 3: Wanted are triggered by landing 3 or more Scatter symbols (Sheriff badges) anywhere on the reels. -
Can you buy bonuses or features in Dead Or Alive 3 Wanted?
Yes, Dead or Alive 3: Wanted offers a bonus buy feature through its Elevate system. Instead of a standard buy button, you can increase your stake to access features like Hunted Spins (Free Spins) and Dead or Alive Spins (Super Free Spins) instantly. -
What is the RTP of Dead Or Alive 3 Wanted?
The RTP (Return to Player) in Dead or Alive 3: Wanted is 96.03%. Keep in mind that RTP is calculated over many spins, so short-term results can vary.
