Return of the Dead Slot Review
Pragmatic Play have firmly established themselves as a powerhouse in the book-themed slot space, and Return of the Dead exemplifies their focused approach to this popular format. Released in October 2020, this Egyptian-mythology-inspired slot channels familiar mechanics into a high-volatility release that appeals directly to players seeking substantial win potential. Rather than chasing constant innovation, Pragmatic Play deliver what works: straightforward gameplay with meaningful bonus depth, backed by a **96.71% RTP** that stands above the typical book slot average.
The Egyptian theme provides authentic visual appeal without unnecessary complications, making Return of the Dead an accessible entry point for those new to book slots, whilst maintaining the mechanics serious players crave. This is a slot built with purpose—simplistic in the right way, focused on delivering that potent bonus experience rather than base game flourishes.
Base Game & Features
Return of the Dead operates on a **5-reel, 3-row grid** with **10 fixed paylines**, providing a traditional structure that ensures predictable win tracking across spins. The reel arrangement offers multiple ways to form winning combinations, though the real machinery driving this slot lives in the bonus mechanics rather than base game features.
Symbol Structure & Paylines
The game features a full paytable of Egyptian-themed symbols ranging from low-paying card values to high-value thematic icons. Each symbol contributes to the 10-payline structure, though the standout symbol is undoubtedly the **Book**, which serves a dual purpose as both wild and scatter.
The Book symbol is the keystone mechanic: it substitutes for any regular symbol to complete winning combinations and delivers **500x your bet for 5 on a payline**—a substantial base game win. More importantly, the Book triggers the entire bonus feature, shifting gameplay into high-reward territory.
Volatility & Win Frequency
Return of the Dead embraces **high volatility** gameplay (5/5 rating), meaning wins cluster sporadically rather than consistently. Players will encounter extended dry spells where base game symbols fail to connect, punctuated by moments when the right combination or feature trigger materialises unexpectedly. This volatility profile is fundamental to the slot’s character—it’s not designed for steady, frequent payouts but rather for those patient enough to weather the variance in pursuit of meaningful wins.
The base game rarely dazzles on its own. Instead, it serves as the pathway to the bonus feature, where the real potential emerges. As players soon discover, base spins are largely a means to an end, with the true gameplay experience reserved for free spins mode.
Return of the Dead Free Spins
The bonus feature is where Return of the Dead truly reveals its depth. Landing **3 or more Book scatter symbols** anywhere on the reels triggers a cascade of **10 free spins**. This is where the high volatility nature becomes apparent—the free spins mode is purpose-built to deliver substantial wins with mechanics designed for exponential growth potential.
Expanding Symbols Mechanic
Before free spins commence, the game selects one random paytable symbol to become the session’s **Expanding Symbol**. When this symbol lands on **3 or more reels during free spins**, it expands to cover entire reels, creating winning combinations regardless of alignment. High-paying symbols need only 2+ reels to trigger expansion, whilst low-paying symbols require 3+.
This mechanic is the engine driving bonus win potential. A single expanding symbol can transform an otherwise modest spin into a substantial payout, and when combined with multiple lands, the results can be explosive. The unpredictability of which symbol gets selected adds strategic tension—players don’t know whether they’ll receive a high-value or low-value expanding symbol until the spins begin.
Retrigger Mechanics & Unlimited Spins
During free spins, landing 3+ Book scatters grants **an additional 10 spins with unlimited retriggering potential**. This is crucial: the free spins session can theoretically continue indefinitely provided players keep landing scatter symbols. However, a notable limitation exists—the Expanding Symbol does not change upon retrigger. The symbol selected at the beginning of the feature persists throughout all retriggered spins, which means players don’t get fresh opportunities to land a “better” expanding symbol.
This design choice has clear trade-offs. The permanence of the expanding symbol creates consistency across the bonus round, but also removes the chance mechanic that could produce a session-turning improvement if retriggers landed a high-value expanding symbol instead. It’s a straightforward limitation that experienced players quickly recognise as part of the mechanical design.
Bonus Buy & Ante Bet
Return of the Dead includes a **bonus buy feature** (though availability varies by jurisdiction—not accessible to UK players). Where available, players can purchase instant access to free spins for 100x their bet, bypassing the scatter trigger requirement. This optional feature appeals to those preferring to jump directly into bonus mode, though the cost represents a significant upfront stake.
Our Honest Verdict
Overall Rating: 7.0/10
Return of the Dead delivers exactly what book-themed slots promise: uncomplicated gameplay, substantial win potential, and a bonus feature where the real action happens. Pragmatic Play don’t reinvent the wheel here—instead, they refine a proven formula with proven execution. The 96.71% RTP sits higher than most book slot competitors, and the expanding symbols mechanic during free spins creates legitimate bonus depth that rewards both luck and patience.
The 5,000x maximum win represents meaningful payout potential for a high-volatility slot, though achieving this requires exceptional fortune with the expanding symbols feature. The high volatility also means the base game experience is decidedly secondary; players shouldn’t expect frequent wins or steady payouts. Instead, they’re signing up for extended dry spells punctuated by feature-driven explosions.
For casual players seeking familiar gameplay without complexity, Return of the Dead is an ideal palette cleanser—a straightforward experience that never overwhelms or confuses. The simplistic mechanical framework makes it accessible even for those new to slots. However, for players seeking originality or innovative mechanics, this slot will feel derivative. Pragmatic Play have created a competent clone rather than a groundbreaking release.
Ultimately, Return of the Dead suits those who appreciate the book slot format specifically and high volatility gameplay in general. It won’t satisfy players seeking constant base game action or those who value cutting-edge innovation, but for fans of the genre, it represents a solid, well-crafted entry with genuine bonus potential.
Return of the Dead FAQs
-
What is the RTP of Return of the Dead slot?
The RTP for Return of the Dead is 96.71%. This means for every £10 wagered, players can expect an average return of £9.67 over extended play periods. This RTP sits notably higher than typical book-themed slots, providing a mathematical edge compared to the genre average. -
How do you trigger free spins in Return of the Dead?
3 or more Scatter symbols (the Book) activate free spins with 10 free spins awarded. During free spins mode, landing 3+ Scatters grants an additional 10 spins with unlimited retriggers possible. The Expanding Symbol selected at the start persists throughout retriggered spins. -
What is the maximum win potential of Return of the Dead?
The maximum win for Return of the Dead is 5,000x your total bet, offering substantial payout opportunities for successful players. At the maximum stake of £250, this translates to a potential winning of £1,250,000 on a single session. -
What is the volatility level of Return of the Dead?
Return of the Dead has high volatility (rated 5/5), meaning wins are less frequent but potentially larger. The game features a maximum win of 5,000x your bet. High volatility gameplay means extended dry spells punctuated by feature-driven explosions, rewarding patient players who can weather the variance. -
What is the special expanding symbol feature in Return of the Dead?
Before free spins begin, one symbol is randomly selected as the Expanding Symbol. When this symbol appears on 3 or more reels during free spins, it expands to cover the entire reels, creating additional winning combinations. High-paying symbols need 2+ reels to trigger expansion, whilst low-paying need 3+. -
Can you play Return of the Dead on mobile devices?
Yes, Return of the Dead is fully compatible on all mobile devices, allowing players to enjoy the Egyptian-themed experience on smartphones and tablets. The slot functions seamlessly on both iOS and Android platforms. -
What is the bet range for Return of the Dead?
The bet range for Return of the Dead is from 10p to £250 per spin, offering flexibility for both casual and high-stakes players. This wide range ensures the slot accommodates various bankroll preferences. -
How many reels and paylines does Return of the Dead have?
Return of the Dead features 5 reels, 3 rows, and 10 fixed paylines, providing multiple ways to form winning combinations across the game grid. The fixed payline structure ensures consistent bet tracking across every spin.
