Overview
Book of Dead by Play'n GO is one of the most recognizable online slots in the industry. Released in 2016, it follows adventurer Rich Wilde through an ancient Egyptian setting and has remained a benchmark for high-volatility, book-style slots ever since.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Developer | Play'n GO |
| RTP | 96.21% |
| Volatility | High |
| Reels / Rows | 5 × 3 |
| Paylines | 10 fixed |
| Max Win | 5,000× stake |
Theme and Design
The Egyptian mythology theme is executed with a classic, clean visual style. High-value symbols include Rich Wilde himself, the Eye of Horus, the Ankh, and the Scarab. Lower-value symbols are the standard 10-through-Ace royal card set. The soundtrack is atmospheric without being intrusive.
Core Mechanics
Book of Dead uses a straightforward 5-reel, 3-row layout with 10 fixed paylines. The Book symbol acts as both the Wild and the Scatter — meaning it substitutes for all other symbols and triggers the bonus round when three or more appear anywhere on the reels.
Free Spins Bonus Round
This is the centrepiece of the game. Landing three or more Book symbols awards 10 free spins. Before the round begins, one symbol is randomly chosen as a Special Expanding Symbol. During free spins, if that symbol lands on any position on the reels, it expands to fill the entire reel — and pays across all positions regardless of paylines.
This mechanic is what gives Book of Dead its massive win potential. Landing the expanding symbol across multiple reels during free spins is the primary route to the game's top payouts.
- Free spins can be retriggered by landing 3+ Books during the bonus round.
- The expanding symbol remains fixed throughout the entire free spins session.
- Rich Wilde as the expanding symbol offers the highest payout potential.
Base Game Experience
Outside of the bonus, Book of Dead plays like a typical high-volatility slot — expect extended periods with few significant wins. The base game is essentially a vehicle for reaching the free spins round, which is where meaningful payouts occur. Players with a limited bankroll should be aware that dry spells between bonuses can be long.
Who Is This Slot For?
Book of Dead suits players who:
- Enjoy high-volatility gameplay and are comfortable with variance.
- Have a bankroll large enough to sustain extended base game play.
- Prefer simple, clean mechanics without complex multi-feature systems.
- Are drawn to the Egyptian adventure genre.
It is not ideal for players looking for frequent small wins or those playing with a very small budget, as the high volatility means results are heavily concentrated in bonus rounds.
Final Assessment
Book of Dead's longevity speaks for itself. The 96.21% RTP is competitive, the expanding symbol mechanic during free spins creates genuine excitement, and the simple ruleset means there's almost no learning curve. It's a well-constructed slot that delivers exactly what it promises — a high-risk, high-reward experience wrapped in a timeless theme.
Always verify the RTP and game details in the specific version available at your chosen platform, as operator configurations can vary.