Overview
Book of Dead by Play'n GO is one of the most widely recognised online slots in the industry. Released in 2016, it draws inspiration from ancient Egyptian mythology and follows the adventurer Rich Wilde on a quest for the Book of Dead. Its enduring popularity stems from its straightforward mechanics, high volatility, and a free spins round that can deliver substantial wins.
Game Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Developer | Play'n GO |
| Reels / Rows | 5 x 3 |
| Paylines | 10 |
| RTP | 96.21% |
| Volatility | High |
| Max Win | 5,000x stake |
Symbols & Paytable
Book of Dead uses a classic set of high-value and low-value symbols:
- Rich Wilde (highest paying): 5 on a payline pays 5,000x your bet per line.
- Anubis, Ra, and Osiris: Mid-tier symbols offering solid payouts on 3+ matches.
- A, K, Q, J, 10: Lower-value card symbols that appear frequently.
- Book of Dead: Acts as both the Wild and Scatter — the most important symbol in the game.
The Free Spins Feature
Landing 3 or more Book of Dead symbols anywhere on the reels triggers 10 free spins. Before the round begins, one symbol is randomly selected as a Special Expanding Symbol. During the free spins, if this symbol lands anywhere on the reels, it expands to fill all three positions on its reel. If the same symbol lands on multiple reels simultaneously, the potential for large wins increases dramatically.
The free spins round can be re-triggered by landing 3 or more Books during the feature, awarding an additional 10 spins.
Volatility in Practice
Book of Dead is a high volatility slot, which means wins are less frequent but can be significantly larger when they do occur. Players should expect extended dry spells during base gameplay. The bulk of the game's win potential is concentrated in the free spins round — particularly when a high-paying symbol like Rich Wilde is selected as the expanding symbol and lands across several reels.
What Makes It Popular?
Several factors contribute to Book of Dead's lasting presence on casino platforms:
- Simple mechanics: Easy to understand for beginners, with no overwhelming array of bonus features.
- High ceiling: The 5,000x max win provides genuine excitement in the free spins round.
- Egyptian theme: A universally appealing aesthetic executed cleanly.
- Mobile optimised: Works seamlessly across devices.
Is Book of Dead Right for You?
If you enjoy high-risk, high-reward gameplay and have a bankroll that can withstand variance, Book of Dead offers an engaging experience with a well-designed bonus feature. It is not suited to players who prefer frequent, smaller wins. As always, set a budget before you play and treat the free spins as the highlight — that's where the game truly comes alive.