Overview
Book of Dead by Play'n GO is one of the most recognisable online slots in the industry. Released in 2016, it has remained a player favourite for nearly a decade thanks to its atmospheric Egyptian theme, straightforward gameplay, and exciting free spins mechanic. Whether you're a seasoned slot player or just getting started, Book of Dead is almost certainly a title you'll encounter.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | Play'n GO |
| Reels / Rows | 5 x 3 |
| Paylines | 10 |
| RTP | 96.21% |
| Volatility | High |
| Min/Max Bet | €0.01 – €100 per spin |
| Max Win | 5,000x your bet |
Theme & Design
Book of Dead puts you in the shoes of Rich Wilde, Play'n GO's iconic explorer, as he delves into an ancient Egyptian tomb. The visuals are polished — richly detailed hieroglyph-style symbols, a golden backdrop, and smooth animations. The ambient soundtrack adds tension and atmosphere without becoming grating over extended sessions. It's clearly inspired by classic titles like Book of Ra, but it stands firmly on its own merits.
Symbols & Paytable
The symbol lineup follows a clear hierarchy:
- Rich Wilde — the highest-paying symbol, worth up to 5,000x your bet for 5 of a kind.
- Anubis, Ra, and the Scarab — mid-tier premium symbols.
- A, K, Q, J, 10 — lower-paying card royals.
- Book of Dead — acts as both the Wild and the Scatter symbol, central to the game's biggest feature.
The Free Spins Feature
Landing 3 or more Book of Dead scatter symbols anywhere on the reels triggers 10 free spins. Before the feature begins, one symbol is randomly selected as a "special expanding symbol." If that symbol appears during free spins, it expands to fill the entire reel — and all expanded instances are counted as wins across all paylines simultaneously.
This is where Book of Dead earns its reputation. Landing multiple expanding Rich Wilde symbols across three or more reels can produce enormous payouts. The feature can also retrigger if 3 more scatters land during the free spins.
Volatility & Gameplay Feel
Book of Dead is high volatility — dry spells between wins are common, but the wins themselves can be substantial. This makes it more suitable for players with a larger bankroll and a patient approach. If you prefer steady, frequent small wins, this may not be the right fit. But if you enjoy the thrill of chasing big free spin hits, Book of Dead delivers that experience in spades.
Who Is Book of Dead Best For?
- Players who enjoy high-variance, high-reward gameplay.
- Fans of Egyptian-themed slots looking for a well-executed classic.
- Those who prefer simple mechanics over complex multi-feature slots.
Verdict
Book of Dead has stood the test of time for good reason. Its simplicity is a strength — there's no confusion about how to play, and the free spins feature remains genuinely exciting. The 96.21% RTP is solid, and the max win of 5,000x keeps experienced players engaged. It's a benchmark title that every slot enthusiast should try at least once.