Overview: Book of Dead by Play'n GO
Book of Dead is a 5-reel, 10-payline online slot developed by Play'n GO. Released in 2016, it has remained a staple of online casino lobbies across the world. The game follows Rich Wilde — an explorer with a passion for ancient Egyptian mythology — on a quest to uncover the legendary Book of Dead.
Its enduring popularity comes from a combination of accessible gameplay, a compelling bonus round, and high volatility that appeals to players who enjoy the thrill of chasing big wins.
Game Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | Play'n GO |
| Reels / Paylines | 5 reels / 10 paylines |
| RTP | 96.21% |
| Volatility | High |
| Min/Max Bet | £0.01 – £100 per spin |
| Max Win | Up to 5,000x your stake |
Symbols and Paytable
The game features a mix of Egyptian-themed high-value symbols and lower-value playing card symbols (10 through A). The premium symbols are:
- Rich Wilde – The highest-paying symbol. Five on a payline can yield significant returns.
- Pharaoh – Second-highest value symbol.
- Eye of Ra / Anubis – Mid-tier premium symbols.
- Book of Dead – Acts as both the Wild and the Scatter.
The Free Spins Bonus Round
Landing 3 or more Book of Dead symbols anywhere on the reels triggers the free spins bonus. You receive 10 free spins, and before they begin, one symbol is randomly selected as a special expanding symbol.
During the free spins, if the special symbol appears anywhere on the reels, it expands to fill the entire reel and pays on all 10 paylines — regardless of position. This mechanic is where the game's biggest wins originate. Landing the Rich Wilde expanding symbol across all five reels during free spins is the combination players hope for.
Free spins can also be retriggered by landing 3 more scatter symbols during the bonus round.
What to Expect When Playing
Book of Dead is classified as high volatility, which means winning spins arrive less frequently but can be substantially larger when they do occur. This creates a distinctive rhythm: extended dry spells punctuated by notable wins.
Players with smaller bankrolls should be aware of this before playing — it's not unusual to go many spins without a meaningful return. Those who enjoy this type of gameplay will find Book of Dead very rewarding; those who prefer frequent smaller wins may prefer a lower-volatility title.
Why It Remains Popular
- Simple but engaging mechanics — Easy to learn, with one compelling bonus feature.
- Theme and presentation — Crisp graphics, atmospheric soundtrack, and a well-executed Egyptian theme.
- Strong RTP — 96.21% is competitive by industry standards.
- Accessible bet range — Suitable for a wide range of budgets.
Final Verdict
Book of Dead earns its reputation as a modern online slots classic. The gameplay loop is satisfying, the bonus round is genuinely exciting, and the high volatility gives it a "just one more spin" quality that keeps players engaged. It's a title worth understanding before you play — set a budget, enjoy the journey, and don't expect the base game to sustain you through long sessions without the bonus.
Always check the game's RTP in your chosen platform's game information panel, as some operators may offer a different RTP variant.