Book of Dead is one of the most popular and influential slots in the online casino world. Released by Play’n GO in 2016, this Egyptian-themed adventure slot has become a staple at UK online casinos, renowned for its high volatility, exciting free spins feature, and potential for substantial wins.
This comprehensive review examines what makes Book of Dead so compelling, its gameplay mechanics, bonus features, RTP, volatility, and whether it lives up to its legendary reputation among slot enthusiasts.
Game Overview
Developer: Play’n GO
Release Year: 2016
Theme: Ancient Egypt / Adventure
Reels: 5
Rows: 3
Paylines: 10 (adjustable)
RTP: 96.21%
Volatility: High
Maximum Win: 5,000x bet
Minimum Bet: £0.01
Maximum Bet: £100
Theme and Design
Book of Dead draws heavily from Ancient Egyptian mythology, following the adventures of Rich Wilde, Play’n GO’s recurring explorer character reminiscent of Indiana Jones.
Visual Presentation
Background: Dark temple interiors with hieroglyphic-covered walls create an authentic archaeological atmosphere. Flickering torchlight and stone textures establish the game’s mysterious, tomb-raiding ambience.
Symbols: A mix of thematic and traditional elements:
- Rich Wilde: The adventurer protagonist, highest-paying symbol
- Anubis: Egyptian god of death
- Pharaoh Sarcophagus: Golden death mask
- Sacred Scarab: Beetle deity
- Book of Dead: Scatter and wild symbol
- High Cards: A, K, Q, J, 10 styled with Egyptian hieroglyphic aesthetics
Animation Quality: Smooth animations accompany wins, with symbols coming to life through effects and Rich Wilde celebrating big wins with animated sequences.
Colour Palette: Rich golds, deep blues, and warm sandy tones evoke Ancient Egypt whilst maintaining excellent visibility and contrast.
Sound Design
Background Music: Atmospheric Egyptian-themed music with traditional Middle Eastern instruments creates immersive ambience without being intrusive.
Reel Sounds: Stone-grinding sound effects as reels spin evoke exploring ancient mechanisms.
Win Celebrations: Triumphant orchestral stings accompany wins, scaling in intensity with payout size.
Free Spins Music: A more dramatic, intense version of the base game music heightens excitement during the bonus round.
Overall: The audio design significantly enhances the theme and creates genuine excitement during key moments, particularly the anticipation-building sound when Book symbols appear during free spins.
How to Play
Book of Dead features straightforward gameplay with the depth lying in its volatile mathematics and bonus potential.
Basic Gameplay
1. Set Your Bet: Adjust coin value (£0.01 to £1) and bet level (1 to 10) to determine your total stake
2. Select Paylines: Choose to play 1 to 10 paylines (though playing all 10 is recommended for maximum win potential)
3. Spin: Click the spin button or use spacebar to start
4. Autoplay: Set automatic spins from 10 to 100 with optional stop conditions (win limits, loss limits, feature triggers)
Betting Options
Coin Value: £0.01 to £1
Paylines: 1 to 10 (adjustable)
Total Bet Range: £0.01 to £100
Calculation: Coin value × Paylines × Bet level
Paytable
Book of Dead’s paytable shows wins in coins relative to your bet level:
High-Value Symbols (two or more for Rich Wilde, three or more for others):
Symbol5 of a Kind4 of a Kind3 of a KindRich Wilde5,000x750x100xAnubis2,000x400x40xPharaoh2,000x400x40xScarab750x100x30x
Low-Value Symbols (three or more required):
Symbol5 of a Kind4 of a Kind3 of a KindA150x40x10xK150x40x10xQ100x25x10xJ100x25x10x10100x25x5x
Special Symbol – Book of Dead:
- Acts as both Wild (substituting for all symbols) and Scatter (triggers free spins)
- Wins are paid from left to right on active paylines
- Rich Wilde pays with just two symbols; all others require three minimum
Special Features
Book of Dead’s power lies in its bonus round, which can produce spectacular wins or frustrating droughts.
Wild Symbol
The Book: Acts as a wild symbol during base game play, substituting for all other symbols to complete winning combinations.
Scatter Wins: In addition to its wild function, three or more Book symbols anywhere on the reels pay:
- 3 Books: 2x total bet
- 4 Books: 20x total bet
- 5 Books: 200x total bet
Note: Book symbols don’t need to be on active paylines to trigger scatter wins or free spins.
Free Spins Feature
Landing three or more Book of Dead symbols anywhere triggers the centrepiece free spins bonus:
Initial Trigger:
- 3 Books: 10 free spins
- 4 Books: 10 free spins + 20x bet scatter win
- 5 Books: 10 free spins + 200x bet scatter win
Special Expanding Symbol:
Before free spins begin, the game randomly selects one symbol to be the “special expanding symbol” for the duration of the feature. This is shown in an animated sequence where the book opens and reveals the chosen symbol.
Expanding Symbol Mechanics:
- During free spins, if the special symbol lands on the reels in sufficient quantity to form a winning combination, it expands to fill its entire reel before wins are evaluated
- Expanded symbols don’t need to be on adjacent reels or even the same payline – they pay scattered
- Multiple expanded symbols can appear simultaneously, leading to massive multi-reel payouts
- The special symbol still pays normally if it doesn’t expand (i.e., if there aren’t enough symbols to win)
Example: If Rich Wilde is chosen as the special symbol and two Rich Wilde symbols land during free spins, both expand to cover their entire reels, paying for all positions where they appear across all bet lines.
Re-Trigger: Landing three or more Books during free spins awards 10 additional free spins with the same special symbol maintained.
Maximum Potential: The free spins can theoretically be re-triggered indefinitely, though in practice, multiple re-triggers are rare.
The Special Symbol Strategy
The randomly chosen special symbol dramatically affects the feature’s potential:
High-Value Symbols (Rich Wilde, Anubis, Pharaoh):
- Lower probability of landing multiple instances
- When they do land and expand, wins are massive
- Rich Wilde as the special symbol is the dream scenario – full screens can pay 5,000x bet
Low-Value Symbols (A, K, Q, J, 10):
- Higher probability of landing multiple instances
- More frequent expanding wins but smaller payouts
- Can still be very profitable with full-reel coverage
Book Symbol:
- Cannot be chosen as the special symbol
- Can still trigger re-triggers during free spins
RTP and Volatility
Book of Dead’s mathematics create its signature high-risk, high-reward profile.
Return to Player (RTP)
RTP: 96.21%
This is slightly above the industry average, meaning:
- For every £100 wagered over millions of spins, the game returns approximately £96.21 to players
- The house edge is 3.79%
- Individual sessions will vary dramatically from this theoretical figure
Volatility
Volatility: High
Book of Dead is a high volatility slot, which means:
Infrequent Wins: Long dry spells between winning spins are normal
Large Win Potential: When wins occur, particularly in free spins, they can be substantial (100x, 500x, 1,000x+ possible)
Rapid Bankroll Swings: Your balance can fluctuate wildly, with significant losses followed by recovery wins
High Risk: Your session bankroll can deplete quickly without hitting features
Extended Droughts: Going 100+ spins without triggering free spins is common
Ideal For: Players with patience, adequate bankroll, and tolerance for variance who seek substantial wins
Not Ideal For: Players preferring frequent small wins, those with limited bankrolls, or low-risk preference
Maximum Win Potential
Maximum Win: 5,000x total bet
This occurs when you hit a full screen of Rich Wilde symbols during free spins (all 15 positions covered with expanded Rich Wilde).
Practical Examples:
- £1 bet: Maximum win £5,000
- £5 bet: Maximum win £25,000
- £10 bet: Maximum win £50,000
Frequency: Full-screen wins are extremely rare but do occur. More common are wins of 50x to 500x during free spins features.
Comparison: The 5,000x potential was impressive when Book of Dead released and remains competitive, though some modern slots now offer 10,000x, 50,000x, or even unlimited potential.
Why Book of Dead Is So Popular
Despite numerous Egyptian-themed slots entering the market, Book of Dead maintains its position as one of the most played slots online.
The Free Spins Excitement
Anticipation: The expanding symbol mechanic creates incredible tension, particularly when high-value symbols are chosen
Potential: The possibility of full-screen wins keeps players engaged through base game droughts
Simplicity: The feature is easy to understand but offers substantial depth through symbol selection
Re-Trigger Possibility: The chance to extend features adds another layer of excitement
Optimal Volatility Balance
High But Not Extreme: Book of Dead’s volatility is high but not as punishing as some ultra-high variance modern slots
Reasonable Hit Rate: Free spins trigger relatively frequently for a high-volatility slot (approximately every 150-250 spins on average)
Decent Base Game: Occasional solid base game wins (50-100x) provide relief between features
Achievable Wins: The 5,000x maximum, whilst not life-changing for most bet sizes, is realistically achievable rather than a one-in-ten-million longshot
Production Quality
Polished Execution: Play’n GO’s technical excellence ensures smooth gameplay across all devices
Reliable Performance: Minimal bugs or technical issues over its long lifespan
Mobile Optimisation: Excellent mobile experience without compromised features or quality
Accessible: Available at virtually every UK online casino
Marketing and Recognition
Promotional Tool: Frequently featured in welcome bonuses and free spins offers
Brand Recognition: The Rich Wilde character has spawned multiple sequel slots, building a recognisable franchise
Streamer Favourite: Popular with slot streamers due to its potential for dramatic moments
Community: Active player community sharing big wins and strategies
The “Just One More Spin” Factor
Chase Potential: The knowledge that the next spin could trigger a massive free spins win creates powerful psychological engagement
Near-Misses: Two Books appearing with the third narrowly missing is a common occurrence that encourages continued play
Variable Rewards: The random special symbol selection means each free spins trigger feels unique
Criticisms and Limitations
Despite its popularity, Book of Dead has detractors and genuine limitations.
High Volatility Frustration
Dead Spins: Frequent non-winning spins can rapidly deplete bankrolls
Feature Droughts: Going 200-300+ spins without triggering free spins, whilst statistically normal, is psychologically difficult
Low-Value Special Symbols: When low-paying symbols are chosen during free spins, the feature can be disappointing
Bankroll Requirements: Successfully playing Book of Dead requires a larger bankroll than low-volatility alternatives
Dead or Alive Free Spins
Infamous Phenomenon: The feature has a reputation for “dead” free spins where minimal wins occur despite the bonus triggering
Low-Value Special Symbols: Getting 10 or J as your special symbol often results in disappointing features paying 10-30x total bet
No Expansion: If your special symbol doesn’t land during free spins, the feature becomes standard free spins without its signature mechanic
Expectation vs Reality: The potential for massive wins creates high expectations that are usually unmet
Limited Base Game Features
Single Mechanic: Apart from the free spins, there are no other features, multipliers, or bonus games
Repetitive Gameplay: Over extended sessions, the gameplay can feel monotonous waiting for features
No Buy Feature: Unlike some modern slots, you cannot buy direct access to free spins
Derivative Theme
Unoriginal: The Egyptian/book theme was already well-established when Book of Dead released (Book of Ra pioneered it)
Play’n GO’s Own Competition: The developer has released multiple sequels and variations, diluting Book of Dead’s uniqueness
Who Should Play Book of Dead?
Book of Dead suits specific player profiles better than others.
Ideal Players
High-Volatility Enthusiasts: Players who enjoy the rollercoaster of high-variance slots
Patient Players: Those willing to endure long waits for substantial payouts
Adequate Bankroll: Players with bankrolls supporting 200-300 bets minimum
Feature Chasers: Those who prioritise exciting bonus rounds over frequent small wins
Risk-Tolerant: Players comfortable with significant downswings
Bonus Users: Those with free spins bonuses (Book of Dead is frequently offered)
May Not Suit
Low-Volatility Preference: Players wanting frequent wins will find it frustrating
Small Bankrolls: Limited funds can be exhausted quickly
Risk-Averse: Conservative players may find the swings too dramatic
Impatient Players: Those wanting regular action may struggle with feature droughts
Beginners: New players might be intimidated by the volatility
Tips for Playing Book of Dead
Bankroll Management
300-Bet Rule: Bring at least 300 times your bet size as a session bankroll (e.g., £300 for £1 spins)
Session Division: Split your total bankroll across multiple sessions to avoid one bad session ending your play
Bet Sizing: Choose bets representing 0.3-0.5% of your total bankroll maximum
Stop-Loss: Set a maximum loss limit (50% of session bankroll) and stick to it
Maximise Feature Potential
Play All Paylines: Always play all 10 paylines to maximise your chances of expanding symbol wins during free spins
Don’t Chase: Resist the temptation to increase bet sizes trying to trigger features after droughts
Celebrate Small Features: Even disappointing free spins often return some of your investment
Understand the Variance
Expect Droughts: 200+ spin feature droughts are statistically normal, not indication of a “rigged” game
Don’t Tilt: Maintain discipline during losing streaks; variance will eventually correct
Feature Quality Varies: Understand that many features will be modest (20-50x) with occasional big hits (200x+)
Strategic Considerations
Take Advantage of Bonuses: Free spins offers on Book of Dead are common; use them to experience the game risk-free
Try Demo Mode: Practice with play money to understand the volatility before risking real funds
Time Your Sessions: When ahead significantly (2x+ starting bankroll), consider stopping to lock in profits
Autoplay Limits: Use autoplay stop conditions (loss limits, feature triggers) to maintain control
Book of Dead vs Competitors
How does Book of Dead compare to similar slots?
Book of Dead vs Book of Ra (Novomatic)
Similarities: Both are Egyptian-themed book-triggered expanding symbol slots
Differences:
- Book of Ra is older (2005) and shows its age graphically
- Book of Dead has better RTP (96.21% vs 95.1% for Book of Ra)
- Book of Ra has a dedicated following, particularly in Germany and Austria
Verdict: Book of Dead is the more modern, polished version of the concept
Book of Dead vs Legacy of Dead (Play’n GO)
Similarities: Same developer, same theme, similar mechanics
Differences:
- Legacy of Dead has different paytable and slightly different mathematics
- Legacy is essentially an updated version by the same developer
- Legacy offers marginally higher maximum win (10,000x vs 5,000x)
Verdict: Very similar experiences; choose based on availability and preference
Book of Dead vs Reactoonz (Play’n GO)
Similarities: Both by Play’n GO, both popular
Differences:
- Completely different gameplay (cluster pays vs paylines)
- Reactoonz is even higher variance
- Different theme entirely (alien creatures vs Egyptian adventure)
Verdict: Entirely different experiences despite same developer
Book of Dead vs Starburst (NetEnt)
Similarities: Both are iconic, frequently promoted slots
Differences:
- Opposite volatility profiles (Starburst low, Book of Dead high)
- Different maximum wins (Starburst 500x, Book of Dead 5,000x)
- Different pacing and experience
Verdict: Choose Starburst for steady play, Book of Dead for high-risk thrills
The Rich Wilde Series
Book of Dead’s success led Play’n GO to develop multiple sequels featuring Rich Wilde:
Aztec Idols: Mesoamerican theme with similar mechanics
Pearls of India: Indian temple theme, different feature structure
Tome of Madness: Lovecraftian horror theme with cluster pays
Shields of Athena: Greek mythology, different mechanics
Each offers variations on the explorer adventure theme with different mathematical models and features.
Conclusion
Book of Dead has earned its place as one of online gambling’s most iconic slots through a combination of solid design, exciting gameplay, and optimal volatility balance for its target audience.
Strengths:
- Exciting free spins feature with substantial win potential (5,000x)
- High volatility creates dramatic moments and engagement
- Simple, elegant mechanics that are easy to understand
- Polished production with appealing theme and audio
- Above-average RTP (96.21%)
- Widely available with frequent promotional use
- Mobile-optimised with excellent cross-platform performance
Weaknesses:
- High volatility creates frustrating droughts and requires substantial bankroll
- Free spins features are often disappointing when low-value symbols are chosen
- Limited base game excitement beyond waiting for features
- Derivative theme building on Book of Ra’s earlier success
- Can feel repetitive over extended sessions
Overall Verdict: Book of Dead is a high-quality, high-volatility slot that delivers exactly what it promises. It’s not innovative or revolutionary, but it executes the expanding symbol concept excellently with production values that have aged well.
For players who enjoy high-variance gambling, can afford the bankroll requirements, and have the patience to withstand feature droughts, Book of Dead offers one of the most exciting slot experiences available. The potential for substantial wins during free spins creates genuine excitement that keeps players engaged.
However, this isn’t a slot for everyone. Low-volatility players, those with small bankrolls, or anyone seeking frequent wins should look elsewhere. Book of Dead demands patience, discipline, and adequate funding.
Nearly a decade after release, Book of Dead remains relevant because it occupies a specific niche effectively. It’s neither the highest-RTP slot nor the highest-volatility nor the highest maximum win, but it balances these factors into a package that appeals to a large segment of players who want excitement without extreme risk.
If you’ve never played Book of Dead and enjoy high-volatility slots, it deserves a try. Just ensure you have the bankroll to weather the inevitable variance and the temperament to handle the game’s notorious mood swings. When the features hit well, few slots are more thrilling. When they don’t, few are more frustrating. That’s Book of Dead in a nutshell.
Play Book of Dead at UK-licensed casinos only. Always gamble responsibly.
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