Book of Dead: An Overview
Book of Dead by Play'n GO is one of the most recognized online slot titles in the iGaming industry. Set against an ancient Egyptian theme, this 5-reel, 10-payline slot has attracted a wide audience thanks to its straightforward mechanics, atmospheric design, and high-volatility gameplay. This educational review breaks down what the game offers mechanically — not as a promotional endorsement, but to help you understand what you're playing before you start.
Core Game Mechanics
- Reels: 5
- Paylines: 10 (fixed)
- Developer: Play'n GO
- RTP: 96.21%
- Volatility: High
- Bet Range: Variable — check within the game interface
The game uses a standard left-to-right matching mechanic on its 10 paylines. Wins occur when three or more matching symbols land on adjacent reels from the leftmost reel.
Understanding the RTP: 96.21%
Book of Dead's RTP of 96.21% sits comfortably above the industry average of around 95–96%. This means that over a mathematically significant number of spins, the game is designed to return approximately €96.21 for every €100 wagered. Remember, this is a long-term statistical figure — individual sessions can vary dramatically, especially given the game's high volatility.
The Wild and Scatter: Book of Ra Symbol
The central mechanic of Book of Dead is its Book symbol, which serves as both the Wild and the Scatter:
- As a Wild, it substitutes for all other symbols to complete winning combinations
- As a Scatter, landing 3 or more Books anywhere on the reels triggers the Free Spins bonus
This dual function makes the Book symbol the most valuable single symbol in the game.
Free Spins Feature: The Game's Main Event
Triggering Free Spins unlocks the game's most anticipated feature:
- The game awards 10 free spins
- One symbol is randomly selected as the Special Expanding Symbol
- During free spins, if that special symbol appears on any position on a reel, it expands to cover the entire reel
- Pays are then calculated for all expanded positions simultaneously — meaning a full-screen of the top symbol is possible
- Free spins can retrigger if 3 or more Books land during the bonus round
The expanding symbol mechanic is where the game's high-volatility potential is most pronounced. A high-value expanding symbol across three or more reels can produce very large multiplied wins relative to the stake.
Symbol Paytable Overview
| Symbol Type | Value (5 of a kind, relative to stake) |
|---|---|
| Rich Wilde (Explorer) | Highest payout symbol |
| Anubis / Tutankhamun | High value |
| Book of Dead | High value (also Wild/Scatter) |
| A, K, Q, J, 10 | Lower value card symbols |
What Kind of Player Is This Game For?
Because of its high volatility, Book of Dead is best suited for players who:
- Have a bankroll sufficient to weather long dry spells between significant wins
- Are patient and not discouraged by sessions where the free spins rarely trigger
- Enjoy the excitement of potentially large bonus round payouts
Players looking for frequent small wins and steady bankroll movement would likely find low-volatility alternatives a more comfortable experience. Always try a demo version of any slot before committing real money.