Book of Dead
Book of Dead is one of the most iconic slot games ever created by Play’n GO. Released in 2016, it has since become a favourite among both new and experienced players. With its classic Egyptian theme, high payout potential, and exciting bonus features, it offers a perfect balance between entertainment and the chance for big rewards. Book of Dead is not just a game – it’s a journey into the tombs of the pharaohs, where every spin can unlock treasures buried in the sands.
Basic information about Book of Dead
The theme of Book of Dead revolves around Ancient Egypt, where the player follows Rich Wilde on his quest to uncover the secrets of the pharaohs. The graphics are detailed and rich in colour, featuring symbols tied to Egyptian mythology – such as the gods Anubis and Osiris, along with hieroglyphs and the mysterious book itself. The sound design enhances the atmosphere with mystical tones and deep drums that create a sense of adventure. The combination of visuals, sound, and symbolism makes the player feel like a true explorer inside an ancient temple.
Book of Dead follows a classic layout with five reels, three rows, and ten paylines. Players can choose how many lines to activate and adjust their bet size before each spin. The flexible betting system makes the game suitable for both beginners and high rollers – the minimum bet is usually 0.10 kr, while the maximum can reach up to 1000 kr per spin depending on the casino. The game also includes an autospin feature and a clear control panel, ensuring smooth gameplay on both desktop and mobile devices. The goal is simple – collect winning combinations of symbols from left to right to trigger bonuses and potentially large payouts.
How to play Book of Dead
Book of Dead is an easy-to-play slot that combines simplicity with clarity. All controls are located below the reels, allowing the player to adjust the bet amount, choose the number of active paylines, and start the game using the large spin button. There is also an autoplay option for multiple consecutive rounds and an information menu where symbol values and game rules are displayed. The layout is logical and makes the game easy to understand even for beginners.
Symbols and their values
The game features both low-paying and high-paying symbols, along with a special symbol that acts as both Wild and Scatter.
- High-paying symbols: Rich Wilde, Anubis, Horus, and the Pharaoh’s mask. Rich Wilde is the most valuable symbol and can award up to 5000× the bet when five appear on an active payline.
- Low-paying symbols: The card symbols 10, J, Q, K, and A. These provide smaller but more frequent wins, contributing to a balanced gameplay experience.
- Special symbol: The golden book acts as both Wild and Scatter. It substitutes for all other symbols to create winning combinations and triggers free spins when three or more appear on the reels.
Free spins and gamble feature
When three or more book symbols appear, 10 free spins are triggered. During the bonus round, one random symbol is selected to expand and cover entire reels, increasing the chances of winning. The feature can be retriggered, granting additional spins and higher potential payouts. After each win, players can also choose to enter the gamble feature – a simple card game where guessing the colour of the next card doubles the winnings. This function is optional but adds an extra element of excitement for those who enjoy a bit of risk.
RTP, volatility and hit frequency
Book of Dead offers a well-balanced mix of payout rate, risk level, and winning potential. The table below shows the key parameters that define the game’s dynamics and performance.
| Feature | Value | Description |
| RTP (Return to Player) | 96.21% | The average return to the player over time, slightly above the standard level for modern slots. |
| Volatility | High | Wins do not occur frequently, but when they do, they can be very substantial. |
| Maximum win | 5000× bet | The highest possible payout can be achieved by landing five Rich Wilde symbols on an active payline. |
| Hit frequency | About 30% | Roughly every third spin results in a win, ensuring a balanced and steady game rhythm. |
The combination of high volatility and an RTP value above 96% makes Book of Dead an appealing choice for players who enjoy taking risks with the potential for high rewards. The relatively consistent hit frequency keeps the gameplay engaging even during longer sessions.
Bonus features and special symbols
The Scatter symbol and free spins
The main bonus feature in Book of Dead is triggered by the legendary book, which acts as the game’s Scatter symbol. When three or more books land anywhere on the reels, 10 free spins are awarded. Before the round begins, one random symbol is selected to become “expanding” – meaning it can cover an entire reel when forming a winning combination. This creates the potential for multiple simultaneous wins across different paylines. During the free spins, the feature can be retriggered if three more books appear, allowing players to achieve impressive payouts within a single bonus round. This simple yet highly effective feature has made Book of Dead a favourite among players who enjoy free spins with high winning potential.
The Wild symbol and its dual role
In Book of Dead, the book serves a dual purpose – it functions as both the Scatter and the Wild. As a Wild symbol, it substitutes for all other symbols to complete winning combinations. This means the book is not only the key to triggering free spins but also helps boost wins in the base game by filling gaps in paylines. This dual functionality creates a dynamic balance between the base game and the bonus rounds, making every spin exciting. The symbol’s design – a golden book with mysterious inscriptions – reinforces the adventurous and mystical atmosphere that defines the entire game.
Features that enhance winning potential
In addition to the Wild and Scatter effects, Book of Dead includes a gamble feature that allows players to double or even quadruple their winnings after any successful spin. When a win occurs, the player can enter the gamble mode and guess either the colour or the suit of a hidden card. A correct colour doubles the win, while a correct suit quadruples it. This classic Play’n GO feature adds extra excitement but requires caution, as a wrong guess means losing the entire win. The option to take risks adds both strategy and thrill, making Book of Dead an engaging game for players who enjoy a balance between control and chance.
Mobile gaming experience
Book of Dead is fully optimised for mobile devices and runs smoothly on both Android and iOS. The game operates directly in the browser without the need for any app download, and thanks to HTML5 technology, the interface automatically adapts to different screen sizes. All features from the desktop version are preserved – including autoplay, bonus rounds, and the gamble option – ensuring a complete experience across all platforms. The graphics and animations maintain high quality, and loading times are short even on older devices. The user-friendly touch interface makes it easy to adjust bets and spin the reels, providing the same seamless and enjoyable gameplay as on a computer.