Overview

Book of Dead by Play'n GO is one of the most recognizable and enduring online slot games in the industry. Set against the backdrop of ancient Egyptian mythology, it follows adventurer Rich Wilde through the tombs of the pharaohs. Its blend of straightforward gameplay, high volatility thrills, and a beloved free spins mechanic has earned it a loyal following worldwide.

Game Basics at a Glance

  • Developer: Play'n GO
  • Reels / Paylines: 5 reels, 10 paylines
  • RTP: 96.21%
  • Volatility: High
  • Minimum Bet: Varies by platform (typically from $0.01)
  • Special Features: Free Spins, Expanding Symbol, Gamble Feature

Theme and Design

The Egyptian theme is executed with clean, detailed graphics. Symbols include classic imagery — the Eye of Ra, the Ankh, the Scarab — along with high-value character symbols like Rich Wilde himself and the Book of Dead (which doubles as both Wild and Scatter). The soundtrack is atmospheric without becoming repetitive.

Core Mechanics

The Book Symbol

The Book of Dead symbol is the game's most important element. It acts as both a Wild (substituting for all other symbols) and a Scatter. Landing three or more Books anywhere on the reels triggers the Free Spins round.

Free Spins Feature

The Free Spins round awards 10 free spins. Before the round begins, one symbol is randomly chosen as a special expanding symbol. If that symbol lands during free spins, it expands to fill the entire reel. Getting three or more expanding symbols across multiple reels simultaneously is where the game's biggest wins occur.

Free spins can be retriggered, potentially extending the round significantly.

Gamble Feature

After any win, players can gamble their winnings by guessing the color (2x) or suit (4x) of a face-down card. This is entirely optional and adds extra risk — use with caution.

What We Like

  • Simple, intuitive gameplay — easy to learn regardless of experience level.
  • High RTP of 96.21% is above the industry average.
  • The expanding symbol mechanic creates genuinely exciting free spin sequences.
  • Widely available across most licensed online casino platforms.

Things to Keep in Mind

  • High volatility means base game wins can be infrequent — bankroll management is important.
  • The game's potential is heavily concentrated in the free spins round; base game hits are modest.
  • The Gamble feature can quickly erase wins if luck doesn't favor you.

Who Is This Game Best For?

Book of Dead is ideal for players who enjoy high-volatility gameplay and are willing to weather dry spells in pursuit of larger free spin payouts. Players who prefer frequent small wins would be better served by a low-volatility alternative. For those new to slots, it's a solid introduction to how expanding wilds and scatter-triggered bonuses work.

Final Verdict

Book of Dead remains popular for good reason: it combines an accessible format with a genuinely exciting bonus mechanic and a respectable RTP. It's a benchmark title worth understanding, even if it's not your go-to game for every session.