Introduction to Book of Dead
Book of Dead from Play'n GO has become one of the most popular slots in the UK market. Following the adventures of explorer Rich Wilde through ancient Egyptian tombs, this high-volatility slot offers the potential for massive wins up to 5,000x your stake.
How Book of Dead Works
Basic Gameplay
Book of Dead uses a classic 5-reel, 3-row layout with 10 adjustable paylines. The goal is to land matching symbols across active paylines from left to right, starting from reel 1.
Symbols and Payouts
High Value Symbols:
- Rich Wilde (explorer) - highest paying
- Osiris
- Anubis
- Horus
Low Value Symbols:
- A, K, Q, J, 10 card royals
Special Symbol:
- Book of Dead - acts as both Wild and Scatter
The Free Spins Feature
The main attraction in Book of Dead is the free spins bonus:
How to Trigger
Land 3 or more Book of Dead symbols anywhere on the reels:
- 3 Books = 10 free spins
- 4 Books = 10 free spins + bigger win
- 5 Books = 10 free spins + massive win
The Expanding Symbol
Before free spins begin, one symbol is randomly selected to become the "expanding symbol". When this symbol appears, it expands to cover the entire reel, creating opportunities for full-screen wins.
Retrigger Potential
Landing 3+ Books during free spins adds another 10 spins to your total. This can happen repeatedly, up to a maximum of 100 free spins.
RTP and Volatility Analysis
With an RTP of 96.21% and high volatility, Book of Dead is designed for players who can handle significant variance:
What High Volatility Means:
- Longer periods without wins
- When wins come, they can be substantial
- Requires a larger bankroll to weather dry spells
- Best suited for patient players
Maximum Win Potential
The 5,000x maximum win can be achieved during free spins when:
- Rich Wilde is the expanding symbol
- Multiple reels fill with the expanding symbol
- The gamble feature is used to multiply wins
Strategy Tips
Bankroll Management
High volatility demands careful bankroll management:
- Set aside a dedicated session bankroll
- Use stakes that allow for at least 200-300 spins
- Accept that long losing streaks are normal
Using the Gamble Feature
After any win, you can gamble to double (red/black) or quadruple (suit):
- Only gamble small wins you're comfortable losing
- Never gamble big wins from free spins
- Set a personal limit on consecutive gambles
Payline Strategy
While you can adjust paylines from 1-10, most players keep all 10 active:
- More paylines = more chances to trigger the bonus
- Reducing paylines reduces overall RTP
Why Book of Dead Is So Popular
Proven Game Mechanics
The "Book" slot mechanic (originally from Book of Ra) has proven incredibly popular with players who love the expanding symbol feature.
High Win Potential
The 5,000x max win offers life-changing potential on relatively small stakes.
Adventure Theme
The Indiana Jones-style Egyptian adventure theme resonates with players who enjoy narrative-driven games.
Free Spins Offers
Many UK casinos offer dedicated Book of Dead free spins as welcome bonuses, giving new players a chance to experience the game risk-free.
Our Verdict
Book of Dead is a must-try for any slot enthusiast, particularly those who enjoy high-volatility gameplay. The combination of a compelling theme, simple but effective mechanics, and substantial win potential has rightfully earned it a place among the all-time greats.
Just remember - this is a marathon, not a sprint. Bring patience, manage your bankroll wisely, and enjoy the thrill when those expanding symbols finally align.
