Introduction: Book of Dead – A Modern Classic Among Video Slots
Released by Play’n GO in 2016, Book of Dead has earned its place as one of the definitive online slots, captivating players for nearly a decade. The game transports you to the mysterious world of Ancient Egypt alongside the famous explorer Rich Wilde. With its combination of high volatility, straightforward gameplay, and potential for enormous wins, Book of Dead is considered essential for both new and experienced pokie slot enthusiasts.
In this in-depth review, you’ll find all aspects covered: from RTP and volatility to features, mobile experience, payout structure, session strategies, and much more. Whether you’re a casual spinner or a high-stakes player, discover why Book of Dead remains the pharaoh of Egyptian-themed slots in 2025.
Game Overview & Theme
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | Play’n GO |
| Release Year | 2016 |
| Reels/Ranks | 5 reels / 3 rows |
| Paylines | 10 (adjustable) |
| RTP | 96.21% (check casino version) |
| Volatility | High |
| Top Win | 5,000x stake |
| Min/Max Bet | $0.01–$100 per spin |
| Theme | Ancient Egypt, Adventure |
Book of Dead draws players into a richly imagined Ancient Egyptian tomb, filled with cryptic hieroglyphs and golden relics. Rich Wilde, the slot’s Indiana Jones-style adventurer, leads the quest in search of legendary treasure: the Book of Dead itself. The game’s allure comes not just from its theme, but from its elegant simplicity and the adrenaline-fueled pursuit of that elusive big win.
How to Play Book of Dead
Book of Dead is designed with accessibility in mind, making it ideal for both slot novices and veterans:
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Set Your Stake:
Adjust your coin value and bet per line. Bets range from $0.01 (with a single active payline) to $100 (with all paylines and max coin value). -
Choose Paylines:
Up to 10 paylines may be activated—playing all maximizes your win potential. -
Spin the Reels:
Hit the spin button to start your journey; the reels will reveal combinations left-to-right on activated paylines. -
Utilize Autoplay (optional):
Configure automatic spins and customize stop/loss limits per your preference. -
Chase the Bonus:
Land three or more Book symbols (scatters) to trigger the legendary bonus round.
RTP, Volatility & Max Win Potential
RTP (Return to Player)
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Default RTP is 96.21%—solidly above industry average for 2025.
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Note: Some casinos may offer versions with lower RTP (e.g., 94.25%, 91.25%, down to 84.18%) to suit their risk profile, so always check the game info before playing.
Volatility
Book of Dead is a high volatility slot. Wins are less frequent, but potential payouts—especially during bonus rounds—are significantly larger. This setup attracts risk-takers and thrill-seekers looking for memorable jackpot hits.
Maximum Win
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Max payout: 5,000x your stake (on a single spin)
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Achievable by landing five Rich Wilde symbols on a payline or filling the screen with expanding symbols during free spins.
Symbols, Paytable, and Mechanics
Symbol Overview
| Symbol | 5 in a Row | 4 in a Row | 3 in a Row | 2 in a Row |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rich Wilde | 5,000x | 1,000x | 100x | 10x |
| Pharaoh (Osiris) | 2,000x | 400x | 40x | 5x |
| Anubis | 750x | 100x | 30x | 4x |
| Horus | 750x | 100x | 30x | 4x |
| A, K | 150x | 40x | 5x | — |
| Q, J, 10 | 100x | 25x | 5x | — |
| Book (Scatter/Wild) | 200x | 20x | 2x | — |
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Book symbol: Acts both as Wild (substitutes for all symbols) and Scatter (triggers free spins bonus).
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Premium symbols (Rich Wilde, deities): Pay for 2+ on a line.
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Low-paying symbols (A, K, Q, J, 10): Pay for 3+ on a line.
How Paylines Work
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Wins pay left to right.
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Only the highest win on each line is paid.
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Adjusting active paylines lets you tailor risk and reward.
Bonus Features: Free Spins & Expanding Symbols
Free Spins Round
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Trigger: Land 3+ Book symbols anywhere on the reels.
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Award: 10 free spins.
Expanding Symbol Mechanic
At the start of free spins, one regular symbol is randomly chosen as the special expanding symbol. When enough of this symbol lands (anywhere, not just adjacent), they expand to cover their respective reels, potentially creating huge wins.
Full-screen Rich Wilde during free spins is the jackpot—yielding the top 5,000x payout. Free spins can also be re-triggered indefinitely by landing another three (or more) Book symbols during the bonus, with additional spins stacked.
Key Points:
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All expanding symbols pay on any active line, regardless of position.
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Massive win potential is concentrated in this bonus.
Gamble Feature
Every base game win gives you the chance to activate the Gamble feature:
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Double or Quadruple: Guess the color (red/black) to double, or the suit (heart/club/spade/diamond) to quadruple your current win.
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Risk: An incorrect guess forfeits the win for that round.
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Limit: You can gamble up to five times in a row on a single win, offering potential for rapid prize growth (or loss).
This classic feature injects extra excitement, appealing to adventurous players who enjoy the risk-reward tradeoff.
Betting Limits, Accessibility & Mobile Experience
Betting Limits
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Minimum bet: $0.01 (single line, lowest coin value)
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Typical bet range: $0.10–$100 (all lines, scalable coin value)
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Max win: Always capped at 5,000x your stake.
Accessibility
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The slot is widely available across reputable online casinos and is often featured in site welcome offers or daily promotions.
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Demo mode: Most casinos offer free play so you can experience the mechanics risk-free before committing real money.
Mobile Experience
Book of Dead is fully optimized for mobile gameplay:
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Works seamlessly on iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.
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All features—free spins, expanding symbols, gamble game—operate as they do on desktop.
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No app required—play instantly through any modern browser; responsive layout fits all screen sizes.
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Fast load times and intuitive touch controls ensure a smooth and immersive gaming session on any device.
Graphics, Audio & User Experience
Visuals
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Theme: Ancient Egypt brought to life with detailed, golden-hued graphics and animated symbols.
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Symbols: Styled in vivid, high-resolution artwork—Rich Wilde, Egyptian gods, and intricate card icons.
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Reels & Background: Tomb pillars, shadowy chambers, and subtle lighting effects enhance immersion.
Audio
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Music: Mysterious, slow-building Egyptian-style background music intensifies with each big win or bonus round.
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Sound Effects: Crisp spins, rich win sounds, and dramatic cues during feature activation.
Playability
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Interface: Clear, uncluttered controls with bet sizes, paylines, and game info easily adjusted.
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Smooth Animations: Fast reel spins and slick transitions maintain a lively, responsive feel.
Pros & Cons Table
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High 5,000x max win potential | High volatility (risk of fast losses) |
| Classic ‘book’ game mechanics | Bonus game can take patience to trigger |
| Expanding symbols during free spins | Simple—fewer side features than modern slots |
| Widely available, easy to play | RTP can vary by casino |
| Mobile-optimized & fast load times | Graphics, while iconic, a bit dated to some |
Book of Dead vs. Other Popular ‘Book’ Slots
| Feature | Book of Dead | Legacy of Dead | Book of Ra Deluxe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Developer | Play’n GO | Play’n GO | Novomatic |
| Release Year | 2016 | 2020 | 2008 |
| RTP | 96.21% | 96.58% | 95.03% |
| Max Win | 5,000x stake | 5,000x stake | 5,000x stake |
| Expanding Symbols | 1 in bonus | Multiple in bonus | 1 in bonus |
| Volatility | High | High | High |
| Mobile Friendly | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bonus Retriggers | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Book of Dead’s balance of simple base gameplay and ever-thrilling bonus rounds keeps it competitive against even the newest “book” series competitors.
Expert Tips & Strategies
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Maximize Paylines: Always play all 10 lines to ensure you’re eligible for full payouts and easier triggering of bonus features.
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Budget for High Volatility: Variance is high—wins can be infrequent but make sessions memorable. Manage your bankroll for long sessions and avoid heavy losses in short bursts.
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Strike During Bonus Rounds: The majority of big payouts are delivered during free spins with expanding symbols. Be patient—it’s worth the wait.
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Check RTP Version: Always verify the RTP at your chosen casino before starting. Aim for the 96.21% version to maximize potential returns.
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Gamble Feature Wisely: Only use the gamble feature if you’re comfortable with high risk, as repeated use could erase your gains quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RTP of Book of Dead?
The standard RTP is 96.21%, though some sites may offer versions as low as 84.18%, so check the game info before playing.
What is the maximum win?
You can win up to 5,000x your stake, usually by filling the screen with Rich Wilde symbols during the free spins bonus.
How do I trigger free spins?
Land three or more Book symbols anywhere on the reels in a single spin. You’ll receive 10 free spins and a randomly chosen expanding symbol.
Is Book of Dead mobile-friendly?
Yes, Book of Dead is perfectly optimized for all major mobile and tablet devices. No app needed—just load and play in your browser.
Can I play Book of Dead for free?
Most reputable online casinos offer a no-risk demo mode for Book of Dead so you can try all game features before betting real money.
Final Verdict
Book of Dead stands as the archetype of high-volatility, high-reward slots in 2025. Its compelling Ancient Egyptian theme, straightforward mechanics, and heart-pounding bonus rounds—especially the free spins with expanding symbols—make it a perennial favorite among Kiwi pokies players. While the base game is simple, it’s the potential for life-changing wins during bonus rounds that keeps spinners coming back again and again.
Whether you’re new to slots or a seasoned adventurer like Rich Wilde himself, Book of Dead’s blend of classic gameplay and timeless design ensures its immortality in the world of online casinos. Try it for yourself and see if fortune favors your quest!