Overview
Book of Dead by Play'n GO is arguably the most recognisable online slot in Europe. Released in 2016, it stars Rich Wilde — a daring archaeologist — on a quest through ancient Egypt. Its simple structure, high volatility, and rewarding free spins round have kept it among the most-played slots for years.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Developer | Play'n GO |
| Reels / Paylines | 5 reels, 10 paylines |
| RTP | 96.21% |
| Volatility | High |
| Max Win | Up to 5,000x stake |
| Min / Max Bet | £0.01 – £100 per spin |
Theme & Design
The game draws heavy inspiration from ancient Egyptian mythology. Symbols include pharaohs, sphinxes, scarab beetles, and hieroglyphic cards. The aesthetic is clean, dark, and atmospheric, with a bold golden colour palette that suits the theme well. Animations are smooth without being distracting.
Base Game Mechanics
Book of Dead uses a standard 5x3 grid with 10 fixed paylines. Wins are triggered by landing 3 or more matching symbols from left to right. The Book of Dead symbol acts as both the wild and the scatter, substituting for all symbols to complete wins and triggering the bonus round when 3 or more appear anywhere on the reels.
Free Spins Feature
Landing 3+ Book symbols anywhere on the reels awards 10 free spins. Before they begin, one symbol is randomly selected as an expanding special symbol. During free spins, if this symbol appears anywhere on the reels, it expands to fill entire reels and pays across all positions — regardless of paylines. This is where the game's biggest wins occur.
The most valuable special symbol is Rich Wilde himself: five of him on expanding reels can return up to 5,000x your stake in a single spin.
Volatility: What to Expect
Book of Dead is high volatility — long dry spells are common, but wins can be significant when they land. This game suits players who:
- Have a larger relative bankroll to weather variance.
- Are comfortable with infrequent but potentially large payouts.
- Prefer excitement over consistent small wins.
If you prefer regular wins and longer playtime on a smaller budget, a medium- or low-volatility slot will serve you better.
RTP & House Edge
The published RTP of 96.21% is above the industry average of around 95–96%. Keep in mind that RTP is a theoretical figure calculated over millions of spins — it doesn't predict short-term results. Always treat RTP as a comparison tool between games, not a guarantee of returns.
Verdict
Book of Dead earns its classic status through elegant simplicity, a compelling bonus feature, and a volatility level that delivers genuine excitement. It's not the most feature-rich slot on the market — there are no multipliers, cascading reels, or bonus buy options — but its focused design is precisely what makes it timeless. If you haven't played it, it's worth a few free-play spins to understand why it's remained so popular.
Remember to play responsibly. Set a budget before you start and treat any session as entertainment, not a source of income.