Released in 2016 by Play’n GO, Book of Dead is a 5×3, 1–10 line high-volatility slot built around a single, ruthless idea: land the book, trigger Free Spins, and let a chosen symbol expand across the reels.
This slot quickly became the benchmark of the “book” format. The rules remain lean, the interface clean, and the variance unapologetically high. If you’re exploring this genre for the first time, Book of Dead is still the reference point.
The theme revolves around pulp archaeology, gold-framed reels, and the adventurer Rich Wilde. But beneath the Indiana Jones aesthetic lies a math model that thrives on patience, discipline, and explosive bonus potential.
Features full review
Feature-wise, Book of Dead keeps its toolbox minimal but focused. The entire game orbits around one symbol — the book — and one defining mechanic: the Special Expanding Symbol during Free Spins.
The Book Symbol
The book does double duty:
- Acts as a Wild, substituting for any regular symbol
- Acts as a Scatter, triggering Free Spins with 3 or more anywhere
Scatter payouts:
- 3 books: 2 coins
- 4 books: 20 coins
- 5 books: 200 coins
This simplicity is intentional. The game pushes everything toward one moment that matters: the bonus.
Free Spins & Expanding Symbol
Free Spins are the core of the design.
Trigger:
3, 4, or 5 book symbols anywhere award 10 Free Spins.
Before the feature begins, the game randomly selects one regular symbol as the Special Expanding Symbol.
During Free Spins:
- If the chosen symbol forms a winning line, it expands to fill the entire reel
- Expanded symbols do not need to sit adjacent
- They only need to land on the correct reels for a payline
- Free Spins can be retriggered with 3+ books (+10 spins each time)
The impact of the chosen symbol is decisive. A high-paying symbol like Rich Wilde can generate massive returns, but mid-tier symbols often appear more frequently and may deliver steadier payouts.
This volatility dynamic is what keeps the game intense year after year.
Adjustable Paylines
Book of Dead allows players to select between 1 and 10 paylines.
However, using all 10 lines is strongly recommended. Reducing lines alters the paytable math and limits the full potential of expanding combinations during Free Spins.
Gamble Feature
Some versions include a double/quadruple gamble panel after wins.
While optional, it increases risk without altering the core RTP structure. It should be treated purely as an entertainment extra, not a strategy tool.
Winning Symbols & Payouts
Top symbols include:
Rich Wilde:
2:10 | 3:100 | 4:1000 | 5:5000
Pharaoh:
2:5 | 3:40 | 4:400 | 5:2000
Anubis / Falcon:
2:5 | 3:30 | 4:100 | 5:750
Royal symbols (A–10) offer smaller payouts, designed to support base-game stability while players wait for Free Spins.
Maximum exposure in the canonical build is capped at 250,000 coins
RTP, Volatility & Maths
- RTP (standard profile): 96.21%
- Alternative lower RTP profiles may exist
- Volatility: High
- Max exposure: 250,000 coins
The pacing is recognizable:
- Stable base hits
- Long droughts
- Short but potentially decisive Free Spin windows
This is not a soft landing slot. When it pays, it pays through expansion bursts.
Play’n GO – Book of Dead – Slot Verdict
And that’s the expedition.
Book of Dead remains the purest example of the expanding-symbol format. One mechanic, high volatility, and a clearly defined objective. It doesn’t overload players with features — it concentrates everything into a single, high-impact bonus round.
The volatility is real. Long dry spells are part of the experience. But when Free Spins hit with the right Special Symbol, even two expanded reels can transform an entire session.
New players appreciate the clarity. Veterans respect the ceiling.
On the downside, RTP configurations vary by operator, and lower-profile builds exist. Always verify the RTP in the live lobby before playing.
Book of Dead rewards discipline more than impulse. It’s a slot that respects bankroll management and punishes emotional stake changes.
If you’re browsing slot libraries looking for a focused, high-variance experience with proven staying power, Book of Dead still earns its place as the yardstick of the genre.
