Book of Dead’s Avalanche of Symbols: What to Expect
The Book of Dead slot by Play’n GO has become one of the most iconic and popular online casino games, renowned for its thrilling Egyptian tomb adventure theme and rewarding gameplay features. This article explores the avalanche of symbols players encounter in Book of Dead, unraveling their roles, bonus features, and how they contribute to the game’s excitement game and big win potential.
The Mythical Setting and Symbolic Repertoire
Set against a richly detailed backdrop of an ancient Egyptian tomb, Book of Dead immerses players into the mysterious world of Rich Wilde, a daring adventurer on a quest for lost treasures. The game employs a classic 5-reel, 3-row grid with 10 adjustable paylines, making it accessible yet engaging.
The symbols in the game are a mixture of traditional playing card icons and thematic high-value Egyptian-themed icons:
- Low-value symbols: Standard playing cards 10, J, Q, K, and A, stylized with hieroglyphic flourishes.
- High-value symbols: Rich Wilde himself, Anubis (the god of the afterlife), a Pharaoh’s Mask, and the Book of Dead, which serves multiple roles.
Players will especially pay attention to the Book of Dead symbol, which acts both as a wild and a scatter , crucial for unlocking the game’s most exciting bonuses[1][3][4].
Wild and Scatter Symbols: The Gatekeepers to Fortune
A key feature that sets Book of Dead apart is how the Book of Dead symbol functions dualistically:
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Wild: It substitutes for any other symbol on the reels except itself, helping complete winning combinations. For example, if you have four Rich Wilde symbols and one Book of Dead on a payline, the wild transforms into Rich Wilde, boosting your payout substantially[3].
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Scatter: Unlike other symbols that need to align on paylines, the Book of Dead scatter pays anywhere on the reels. You only need to get three or more to trigger the free spins bonus, rewarding 10 free spins initially[1][2][3].
This scatter-wild hybrid makes the symbol an invaluable one, increasing the frequency and size of wins by both activating bonuses and aiding in regular spins.
The Free Spins Feature: A Symbol Avalanche of Opportunity
Triggered by landing three or more Book of Dead scatters anywhere on the reels, the free spins round is the core appeal of Book of Dead:
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Players receive 10 free spins initially, with the chance to extend them by landing more scatters during the bonus rounds.
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At the start of the free spins, a special expanding symbol is randomly selected from the game’s symbols. This symbol can expand to cover an entire reel whenever it appears and forms part of a winning combination, regardless of whether the winning symbols appear on consecutive reels or not[2][3].
This expanding symbol mechanic can transform average wins into massive payouts. For example, if the chosen symbol is Rich Wilde, a high-paying symbol, its expansion potentially delivers enormous multipliers. Conversely, lower-value symbols expand more frequently but yield smaller wins, creating a compelling risk/reward balance[2].
The free spins feature is where the symbolic avalanche truly cascades into monumental winning potential, especially given the slot’s high volatility , meaning wins are less frequent but potentially very large[1][2][4].
Other Symbol-Related Features: Gamble and Paylines
Beyond the wild and expanding scatter symbols, the game includes a Gamble feature as a risk-reward mechanic after any winning spin:
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Players can choose to gamble their winnings by guessing the color or suit of a hidden playing card.
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Correctly guessing the card color doubles the win, while guessing the exact suit quadruples it. However, incorrect guesses mean losing the wagered winnings[2].
In terms of pays, the Book of Dead slot has 10 adjustable paylines, paying left to right on consecutive reels. Wild symbols increase the possibility of completing more winning lines, while scatter wins pay independently of paylines[1][3].
Visuals and Atmosphere: Symbols that Tell a Story
The Book of Dead’s symbols are richly crafted to fit the game’s atmospheric narrative of an Indiana Jones-style tomb adventure:
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The Book of Dead symbol is beautifully illustrated as an ancient tome with a golden eye motif.
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Other high-paying symbols include the god Anubis and an ornate golden Pharaoh’s mask, each detailed with jewel-toned colors and Egyptian hieroglyphics[4].
The backdrop of the slot, featuring golden pillars and dimly lit tomb corridors, enhances the allure and stakes of symbol combinations, making every spin feel like an expedition into hidden riches.
Win Potential and RTP: What Do the Symbols Deliver?
The Book of Dead slot offers a maximum win potential of 5,000x your stake , which is mainly achieved through strategic triggering of expanding symbols during free spins combined with high-value symbols[1][2].
The game has a high volatility , meaning big wins can be rare but are substantial when they occur. RTP (Return to Player) varies slightly across platforms, but is generally around:
- 94.25% according to some sources, which is below the average for slots
- 96.21% as cited by others, a more favorable figure
This discrepancy is minor but important for serious players monitoring expected returns[1][4].
Similar Slot Games Featuring Symbol Avalanches
If you enjoy the avalanche and expanding symbol style of Book of Dead, other Play’n GO titles worth exploring include:
- Legacy of Dead: A sequel with similar expanding symbols and Egyptian themes.
- Tome of Madness: Offers a twist on symbol mechanics with its own unique features[1].
These games build on the popular mechanics of Book of Dead, appealing to players who thrill at watching symbols cascade and multiply their rewards.
Final Thoughts: Expect an Avalanche of Winning Symbols
Playing Book of Dead means diving into a world where symbols do far more than complete paylines—they transform, expand, substitute, and trigger bonus rounds offering lucrative opportunities. From the dual-role Book of Dead wild/scatter to the strategically expanding symbols in free spins, the avalanche of symbols makes every spin charged with potential for those seeking the thrill of big wins in an ancient Egyptian adventure.
As such, Book of Dead remains a definitive title for slot enthusiasts looking for a rich narrative, striking visuals, and high-risk, high-reward gameplay centered on its dynamic symbolic features.