Book of Dead Symbols: Which Are Most Valuable?

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Book of Dead Symbols: Which Are Most Valuable?

The "Book of Dead" slot by Play’n GO is one of the most popular online casino games, famed for its rich Egyptian theme, adventurous storyline, and compelling bonus features. Understanding the symbols in this game is essential for players aiming to maximize their winnings, as certain symbols hold more value than others and trigger special features. This article explores the various symbols found in the Book of Dead slot and highlights which ones are the game most valuable to players.

Understanding the Symbol Types in Book of Dead

Book of Dead consists of a 5-reel, 3-row video slot layout with up to 10 adjustable paylines. The symbols can be generally categorized into low-value and high-value symbols, alongside special symbols that activate bonus rounds or provide wild substitutions.

  • Low-value symbols: These are the traditional playing card icons, including 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace. They form the basic payouts but generally offer smaller returns.

  • High-value symbols: These thematic symbols include:

    • Rich Wilde (the adventurer protagonist)
    • Pharaoh’s Mask
    • Anubis (the Egyptian god guardian)
    • Other Egyptian artifacts
  • Special symbols:

    • Book of Dead symbol – acts as both wild and scatter

The Book of Dead Symbol: Wild and Scatter Role

The Book of Dead symbol is the key to unlocking the game’s major wins and bonus features. It serves a dual purpose:

  • Wild substitute: It can replace any other symbol to complete winning combinations. For example, if you have four Rich Wilde symbols plus one Book of Dead symbol on the reels, the Book of Dead will count as Rich Wilde, resulting in a much bigger payout.

  • Scatter symbol: It activates the free spins feature when three or more appear anywhere on the reels, regardless of paylines. This awards 10 free spins and triggers a crucial free spins mechanic involving expanding symbols.

The ability of the Book of Dead symbol to serve as both wild and scatter makes it the most valuable and influential symbol in the game[1][2].

High-Value Symbols and Their Worth

Among the high-value symbols, the Rich Wilde icon stands out as the most lucrative. When this symbol appears in a winning combination, especially during the free spins round with the expanding symbol mechanic active, it offers some of the top payouts.

Other notable high-paying symbols include:

  • Pharaoh’s Mask: Delivers significant wins but less lucrative than Rich Wilde.

  • Anubis: Also offers robust payouts, emphasizing the Egyptian theme.

By comparison, the playing card symbols (10 to Ace) offer smaller, more frequent wins that sustain gameplay but won’t deliver the jackpot-level rewards[1][2].

Free Spins and Expanding Symbol Mechanic

The free spins round is the centerpiece of Book of Dead’s gameplay excitement and winning potential. Triggered by landing three or more Book of Dead scatter symbols anywhere on the reels, players receive 10 free spins with a twist:

  • Expanding Symbol: Before free spins begin, a symbol is randomly chosen to become the expanding symbol for the duration.

  • If this chosen symbol appears during free spins and forms a win, it expands vertically to cover the entire reel, significantly boosting the win by potentially creating multiple winning paylines.

Notably, the best expanding symbols to be selected are the highest-paying ones, such as Rich Wilde , because their full-reel expansion can multiply payouts drastically. Lower-value symbols can expand more frequently but offer smaller wins per expansion. Selecting the expanding symbol is random but can be influenced by the player’s luck during free spins[1][2].

Other Special Features: Gamble Option

The Book of Dead slot also features a gamble feature which adds a risk-reward dimension to the game. After a winning spin, players can choose to gamble their winnings in a double-or-nothing card guessing game:

  • Guess the color of the hidden card to double the win.

  • Guess the suit to quadruple the win.

This feature is optional and should be used carefully because an incorrect guess will forfeit the winnings. It is mostly suited to smaller wins and players looking for a thrilling addition to standard gameplay[2].

Summary of Symbol Values and Impact

Symbol Type Examples Role Value / Impact
Special Symbol Book of Dead (Wild/Scatter) Wild, Scatter, Free Spins Most valuable; triggers bonus rounds
High-Value Symbols Rich Wilde, Pharaoh’s Mask, Anubis Pays high, synergizes with expanding symbols High payouts, especially during free spins
Low-Value Symbols 10, J, Q, K, A Basic payouts Lower value, frequent small wins

Why Knowing Symbols Matters

Knowing which symbols are the most valuable allows players to understand the game’s mechanics better and appreciate how to maximize their returns, particularly during the free spins round. Recognizing that the Book of Dead symbol is both a wildcard and scatter helps players spot its dual importance during play, while being aware of the high-value symbols underlines the significance of the expanding symbol mechanic that can turn a single spin into a massive win.

Additional Tips for Players

  • Always keep an eye on the Book of Dead symbol — it can trigger big wins both as a wild and scatter.

  • The free spins round with expanding symbols provides the best chance for large payouts.

  • The expanding symbol chosen in free spins heavily influences the win size; high-value symbols are the most advantageous.

  • Use the gamble feature cautiously; since it can multiply small wins but also lead to losing them.

Understanding these symbol values and mechanics enhances the playing strategy and can increase both enjoyment and potential profits in Book of Dead.


The Book of Dead slot combines exciting storytelling with rewarding symbol mechanics, where the Book of Dead symbol itself holds the key to unlocking the greatest rewards, supported by high-paying Egyptian-themed icons and a feature-packed gameplay that keeps players coming back. Knowing which symbols are the most valuable equips players to make the most of every spin in this enduringly popular online slot[1][2].