Quick verdict: which slot to choose?
If you want fresher visuals and a slightly higher theoretical return — consider Legacy of Dead. If the familiar mechanics and cult status of the original are more important — Book of Dead. Both slots are high volatility, so the session result depends on the series of free spins rather than the base game.
| Parameter | Book of Dead | Legacy of Dead |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Play’n GO | Play’n GO |
| Grid | 5x3 | 5x3 |
| Paylines | 10 | 10 |
| RTP | 96,21% | 96,58% |
| Volatility | High | High |
| Maximum win | 5000x bet | 5000x bet |
| Expanding symbol | Yes | Yes |
| Risk game | Yes | Yes |
A detailed breakdown of all differences is below.
Common features of the slots: why they are compared
Both machines are built on the same mechanics of the Play’n GO “book” series. The book acts as both wild and scatter: three or more books trigger free spins and also substitute for other symbols in paying combinations. In the bonus round, a special symbol is randomly selected that expands across the entire reel.
Similarities:
- 5x3 grid and 10 fixed paylines;
- left-to-right payouts, except scatter;
- free spins with expanding symbol;
- free spin retrigger;
- risk game after a win;
- high volatility.
Differences concern the symbol set, exact RTP value and visual design.
Technical specifications: comparison table
RTP and volatility
RTP (return to player) is the theoretical percentage of bets returned over a long period. Book of Dead has a standard RTP of 96,21%, while Legacy of Dead has 96,58%. Some casinos may offer versions with RTP 94,50% or another reduced value — before playing for real money, check the rules of the specific slot.
Volatility is high in both machines. This means wins are distributed unevenly: long series of empty spins alternate with large payouts, which most often come from the bonus round. The 0,37% RTP difference does not guarantee a noticeable change in results over a short distance.
Maximum win and potential
Both slots cap the win at 5000x bet. The potential is realized only in free spins, when the expanding symbol fills multiple reels and forms multiple paying combinations across 10 lines.
In the base game, large payouts are possible but do not reach the ceiling: five identical top symbols on a line give a payout multiplied by the line bet, without reel expansion.
Bets, reels and paylines
Both machines use 10 fixed lines. The bet range for Book of Dead and Legacy of Dead in most casinos starts from 0,01 and goes up to 100 per spin, but specific limits depend on the casino. Lines cannot be disabled, so the minimum line bet is multiplied by 10.
Bonus features and free spins
How free spins work in Book of Dead
Three or more books anywhere on the screen trigger 10 free spins. Before the round starts, one special symbol is chosen at random. When this symbol lands on the reels, it expands across the entire reel and pays as a full combination, even if the symbols are not on adjacent reels.
Three books during free spins award a retrigger — another 10 spins. The retrigger adds a new expanding symbol, so with multiple retriggers in one round up to nine expanding symbols can be active.
How free spins work in Legacy of Dead
The trigger is the same: three or more books activate 10 free spins. Before the round starts, one expanding symbol is chosen. The difference lies in the symbol set and the fact that the top symbols of Legacy of Dead have a slightly different payout hierarchy.
The retrigger also adds 10 spins and another expanding symbol. In one bonus round up to nine special symbols can be activated. The practical difference from Book of Dead — the frequency of retrigger activation is subjectively not noticeable, since both machines run on a random number generator.
Expanding symbols and retriggers
Expanding symbols are the key source of large wins in both slots. The special symbol expands across the entire reel after the spin stops. If the expanding symbol is a top symbol, for example pharaoh or Anubis, filling several reels creates payouts across all 10 lines.
Retriggers extend free spins and add new special symbols. This means that the longer the bonus round lasts, the higher the chance of getting multiple expanding symbols and reaching a win close to the maximum multiplier.
Risk game (Gamble)
After any win a risk game is available. The mechanics are identical in both slots: guess the color or suit of a hidden card. Correct color doubles the win, correct suit multiplies it by four. An incorrect answer resets the win. The risk game does not affect RTP but increases the volatility of the result.
Gameplay and atmosphere: differences in details
Theme and visual style
Both slots are set in ancient Egypt. Book of Dead uses the image of explorer Rich Wilde, tombs and artifacts. The graphics are simpler, dominated by dark tones and static animations. Legacy of Dead shifts the focus to the pharaoh and gods: Anubis, scarab, sarcophagus. Animations and rendering are more modern, but the interface structurally repeats Book of Dead.
Symbols and payouts
Top symbols in Book of Dead are explorer, pharaoh, Anubis, scarab and sarcophagus. In Legacy of Dead the explorer is replaced by pharaoh, the remaining top symbols partially overlap. Payouts for combinations of top symbols are comparable, but exact multipliers differ depending on the slot and version.
Low symbols are card ranks from 10 to A. The book remains the most valuable symbol: three books trigger free spins and also pay as a scatter.
Mobile version and interface
Both machines run on HTML5 and launch in mobile browsers on Android and iOS without installing apps. The interface is adapted for touch control: the spin button is in the bottom right corner, the bet panel is called by a separate button. There are no differences in control convenience between the slots.
Pros and cons: Book of Dead vs Legacy of Dead
Book of Dead:
- plus: proven mechanics known to players since 2016;
- plus: recognizable visuals and theme;
- minus: older interface;
- minus: high volatility increases the risk of long series without a bonus.
Legacy of Dead:
- plus: RTP 0,37% higher;
- plus: more modern graphics;
- minus: top symbols look visually similar, complicating quick evaluation of a winning combination;
- minus: the same high volatility as Book of Dead.
Which slot to choose: recommendations by player types
Beginners
If you have no experience with the “book” series, the difference between the slots will not be decisive. Start with demo mode to understand the frequency of free spins and the behavior of the expanding symbol. The higher RTP of Legacy of Dead does not provide a noticeable advantage over short distances, so the choice can be made by visuals.
High rollers
Both machines accept large bets and have the same win ceiling of 5000x. At a bet of 100 per spin the maximum win is 500 000 in account currency. The choice between slots for a high roller comes down to personal preference for atmosphere: some prefer Book of Dead, others find Legacy of Dead more interesting.
Bonus lovers and mobile players
Both slots require patience: free spins appear irregularly. Retriggers in both cases add up to nine expanding symbols, so the depth of the bonus round is the same. Mobile players have no technical differences: the slots run in the browser, without downloads, controls are identical.
Where to play: demo and real money
Both machines are available in demo mode without registration. To play for real money, choose a casino that runs Play’n GO slots, make a deposit and go to the slots section. Before launching, check the RTP in the rules of the specific version, as the casino may use a variant with reduced return.
Registration bonuses, if they apply to these slots, are stated in the promotion terms. Demo mode allows you to evaluate the free spin mechanics and bonus frequency without risking your bankroll.
FAQ: frequently asked questions about Legacy of Dead and Book of Dead
How does Legacy of Dead differ from Book of Dead?
Differences are in the symbol set, RTP (96,58% vs 96,21%) and visual style. The mechanics of free spins, expanding symbols and retriggers are the same.
Which slot is more volatile?
Both are high volatility. There is no difference in bonus frequency, since the mathematical model is built on the same principle.
Can free spins be retriggered in both slots?
Yes. Three books during free spins launch another 10 spins and add a new expanding symbol. Maximum — nine symbols.
Is there a risk game in Legacy of Dead?
Yes. After any win you can try to double it by guessing the card color, or multiply by four by guessing the suit.
Where to play for free?
In demo mode on casino sites or on Play’n GO slot pages. Registration is not required for demo.
Is it worth switching from Book of Dead to Legacy of Dead?
If a change of visuals without changing the mechanics is important — yes. If you like the original, there is no difference in winning potential: the ceiling is 5000x for both.
Emma Brooks
I'm Emma Brooks, a dedicated slot analyst with expertise in RTP calculations, volatility ratings, and maximum win potential. I deliver honest technical breakdowns of games like Legacy of Dead, covering free spins, expanding symbols, and bonus mechanics. My reviews convert complex payout data into clear insights and practical tips, helping readers evaluate risk and rewards with confidence.