Understanding Book of Dead’s Expanding Symbol Feature
The Expanding Symbol feature in Play’n GO’s popular slot game Book of Dead is a key mechanic that significantly enhances the gameplay and winning potential. It takes the classic slot experience into a more dynamic and exciting realm by allowing certain symbols to expand vertically and cover entire reels during the https://bookof-dead.com/ free spins bonus round. This article breaks down how this feature works, why it matters, and what makes it unique among slot mechanics.
What is the Expanding Symbol Feature?
At its core, the Expanding Symbol feature is a special bonus mechanic found exclusively in the Book of Dead slot during the free spins round. It starts when a player lands three or more Book symbols , which serve as both Wilds and Scatters, activating the free spins mode.
Before the free spins begin, the game randomly selects one regular symbol from the paytable to become the Special Expanding Symbol for this bonus round. This symbol is crucial because whenever it appears on the reels during the free spins, it can expand to cover the entire reel vertically. This means that even if the symbols are not adjacent, the expansion creates multiple opportunities to form winning combinations across paylines, dramatically increasing the chance of payouts[1][5].
How Does the Feature Work in Detail?
When triggered, here is the step-by-step process that explains how the Expanding Symbol feature functions:
- Activation: Three or more Book symbols appear anywhere on the reels, activating 10 free spins.
- Selection of Expanding Symbol: Before the free spins start, the game randomly selects one symbol as the “Expanding Symbol.” This can be any of the regular symbols, ranging from the low-value card symbols (10, J, Q, K, A) to the high-value Rich Wilde explorer icon.
- During Free Spins: Each time the chosen symbol appears on a reel, it expands vertically to fill the entire reel, even if this does not immediately create a winning payline.
- Winning Paylines: Expanded symbols increase the chance of forming winning combinations across the slot’s 10 paylines, due to more matching symbols being present.
- Re-trigger Potential: Landing three or more Book symbols again during free spins will re-trigger the feature, granting additional spins and keeping the bonus momentum alive.
- Max Win Potential: Players can win up to 5,000 times their bet, mainly achievable during this bonus round when expanding symbols fill reels fully and combine with other high-paying symbols[1][5].
Why is This Feature So Important?
The Expanding Symbol feature is fundamental because it:
- Amplifies Winning Chances: By expanding on reel appearance, the symbol can transform near-miss situations into wins and make ordinary spins more rewarding.
- Introduces Variety and Excitement: Instead of simply spinning, players experience a visually intense moment when symbols bloom to cover entire reels, adding excitement.
- Enables High Volatility Wins: Book of Dead is known for its high volatility, meaning wins might be infrequent but potentially very large. Expanding symbols create scenarios for these big wins, especially when a high-value symbol like Rich Wilde is selected.
- Offers Strategic Anticipation: Because the expanding symbol is randomly selected at the start of the free spins, players eagerly await which symbol will be chosen, adding an element of suspense[1][3][5].
Comparison to Other Slot Features
Expanding symbols share similarities with expanding wilds found in other slots but have key differences. In many games, wild symbols expand and substitute for other symbols, sometimes locking in place (sticky wilds). In Book of Dead , the expanding symbol during free spins is not necessarily wild but rather a regular symbol that expands to create bigger combinations. The Book symbol itself is the Wild and Scatter, triggering the free spins feature but not always expanding.
For instance, in the Starburst slot, expanding wilds appear and cause re-spins while locking in place, creating sustained chances over multiple spins. In contrast, Book of Dead ’s expanding symbol mechanic focuses on immediate vertical expansion during each spin in the free spins round but does not re-spin reels or lock symbols[2][3].
| Feature | Book of Dead Expanding Symbol | Starburst Expanding Wilds |
|---|---|---|
| Symbol Type | Regular symbol chosen randomly in bonus | Wild symbol only on middle reels |
| Expansion | Vertical vertical reel expansion, covers whole reel | Expands up and down to cover reel |
| Activation | Free spins triggered by 3+ Books | Wild landing triggers re-spin bonus |
| Re-spin feature | No re-spins, but free spins can re-trigger | Yes, with locked sticky wilds |
| Impact on Play | Increases win chances during bonus spins | Extends gameplay and bonus duration |
Tips to Maximize the Expanding Symbol Feature
If you want to get the most from the Expanding Symbol feature in Book of Dead , consider these points:
- Look out for high-value symbols during the free spins. If the expanding symbol is Rich Wilde or an Egyptian god symbol, the chances for big payouts increase drastically.
- Trigger free spins often. Since the feature activates only during free spins, triggering them multiple times gives you repeated opportunities with expanding symbols.
- Manage your bankroll. Because of the game’s high volatility and potential dry spells, it’s best to play sustainably with an amount you are comfortable wagering over longer sessions.
- Watch for re-triggers. Landing more Book scatters during free spins extends the feature and can significantly boost your overall win.
Visual and Gaming Experience
The Expanding Symbol feature also enhances the aesthetic and immersive feel of Book of Dead . The symbol’s expansion effect is smooth and impactful, visually highlighting when a big opportunity arises. This interaction creates a memorable animation that is both satisfying and rewarding for players.
Moreover, the slot’s theme of ancient Egyptian adventure is well complemented by the expanding symbol mechanic, reinforcing the sense of uncovering treasure or artifacts—key parts of the game’s narrative and allure[4].
Conclusion
The Expanding Symbol feature in Book of Dead is a groundbreaking mechanic that elevates the traditional slot gameplay by introducing vertical reel expansions of a randomly selected symbol during the free spins round. This not only amplifies the chances of hitting rewarding combinations but also adds excitement and strategic anticipation. Its creative implementation distinguishes Book of Dead and contributes to the slot’s enduring popularity and potential for significant wins. Understanding this feature allows players to better appreciate the game’s design and improve their play strategy during bonus rounds.