The Way of the Dead slot by GameArt merges ancient Egyptian mythology with innovative Lock&Win mechanics. This 5×3 slot features 10 paylines and showcases iconic deities including Anubis and Horus alongside a regal Egyptian queen. The game’s signature Lock&Win feature triggers with 6+ Book symbols, offering cash prizes and jackpot opportunities through a respins system. Players can unlock 10 or 25 free spins during the Lock&Win feature, enhanced by special expanding symbols. With a 96% RTP and low volatility, the game delivers consistent gameplay while maintaining engagement through frequent smaller wins. The betting range of 0.10 to 200.00 accommodates various playing styles, while Wild symbols enhance winning combinations by substituting for all regular symbols except Books.
GameArt's The Way of the Dead introduces an innovative take on Egyptian mythology, weaving together classic slot mechanics with modern features. Released in February 2025, this 5×3 slot stands out through its distinctive Lock&Win system combined with an expanding symbol mechanic during free spins.
Theme and Visual Design
The game's artistic direction draws heavily from ancient Egyptian iconography, presenting four high-paying character symbols: Anubis, the jackal-headed god of death, rendered in deep obsidian tones; a regal Egyptian queen adorned in traditional headdress; a pharaoh figure detailed in gold; and a powerful falcon symbol representing Horus. These premium symbols maintain visual consistency while offering distinct payout values ranging from 100.00 to 15.00 for five-of-a-kind combinations.
Core Gameplay Mechanics
Operating across 10 fixed paylines, The Way of the Dead balances accessibility with strategic depth. The game's low volatility rating makes it particularly suitable for extended playing sessions, while maintaining engagement through frequent smaller wins. The betting range spans from 0.10 to 200.00 per spin, accommodating various playing styles and bankroll management strategies.
The Lock&Win Innovation
The game's signature Lock&Win feature activates when six or more Book symbols appear anywhere on the reels. This initiates a respins sequence with an interesting twist – each Book symbol either reveals a direct cash prize or one of four jackpot levels. The feature begins with three respins, and each new Book symbol resets this counter, creating sustained excitement as players chase both immediate prizes and potential jackpot wins.
Free Spins with a Strategic Element
Unlike traditional Egyptian-themed slots where free spins trigger through scatter combinations, The Way of the Dead ties its free spins to the Lock&Win feature. When MINI or MINOR jackpot symbols appear during Lock&Win, they award 10 or 25 free spins respectively. This creates an interesting dynamic where players must first succeed in the Lock&Win phase to access the free spins bonus.
The randomly selected expanding symbol during free spins adds another layer of strategy. When two or more special symbols appear, they expand to fill entire reels, significantly increasing win potential across multiple paylines. This expansion mechanic, combined with the possibility of retriggering additional spins through Book symbols, creates engaging gameplay loops.
Technical Specifications and Mathematics
With a theoretical return to player (RTP) of 96%, The Way of the Dead sits comfortably within industry standards. The low volatility rating suggests consistent returns rather than extreme swings, making it an excellent choice for players who prefer steady gameplay progression over high-risk, high-reward scenarios.
Wild Symbol Integration
The Wild symbol substitutes for all regular paying symbols, excluding Books. This straightforward wild functionality complements the game's other features without overcomplicating the base gameplay. Its presence becomes particularly valuable during free spins when combined with the expanding symbol mechanic.
The Way of the Dead successfully differentiates itself through its innovative Lock&Win system and its connection to free spins awards. While the Egyptian theme is familiar territory for slot games, GameArt's implementation of modern mechanics and careful attention to mathematical design creates an engaging experience that should appeal to both casual players and those seeking novel gameplay elements. The game's low volatility and reasonable RTP make it particularly suitable for players who enjoy extended sessions with consistent action.
