Dead or Alive
Key Game Features
The Dead or Alive slot by NetEnt is a Wild West classic that’s still a fan favorite more than a decade after release. Known for its sticky wilds, high volatility, and atmospheric design, this slot delivers thrilling gameplay despite its simple setup. With 9 paylines, a 96.8% RTP, and free spins that feature sticky wilds and multipliers, Dead or Alive remains one of the most legendary online slots of all time.
Originally released in 2009, Dead or Alive is the predecessor to the hugely successful Dead or Alive 2 slot. It may not have the flashy multipliers or extreme max win of its sequel, but it offers some of the most memorable free spins in slot history thanks to sticky wilds that can stay on the reels for the duration of the bonus.
| ➡️ RTP | 96.82% |
| 🔢 Reels | 5 |
| 🔢 Rows | 3 |
| ➖ Paylines | 9 Fixed Paylines |
| 🌩️ Volatility | High |
| 🆓 Free Spins | Yes |
| ▶️ Autoplay | Yes |
| 🏆 Max Win | 12,000x |
| 📶 Bet Levels (Minimum Bet / Maximum Bet) | $0.09 - $18.00 |
| 💻 Developer | NetEnt |
| 🎨 Slot Theme | Wild West |
| 📅 Release Date | 05/10/2009 |
The return-to-player (RTP) percentage indicates the portion of your wager that a game will pay back to you in the long run. In the case of the Dead or Alive slot, which has an RTP of 96.82%, players can expect to receive $96.82 out of every $100 wagered on the game over time. This means the game offers a competitive return compared to other slots, but as a high volatility slot, wins may be less frequent but potentially much larger.
Volatility refers to the frequency of payouts and the typical size of those payouts. Dead or Alive is a high volatility slot, which means it doesn't pay out as often as low volatility slots, but when it does, the payouts can be substantial. This high-risk, high-reward dynamic appeals to players who enjoy the thrill of chasing big jackpots and exciting bonus rounds, such as the free spins bonus round featuring sticky wilds and multipliers.
If you enjoy slots developed by NetEnt, be sure to check out our review of Gonzo's Quest, another outstanding title from this renowned developer.
Dead or Alive is not a progressive jackpot slot, but it still offers the chance to win substantial amounts on your bets thanks to its free spins bonus round and sticky wilds. For those interested in progressive slots, you'll find plenty available at our top recommended online casinos:
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🃏 Wild Symbols
- The Wanted Poster symbols (featuring outlaws) act as Wilds.
- Substitute for all symbols except Scatters.
- In Free Spins, they become Sticky Wilds, locking in place for the rest of the feature.
🎟️ Scatter Symbols
- The crossed pistols symbol acts as the Scatter.
- Landing 3 or more Scatters triggers the Free Spins round.
- Scatters also award payouts independently, even if no bonus is triggered.
The Free Spins feature in Dead or Alive is triggered by landing three Guns symbols anywhere on the reels. Achieving five scatter symbols can result in a generous payout of up to 2,500 times your stake during regular gameplay. Once activated, players receive 12 free spins, with all wins doubled by a 2x multiplier.
A thrilling element of this feature is the chance to re-trigger additional spins. Sticky wilds that stay locked in place throughout the free spins boost the likelihood of winning. When wilds appear on all reels, the bonus round can be reactivated, granting extra spins and increasing the potential for big wins.
During this bonus round, the maximum payout can exceed 12,000 times your stake, making it one of the most rewarding features in the game. This bonus adds excitement and offers significant winning opportunities for players.
🃏 Dead or Alive Slot Sticky Wilds
The sticky wild feature is a highlight of the Dead or Alive slot game. During free spins, Wanted Poster wilds lock in place for the entire round, boosting chances of winning by substituting for other symbols (except scatters). Multiple sticky wilds can cover reels, increasing win potential. Each sticky wild also grants five extra free spins, extending the bonus and enhancing winning opportunities. Combined with the 2x multiplier, this feature makes the game popular for its high volatility and big payout potential, turning each spin into an exciting wild west showdown.
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Sticky Wilds Create Massive Win Potential | ⛔ Very High Volatility |
| ✅ Strong RTP of 96.82% | ⛔ Only 9 paylines, which may feel dated |
| ✅ Classic Wild West Theme With Great Sounds | |
| ✅ Simple But Highly Rewarding Gameplay |
NetEnt captured the Wild West atmosphere perfectly in this slot. The reels sit against a desert town backdrop, with dust blowing across a saloon-like setting. Symbols include cowboy boots, sheriff badges, holsters, hats, and whiskey glasses, all contributing to the outlaw theme. The background audio is moody and immersive, featuring howling winds and distant thunder ideal for the high-stakes gunslinger vibe.
Playing the Dead or Alive slot game is straightforward and engaging. Here's a simple 6-step guide to get you started and make the most of your gameplay:
| 1️⃣ Set Your Bet | Choose your bet amount using the coin value and bet level controls. The minimum bet is $0.09, and the maximum is $18.00 per spin. |
| 2️⃣ Understand the Paylines | Dead or Alive features 9 fixed paylines. Wins are awarded for matching symbols landing on these paylines. |
| 3️⃣ Hit the Spin Button | Press the spin button to start the reels spinning. Each spin gives you a chance to hit winning combinations. |
| 4️⃣ Look for Special Features | Watch for Wanted Poster wilds and crossed pistols scatter symbols. These trigger wild substitutions and free spins bonuses. |
| 5️⃣ Trigger the Free Spins Feature | Landing 3 or more scatter symbols anywhere on the reels activates the free spins bonus round, awarding 12 free spins with a 2x multiplier. |
| 6️⃣ Take Advantage of Sticky Wilds | During free spins, wild symbols become sticky, locking in place to boost your chances of winning and granting additional spins. |
Following these steps will help you enjoy the Dead or Alive slot’s high volatility gameplay and maximize your opportunities to win big. Remember, patience and understanding the game’s special features are key to success in this thrilling Wild West slot adventure, and always practice responsible gambling!
If you enjoyed Dead or Alive, try these popular alternatives:
- Blood Suckers: A vampire-themed slot known for its high RTP and exciting bonus rounds, offering players a chance to win big through free spins and special features.
- Book of Dead: An adventure-themed slot that takes players on a journey through ancient Egypt, featuring expanding symbols during free spins and the potential for substantial payouts.
- Wanted Dead or a Wild: A Wild West-themed slot similar in style to Dead or Alive, with multiple free spins features, sticky wilds, and high volatility that appeals to players looking for big win opportunities.
In this section, we break down the critical elements that make the Dead or Alive slot game a standout title in the online casino world. Our review is based on several key factors, including the following:
💻 Gaming Software
Developed by NetEnt, the Dead or Alive slot game features robust and reliable software that ensures smooth gameplay across all devices. NetEnt is renowned for delivering high-quality slots with crisp graphics, engaging animations, and immersive soundtracks that perfectly complement the Wild West theme. The game interface includes clear pay tables, game rules, and customizable settings to enhance the player experience. Auto Play and Quick Spin features are available, making it easy for players to tailor their sessions. The slot is fully optimized for both desktop and mobile play, allowing seamless access on smartphones and tablets.
🆓 Demo Version and Free Play
Before wagering real cash, players can try the Dead or Alive slot game in demo mode. This free play option allows users to familiarize themselves with the game's mechanics, paylines, and special features without any financial risk. NetEnt provides this demo version on many online casino platforms, giving newcomers and high rollers alike more opportunities to practice and enjoy the game.
🍀 Jackpot Potential
While Dead or Alive is not a progressive jackpot slot, it offers an impressive maximum win of up to 12,000 times your stake. The game’s high volatility means that while wins may be less frequent, they can be substantial when they occur. The free spins bonus round is where the biggest payouts happen, featuring sticky wilds and a 2x win multiplier that significantly boosts winnings. Landing five scatter Gun symbols can award up to 2,500 times your bet, adding to the excitement and winning potential.
⚖️ Fair Play and Security
NetEnt ensures fair play in the Dead or Alive slot game through rigorous testing by independent agencies. The game uses certified random number generators (RNGs) to guarantee that each spin’s outcome is completely random and unbiased. Players can trust that their gameplay experience is secure and transparent when playing at reputable online casinos that offer this slot.
The Dead or Alive slot may be over a decade old, but it remains a cornerstone of online slots thanks to its sticky wilds and rewarding free spins feature. With 96.82% RTP, high volatility, and a 12,000x max win, it’s still one of the most exciting old-school slots to play. While its sequel outshines it in terms of max payout and features, the original Dead or Alive retains a loyal following among fans of classic high-volatility slots.