Dead West NetEnt's Ghost Town Shootout
By Casino Review Team Last updated: December 2, 2025
Ride into a deserted ghost town with Dead West, NetEnt's atmospheric western-themed slot that combines haunting visuals with innovative gameplay mechanics. This game features a unique "Walking Wilds" system where spectral wild symbols move across the reels, leaving trails of multipliers in their wake. Set against a beautifully rendered sunset backdrop of a abandoned western town, it offers a contemplative yet potentially rewarding gaming experience.
Key Features & Gameplay Mechanics
- Walking Wilds with Multipliers: When a wild symbol lands, it "walks" one position to the left on each subsequent spin, leaving behind a multiplier (up to 3x) that applies to any wins that pass through its trail.
- Free Spins Bonus: Triggered by landing 3 scatter symbols. Awards a set number of free spins where the walking wilds feature is enhanced with higher starting multipliers.
- Super Wilds: During free spins, some wilds can appear as "Super Wilds" with higher starting multipliers, creating even more valuable multiplier trails.
- Atmospheric Presentation: Stunning visual design featuring a ghost town at dusk, with detailed symbols, haunting ambient music, and subtle sound effects that enhance the lonely western mood.
Game Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Game Name | Dead West |
| Developer | NetEnt |
| Reel Layout | 5 reels, 3 rows |
| Paylines | 10 fixed |
| RTP (Return to Player) | 96.43% |
| Volatility | Medium-High |
| Minimum Bet | ?0.10 |
| Maximum Bet | ?200 |
| Maximum Win | 2,140x stake |
| Bonus Features | Walking Wilds with Multiplier Trails, Free Spins with Enhanced Walking Wilds |
In-Depth Analysis & Player Experience
Dead West stands out for its unique walking wilds mechanic, which creates engaging gameplay dynamics. Watching a wild slowly march across the reels, building a trail of increasing multipliers, generates genuine anticipation. The mechanic rewards patience and strategic timing, as wins that intersect with longer multiplier trails become significantly more valuable.
The free spins round amplifies this excitement with higher starting multipliers and the potential for Super Wilds. While the base game can feel subdued compared to more explosive slots, it perfectly matches the contemplative, lonely atmosphere of the theme. The medium-high volatility ensures meaningful win potential without being excessively punishing. NetEnt's signature production values shine through in the beautiful artwork and atmospheric sound design, making Dead West a slot that's as much about mood as it is about winning.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do the walking wilds work exactly?
When a wild lands, it stays in place for that spin, then moves one reel to the left on the next spin. As it moves, it leaves a multiplier (1x, 2x, or 3x) on the position it vacated. These multipliers apply to any winning line that passes through them.
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How many free spins do you get?
Landing 3 scatter symbols awards 10 free spins. During this round, walking wilds start with a multiplier of at least 2x (instead of 1x in the base game).
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What is a Super Wild?
During free spins, some wilds can appear as Super Wilds with a starting multiplier of 3x (instead of 2x), creating more valuable multiplier trails from the beginning.
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Can walking wilds disappear?
Yes, after a wild has walked across all reels from right to left, it disappears from the grid when it would move off reel 1.
