Dead or Alive 2
Dead or Alive 2 is NetEnt’s sequel to one of the most notorious high volatility slots ever made. Released in April 2019, it keeps the dusty Wild West setting, the five outlaw wilds and the sticky wild free spins of the original, then adds two new bonus modes and a much higher ceiling. NetEnt says wins in its Train Heist free spins can reach up to 100,000x the bet, a figure that puts it among the most extreme games in the studio’s catalogue.
That ceiling comes with a price. NetEnt rates the game as high volatility, the base game is quiet for long stretches and most of the value is locked inside the free spins. This review explains the scatter pays, each of the three bonus modes, the official RTP and bet range, and how to budget for a slot that can go a long time between meaningful wins.
Where to Play Dead or Alive 2
Dead or Alive 2 is available at most casinos with a NetEnt section. The casinos below carry NetEnt games, accept players from Australia and are reviewed on BetsAuthority. Before you play, open the game rules inside the casino to check which RTP version is offered.
Quick Facts About Dead or Alive 2
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Slot | Dead or Alive 2 |
| Provider | NetEnt |
| Release | 23 April 2019 |
| Layout | 5 reels / 3 rows |
| Paylines | 9 fixed lines |
| RTP | 96.80% (NetEnt figure) |
| Volatility | High (NetEnt rating) |
| Hit frequency | 30% |
| Bet range | 0.09 to 9 per spin (casino limits may differ) |
| Maximum win | Up to 100,000x the bet in Train Heist free spins (NetEnt) |
| Free spins | 12 spins, choice of three modes |
| Feature buy | Available in some markets |
How Dead or Alive 2 Works
The game uses a 5×3 grid with just 9 fixed paylines, paying left to right. A low line count means fewer combinations per spin, which is one reason the base game can feel sparse. The symbol set mixes lower-paying card ranks with premium Wild West icons, and the paytable inside the game shows the exact value of every combination at your current stake. Because the stake is spread over only nine lines, the premium five-of-a-kind wins are worth a meaningful multiple of the bet when they land.
The wilds are five outlaws, the most dangerous bandits in town. They substitute for all paying symbols on a payline in the base game and in the bonus rounds, and inside the free spins they take on extra powers depending on the mode you pick.
Scatter Wins
The scatter pays in any position on the grid, so it does not need to sit on a payline. According to NetEnt, 2 scatters pay 2x the bet, 3 pay 4x, 4 pay 25x and 5 pay 2,500x the bet. Three or more scatters also trigger the free spins, so a five-scatter landing gives you a big instant win and the bonus on top.
The Three Free Spins Modes
Three or more scatters award 12 free spins and let you choose one of three modes. Each mode has the same starting number of spins but a very different risk profile.
Old Saloon Free Spins
This mode recreates the original Dead or Alive bonus. Every win is paid with a 2x multiplier, and any wild that lands becomes a sticky wild that stays in place until the end of the round. Landing 2 sticky wilds awards 5 extra free spins. It is the most consistent of the three options.
High Noon Saloon Free Spins
Wilds are sticky here too, but they can also become multipliers. NetEnt explains that 2 wilds on the same reel turn into a Double Multiplier Wild, and 3 wilds on the same reel become a Triple Multiplier Wild. When multiplier wilds combine on a payline, the potential wins grow quickly. Sticky wilds landing on each of the reels award 5 extra spins.
Train Heist Free Spins
Train Heist works differently. Every wild that lands moves a multiplier progress bar one step, and the bar increases the win multiplier as it fills, up to 16x. Filling all 16 steps also awards 5 extra free spins. NetEnt lists sticky wilds only for the two saloon modes, so in Train Heist the value comes from the multiplier rather than from wilds piling up on the reels. A high multiplier combined with a full line of wilds is where the 100,000x potential comes from. This is also the mode most likely to end with a small result.
RTP Versions: Check Before You Play
NetEnt lists Dead or Alive 2 at 96.80%. Casinos can choose lower RTP configurations of the game, and the free spins modes look identical on every version. The game rules screen at your casino states the RTP of the version you are playing, so take a moment to check it. On a high volatility game where you may play many spins between bonuses, the difference adds up.
Worked Example: Choosing a Mode
Say you trigger the bonus at A$1 per spin. If you choose Old Saloon, every win is doubled and wilds stick, so a couple of early wilds in good positions can produce a steady stream of medium wins for the rest of the round. If you choose Train Heist, the early spins may pay very little while the progress bar fills, but once the multiplier is high, a single line of wilds can be worth hundreds of times your stake or more.
On average the modes are designed to return similar amounts, so the choice is about how you want your results spread. Smaller bankrolls usually suit Old Saloon, while Train Heist suits players who accept that most rounds will be modest in exchange for a shot at a very large one.
Bankroll Tips for Dead or Alive 2
- Budget for a long wait. Plan your stake so your bankroll covers 300 spins or more.
- Keep the stake small relative to your budget; at 0.09 per spin the game is accessible, but swings are large at any level.
- Decide in advance which free spins mode you will choose so the choice is not driven by recent results.
- If feature buy is offered at your casino, treat it as an expensive shortcut that does not change the odds of a big win.
- Set a loss limit, a time limit and use the casino’s deposit tools before you start.
Pros and Cons of Dead or Alive 2
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Three distinct free spins modes | Base game can be very quiet |
| Wins of up to 100,000x in Train Heist | High volatility means long losing runs |
| Generous 96.80% RTP figure from NetEnt | Only 9 paylines |
| Scatter pays up to 2,500x the bet | Lower RTP versions may be offered |
| Sticky wild bonus from the original game | Official free play is geo-restricted in Australia |
Demo Play vs Real Money
A demo uses the same maths as the real game and is the safest way to experience the swings of a high volatility slot. At the time of writing, the free-play launcher on NetEnt’s site is not available to visitors from Australia, so no official demo is embedded on this page. Some licensed casinos offer a play-for-fun mode where their licence permits it.
For real money play, choose a casino that discloses the RTP in the game rules, handles verified withdrawals quickly and offers limit-setting tools. You can compare options in our casino reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
NetEnt lists Dead or Alive 2 with a 96.80% RTP. Casinos can choose other configurations, so check the rules screen at your casino.
Land 3 or more scatters anywhere for 12 free spins. You then pick one of three modes: Old Saloon, High Noon Saloon or Train Heist.
None is better on average. Old Saloon is the steadiest, while Train Heist is the most volatile and is where NetEnt says wins can reach 100,000x the bet.
NetEnt states that wins can reach up to 100,000x the bet in the Train Heist free spins.
Yes. NetEnt rates it as high volatility, so long runs without a bonus are normal.
The free-play launcher on NetEnt’s own site is not available to Australian visitors at the time of writing. Some licensed casinos offer a demo where their licence allows it.
Responsible Gaming Note
Dead or Alive 2 is entertainment, not a source of income, and its high volatility means losses can build quickly. Only play if you are 18 or older, set limits before you start and stop when you reach them. Free and confidential support is available 24/7 from Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858.
Final Verdict
Dead or Alive 2 is a slot for players who know what high volatility means. The three free spins modes are well designed, the 96.80% RTP figure is strong and the Train Heist mode offers a ceiling few games can match. The cost is a demanding base game and long waits for the bonus. Check the RTP at your casino, size your stake for a marathon rather than a sprint and pick the free spins mode that suits your budget.
