Dead or Alive 2 by NetEnt — Full Review
Dead or Alive 2 was released by NetEnt on April 23, 2019 as the sequel to Dead or Alive (2009), one of the most iconic high-volatility slots of the early online casino era. The sequel retains the 5x3 grid with 9 fixed paylines and the Wild West theme, but introduces a revolutionary choice: 3 different Free Spin modes, each with dramatically different risk/reward profiles.
The game's defining characteristic is its 111,111x maximum win — the highest in the Galaxy of Slots collection. This is achievable exclusively through the High Noon Saloon Free Spins mode, where Sticky Wilds carry 2x or 3x multipliers that multiply together across paylines. The probability of hitting the absolute maximum: approximately 1 in 142 million spins.
With Very High volatility (rated 9.9 out of 10 on NetEnt's scale) and a 29.8% hit frequency, Dead or Alive 2 is designed for players who accept dry spells in exchange for the possibility of extreme payouts. Where Starburst (Low volatility, 500x, 23% hit frequency) delivers constant small wins, Dead or Alive 2 concentrates a significant portion of its returns in bonus rounds — 68.6% of the RTP comes from the base game and 28.2% from Free Spins.
Each reel features a unique outlaw Wild character: Apache Kid (reel 1), Della Rose (reel 2), Jesse James (reel 3), Belle Starr (reel 4), and Billy the Kid (reel 5). During Free Spins, these Wilds become Sticky — and in High Noon Saloon, they gain multiplier properties that create the exponential win scaling.
A Feature Buy variant was added on May 11, 2020, allowing purchase of Free Spins for 66.66x total bet (not available in UK due to UKGC regulations). The player still chooses between the three Free Spin modes after buying.
Key Numbers and Statistics for Dead or Alive 2
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Developer | NetEnt |
| RTP | 96.82% (96.8% (single fixed version — not operator-configurable)) |
| Volatility | Very High |
| Max Win | 111,111x |
| Grid | 5x3 |
| Paylines | 9 |
| Min Bet | $0.09 |
| Max Bet | $18.00 |
| Game Type | Video Slots |
| Year | 2019 |
| Hit Frequency | 29.8% |
The key numbers and statistics for Dead or Alive 2 start with the 3.18% house edge — meaning Dead or Alive 2 keeps $3.18 of every $100 wagered across millions of spins. This is a mathematical certainty built into the certified paytable — no strategy, timing, or bet pattern changes it. For context, the industry average for video slots is approximately 3-5% house edge, placing Dead or Alive 2 in the competitive range at 96.82% RTP.
Dead or Alive 2's 3.2% house edge is one of the lowest in the collection, but the Very High volatility (9.9/10) means this number is almost irrelevant for individual sessions. The 96.8% RTP includes the possibility of a 111,111x win — an event so rare (1 in 142 million spins) that removing it from the calculation would drop the effective RTP by several percentage points. For a typical session of 500-1,000 spins, your actual experienced return will deviate dramatically from 96.8%.
— Galaxy of Slots Editorial Team
How Does Dead or Alive 2 Actually Work?
Dead or Alive 2 uses a 5-reel, 3-row grid with 9 fixed paylines. Wins pay left to right only. Only the highest win per payline is paid.
5 Unique Outlaw Wild Symbols
Each reel has its own unique outlaw Wild character:
| Reel | Wild Character |
|---|---|
| Reel 1 | Apache Kid |
| Reel 2 | Della Rose |
| Reel 3 | Jesse James |
| Reel 4 | Belle Starr |
| Reel 5 | Billy the Kid |
Wilds substitute for all symbols except the Scatter. In the base game, each outlaw appears only on its assigned reel. Wilds have their own payline payouts — the highest in the game: 2.77x / 16.66x / 166.66x for 3/4/5 of a kind.
Scatter Symbol (Crossed Revolvers & Cattle Skull)
The Scatter pays anywhere on the reels (not positional) and also triggers Free Spins:
| Scatters | Payout | Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Scatters | 2x total bet | — |
| 3 Scatters | 4x total bet | Free Spins (choose mode) |
| 4 Scatters | 25x total bet | Free Spins (choose mode) |
| 5 Scatters | 2,500x total bet | Free Spins (choose mode) |
The 3 Free Spin Modes
When 3+ Scatters land, you choose one of three modes. This choice is permanent for that round. All modes start with 12 Free Spins. The Scatter payout is awarded in addition to the Free Spins.
| Mode | Spins | Wild Behavior | Multiplier | Extra Spins | Max Win |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train Heist | 12 | Non-Sticky | Progressive: +1 per Wild (starts 1x) | +1 per Wild; +5 at 16x milestone | ~100,000x |
| Old Saloon | 12 | Sticky (1x) | 2x on ALL wins | +5 when all 5 reels have a Wild | Medium |
| High Noon Saloon | 12 | Sticky + Multiplier | 2x/3x per Wild (multiply together) | +5 when all 5 reels have a Wild | 111,111x |
Core Features
- 3 Free Spin Modes (player choice)
- Sticky Wilds
- Multiplier Wilds (High Noon: 2x/3x)
- Train Heist Progressive Multiplier
- 5 Unique Outlaw Wilds
- 9 Fixed Paylines
- Feature Buy (66.66x, separate variant)
Symbol Values and Paytable for Dead or Alive 2
All payouts expressed as multipliers of total bet (at bet level 1 with 9 paylines). The game has 5 high-paying thematic symbols, 5 low-paying card rank symbols, plus Wild and Scatter.
High-Paying Symbols
| Symbol | 3-of-a-Kind | 4-of-a-Kind | 5-of-a-Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheriff's Badge (highest) | 2.22x | 13.88x | 111.11x |
| Revolver | 2.22x | 11.11x | 83.33x |
| Stetson Hat | 1.66x | 8.33x | 44.44x |
| Cowboy Boots | 1.33x | 6.66x | 33.33x |
| Whiskey Bottle | 1.11x | 5.55x | 22.22x |
Low-Paying Symbols (Card Ranks)
| Symbol | 3-of-a-Kind | 4-of-a-Kind | 5-of-a-Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ace (A) | 1.11x | 2.22x | 11.11x |
| King (K) | 0.55x | 1.65x | 8.33x |
| Queen (Q) | 0.44x | 1.33x | 5.55x |
| Jack (J) | 0.22x | 1.11x | 4.44x |
| Ten (10) | 0.22x | 1.11x | 2.77x |
Wild and Scatter
| Symbol | 3-of-a-Kind | 4-of-a-Kind | 5-of-a-Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wild (Outlaw) | 2.77x | 16.66x | 166.66x |
Max win path: High Noon Saloon mode → all 15 grid positions filled with Sticky Wilds → 3 Wilds stacked on each reel become 3x Multiplier Wilds → a payline through 5 reels of 3x Wilds gets 3×3×3×3×3 = 243x applied to the 166.66x Wild line pay → the game cap of 111,111x total bet is reached.
Free Spins Trigger Conditions and Payouts
Free Spins trigger when 3 or more Scatter symbols land anywhere on the 5x3 grid. The trigger frequency is approximately 1 in 195 spins (0.51%). At $0.09/spin (minimum bet), you will wager roughly $17.55 between bonuses on average.
Mode 1: Train Heist (Lowest Volatility)
12 Free Spins with a progressive multiplier system. Every Wild that lands anywhere on the reels:
- Increases the multiplier by +1 (starts at 1x)
- Awards +1 extra Free Spin
- Wilds are NOT Sticky in this mode
When the multiplier reaches 16x, a bonus of 5 additional Free Spins is awarded (on top of the +1 for the Wild that triggered it). The multiplier can exceed 16x if more Wilds land. The multiplier applies to all wins for the remainder of the feature. Maximum potential: up to 100,000x total bet (per NetEnt).
Mode 2: Old Saloon (Medium Volatility)
12 Free Spins designed as a tribute to the original Dead or Alive (2009):
- All Wilds are Sticky — they lock in place for the duration
- 2x multiplier applies to ALL wins throughout the feature
- When at least one Sticky Wild appears on each of the 5 reels, +5 extra Free Spins are awarded (once)
The escalating grid of Sticky Wilds creates progressively better winning chances as more spins occur. The fixed 2x multiplier doubles everything.
Mode 3: High Noon Saloon (Highest Volatility)
12 Free Spins with the extreme mechanic responsible for the 111,111x max win:
- All Wilds are Sticky
- Multiplier Wilds: when 2 Wilds accumulate on the same reel, both become 2x Multiplier Wilds. When 3 Wilds fill a reel, all become 3x Multiplier Wilds
- When a winning line passes through multiple Multiplier Wilds, their multipliers multiply together (e.g., 2x × 3x = 6x; 3x × 3x × 3x = 27x)
- When all 5 reels have at least one Wild, +5 extra Free Spins are awarded
With a full grid of 3x Multiplier Wilds on all 5 reels, a single payline receives 3×3×3×3×3 = 243x multiplier on top of the symbol payout.
Retrigger
When at least one Sticky Wild lands on each of the 5 reels, +5 extra Free Spins are awarded. In Old Saloon and High Noon Saloon this can occur once per bonus; in Train Heist, each Wild awards +1 spin, plus a +5 bonus when the multiplier reaches 16x.
Feature Buy Variant
A separate game variant ("Dead or Alive 2 Feature Buy") was released on May 11, 2020. It allows purchasing Free Spins for 66.66x total bet. The player still chooses between the three modes after buying. Not available in UK (UKGC regulations prohibit bonus buy features).
Buy Feature and Ante Bet Value Analysis
The original Dead or Alive 2 (April 2019) does not have a Buy Feature. However, a separate variant — Dead or Alive 2 Feature Buy — was released on May 11, 2020.
The Feature Buy costs 66.66x total bet and guarantees Scatters on reels 1, 2, and 3 (with the possibility of 4th and 5th Scatters appearing naturally). The player still chooses between the three Free Spin modes after purchasing. This variant is not available in the UK due to UKGC regulations that prohibit bonus buy features.
The 66.66x buy cost is moderate compared to other games: Gates of Olympus (100x Buy), Wanted Dead or a Wild (80x-400x Buy). Given the average Free Spin trigger frequency of ~1 in 195 spins, the Feature Buy provides a premium over the organic trigger cost (statistically ~195 × bet = ~195x worth of spins to trigger naturally).
Whether the Feature Buy is worth it depends on the mode you intend to choose and your bankroll. The mathematical expectation remains the same — the buy simply removes the variance of the trigger wait.
Bankroll Math and Expected Value
Dead or Alive 2's 3.2% house edge (at 96.8% RTP) is actually one of the best in the Galaxy of Slots collection. The RTP is a single fixed version — operators cannot configure it lower, which is a significant advantage compared to configurable-RTP games like Starburst (down to 90.05%).
RTP Breakdown (from NetEnt official)
| Source | Share of RTP |
|---|---|
| Base game | 68.6% |
| Free Spins (bonus) | 28.2% |
| Total | ~96.8% |
This ~69/28 split means the base game contributes the majority of returns — more balanced than many High-volatility slots where bonus rounds dominate. However, the Very High volatility (9.9/10) means individual session results will deviate enormously from the theoretical average.
Bankroll dynamics:
- 29.8% hit frequency means roughly 3 in 10 spins produce some return (~every 3.4 spins)
- Free Spins trigger approximately every 195 spins
- Bet range: $0.09 to $9.00 (or $18.00 at some casinos)
- At $0.09/spin: ~$17.55 average between bonus rounds
- The 111,111x max win creates extreme right skew in the return distribution
The max win probability is approximately 1 in 142 million spins. This means the mathematical possibility of a 111,111x win is what maintains the 96.8% RTP — without it, the effective RTP for typical sessions would be lower. For most players over most sessions, the practical experienced return will differ significantly from 96.8%.
Recommended minimum bankroll: At least 300-500x your bet size. At $0.09/spin, that is $27-$45 minimum — enough to survive the wait for 1-2 bonus triggers on average.
Bankroll Scenario Table
| Bankroll | Bet Size | Bets per Bankroll | Expected Loss per 100 Spins | Avg Spins to First Bonus | Cost to First Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $0.20 | 250 | $0.64 | ~257 | $51.40 |
| $100 | $0.20 | 500 | $0.64 | ~257 | $51.40 |
| $100 | $0.50 | 200 | $1.59 | ~257 | $128.50 |
| $100 | $1.00 | 100 | $3.18 | ~257 | $257.00 |
| $200 | $1.00 | 200 | $3.18 | ~257 | $257.00 |
| $500 | $2.00 | 250 | $6.36 | ~257 | $514.00 |
| $1,000 | $5.00 | 200 | $15.90 | ~257 | $1,285.00 |
Expected loss assumes 96.82% RTP (3.18% house edge). "Cost to First Bonus" is the average expected wagering ($bet × 257 spins) — actual results vary enormously due to Very High volatility. See our slot glossary for term definitions.
Dead or Alive 2 vs Competing Titles
Dead or Alive 2 competes in the ultra-high-volatility segment — games designed for players who accept extreme risk for extreme potential:
| Feature | Dead or Alive 2 | Wanted Dead or a Wild | Book of Dead | Immortal Romance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Developer | NetEnt | Hacksaw Gaming | Play'n GO | Microgaming |
| Year | 2019 | 2021 | 2016 | 2011 |
| Grid | 5x3 | 5x5 | 5x3 | 5x3 |
| Paylines/Ways | 9 | 15 | 10 | 243 (all ways) |
| RTP | 96.8% (fixed) | 96.38% | 96.21% | 96.86% |
| Volatility | Very High (9.9/10) | Very High | High | High |
| Max Win | 111,111x | 12,500x | 5,000x | 12,150x |
| Hit Frequency | 29.8% | ~19% | ~29% | ~31% |
| FS Trigger | ~1/195 | ~1/265 | ~1/177 | ~1/150 |
| Key Mechanic | 3 FS modes + Multiplier Wilds | DuelReels + 3 buy tiers | Expanding Symbol | 4 FS modes (story) |
| Feature Buy | 66.66x (separate variant) | 80x–400x | None | None |
| Player Choice | Choose FS mode | Buy tier | None | Progressive unlock |
What Makes Dead or Alive 2 Unique?
- Highest max win in the collection — At 111,111x, Dead or Alive 2's ceiling dwarfs everything else. The next closest is Immortal Romance at 12,150x — nearly 10x lower.
- Player choice of volatility within one game — The 3 Free Spin modes let you choose your risk level. Train Heist plays safe with progressive multipliers. High Noon Saloon plays like an extreme lottery ticket. No other game in the collection offers this degree of player agency over volatility.
- Multiplicative Sticky Wild multipliers — In High Noon Saloon, multiple Wilds on one reel upgrade to 2x (2 Wilds) or 3x (3 Wilds), and paylines passing through multiple multiplier Wilds multiply together exponentially (3x × 3x × 3x × 3x × 3x = 243x). This exponential scaling is what enables the 111,111x ceiling.
- Fixed RTP at 96.8% — Unlike configurable-RTP games, every casino runs the same math. Combined with the 111,111x ceiling, this makes DOA2 one of the best-value ultra-high-volatility games available.
- 5 unique outlaw Wilds — Each reel has its own character Wild (Apache Kid, Della Rose, Jesse James, Belle Starr, Billy the Kid), adding thematic depth to the sticky Wild mechanics.
Dead or Alive 2 vs the original Dead or Alive (2009): The original has a single Free Spin mode with Sticky Wilds and an 8,600x max win (per NetEnt official). DOA2 adds 2 additional modes and increases the max win to 111,111x. The RTP is similar (96.82% vs 96.8%). Both are Very High volatility (9.9/10). Choose the sequel for more options and higher potential; the original for a simpler, single-mode experience.
Are Dead or Alive 2 Predictor Apps Real?
Dead or Alive 2's extreme max win makes it a prime target for clickbait and scam content:
"Dead or Alive 2 Predictor" / "High Noon Saloon Hack"
These do not exist. The RNG determines all outcomes, including which reels receive Wilds and whether multipliers become 2x or 3x during High Noon Saloon. No app, timing technique, or bet pattern can predict or influence these results.
"Always Choose High Noon Saloon for Best Returns"
Misleading. High Noon Saloon has the highest maximum potential (111,111x) but many rounds produce few Wilds and minimal payouts. Old Saloon's fixed 2x multiplier on all wins provides more consistent returns per bonus round. The mathematically optimal choice depends on your risk tolerance, not a universal "best" mode.
"The 111,111x Win Has Been Hit Multiple Times"
The probability of hitting exactly 111,111x is approximately 1 in 142 million spins. Claims of max wins should be verified through licensed casino records. Verified wins above 50,000x are exceptionally rare. Most High Noon Saloon rounds return in the 10-500x range.
"Dead or Alive 2 Pays Differently at Different Casinos"
False for the RTP. Dead or Alive 2 uses a single fixed 96.8% RTP that operators cannot change. However, bet limits may vary between casinos ($9 max at some, $18 at others). The math is identical everywhere.
Who Is Dead or Alive 2 Actually For?
Dead or Alive 2 is designed for players who explicitly seek extreme variance and the highest possible win ceiling. It is not a casual slot — it is calibrated for maximum risk/reward.
Choose Dead or Alive 2 if:
- You want the highest max win in the Galaxy of Slots collection — 111,111x, nearly 10x higher than the next game
- You enjoy choosing your own volatility level — Train Heist for safety, High Noon Saloon for extremes
- You have sufficient bankroll for Very High volatility — at least 300-500x your bet size
- You value fixed RTP — 96.8% at every casino, no configurable lower versions
- You accept that most sessions will be net negative, compensated by occasional large wins
- You appreciate the Wild West aesthetic and NetEnt's legacy franchise with its unique outlaw characters
Consider alternatives if:
- Similar theme, Buy Feature available: Wanted Dead or a Wild (12,500x, Buy Feature from 80x-400x) — Wild West theme with the ability to buy into bonus rounds directly
- High volatility but more frequent bonuses: Book of Dead (5,000x, ~1/177 trigger) — bonus triggers more often with a still-significant win ceiling
- Multiple bonus modes with narrative: Immortal Romance (12,150x, 4 progressive modes) — story-driven Free Spin modes that unlock over time
- Lower volatility entry point: Gonzo's Quest (2,500x, Medium-High volatility) — consistent tumble-based returns without extreme dry spells
- Predictable returns: Starburst (500x, Low volatility) — the mathematical opposite of Dead or Alive 2
Other NetEnt Games: Explore more guides from NetEnt:
- Starburst — 96.09% RTP, Low volatility, 500x max win
- Gonzo's Quest — 95.97% RTP, Medium volatility, 2,500x max win
Frequently Asked Questions About Dead or Alive 2
What is the RTP of Dead or Alive 2?
Dead or Alive 2 has a fixed RTP of 96.8%, giving a house edge of 3.2%. This is one of the highest RTPs in the online slot market. The game uses a single RTP version — operators cannot configure lower returns. The RTP breaks down as 68.6% from the base game and 28.2% from Free Spins.
What is the max win in Dead or Alive 2?
The maximum win is 111,111x your total bet — the highest in the Galaxy of Slots collection. It is achievable exclusively in High Noon Saloon Free Spins mode by filling all 15 grid positions with Sticky Multiplier Wilds (3x on each reel). The probability is approximately 1 in 142 million spins.
How do the 3 Free Spin modes work?
Train Heist: 12 spins, non-Sticky Wilds, progressive multiplier (+1 per Wild, +1 extra spin per Wild, +5 bonus at 16x), up to ~100,000x. Old Saloon: 12 spins, Sticky Wilds, 2x multiplier on ALL wins, +5 spins when all reels have a Wild. High Noon Saloon: 12 spins, Sticky Multiplier Wilds (2x for 2 Wilds on reel, 3x for 3), multipliers multiply together, +5 spins when all reels have a Wild, 111,111x max.
Which Free Spin mode is best?
There is no universally "best" mode — each serves different risk tolerances. Train Heist provides the most consistent returns with its progressive multiplier. Old Saloon offers good balance with Sticky Wilds and a 2x multiplier on all wins. High Noon Saloon has the highest ceiling (111,111x) but also the most frequent disappointments.
How often do Free Spins trigger?
Free Spins trigger approximately once every 195 spins (0.51%) when 3 or more Scatter symbols land. The Scatter payout is generous: 2x for 2 Scatters, 4x for 3, 25x for 4, and 2,500x for 5 Scatters.
Does Dead or Alive 2 have a Buy Feature?
The original game (April 2019) does not. However, a separate variant — "Dead or Alive 2 Feature Buy" — was released on May 11, 2020. It costs 66.66x total bet and guarantees Free Spins (player still chooses the mode). Not available in UK due to UKGC regulations.
What is the hit frequency of Dead or Alive 2?
The hit frequency is 29.8% (NetEnt official: ~30%), meaning roughly 3 in 10 spins produce some return. Note: some review sites incorrectly cite ~16-17% — this is wrong. The correct figure is confirmed by NetEnt's own game page.
How does Dead or Alive 2 compare to the original Dead or Alive?
Dead or Alive (2009) has a single Free Spin mode with Sticky Wilds and an 8,600x max win (per NetEnt official). Dead or Alive 2 (2019) adds 3 selectable modes and increases the max win to 111,111x. Both have similar RTP (~96.8%) and Very High volatility (9.9/10). Both use a 5x3 grid with 9 paylines.
Is Dead or Alive 2 too volatile for casual players?
Dead or Alive 2 is Very High volatility (9.9/10) and is designed for experienced players with adequate bankrolls. However, the 29.8% hit frequency provides reasonable base game action, and the Train Heist mode offers a relatively safe bonus option. A minimum bankroll of 300-500x your bet size is recommended.
Is Dead or Alive 2 rigged?
No. Dead or Alive 2 is certified by eCOGRA and tested by GLI and BMM Testlabs. NetEnt (now part of Evolution) is licensed in multiple regulated jurisdictions including UKGC and MGA. The mode selection, Wild placement, and multiplier assignment are all determined by a certified RNG. The fixed 96.8% RTP cannot be altered by operators.
Responsible Gambling Notice: Dead or Alive 2 is a game of chance with a 3.18% house edge. The house always wins long-term. Set a budget before playing, never chase losses, and never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose. If gambling causes distress, contact BeGambleAware or Gambling Therapy.