If you're eager to explore the vast world of Dead Sails and reach impressive distances without meeting an untimely end, you're in good company. Choosing the right class can significantly impact your journey, alongside the gear you acquire and the companions you choose. To save you from endless trial-and-error, I've crafted the ultimate Dead Rails class tier list. Trust me, you'll want to avoid the hassle I went through to compile this.
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I'm aware that this Dead Rails class tier list might stir some controversy, but it's necessary. You simply can't go wrong with the Vampire, even after all the recent updates. However, the Survivalist has surged in popularity over the past few weeks. It's disappointing to see the Zombie class still struggling, unable to use Snake Oil. While teamwork plays a role, it's not the primary focus here. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the game with friends, not just to min-max your stats.
It's no surprise that the top tier is all about raw damage output. The Survivalist and Vampire stand out as the prime choices, though the Ironclad is a strong contender. Here are the top two:
**Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
Survivalist | 75 | The Survivalist starts with a Tomahawk and becomes more formidable as your health decreases. Even at full health, you deal more damage than others, though this might be nerfed soon. It excels against tough enemies that are hard to take down. While other classes can handle these foes, none match the Survivalist's raw power. |
Vampire | 75 | The Vampire is all about speed and aggression. You're faster than a horse or a sprinting zombie, and your melee attacks are devastating—most zombies fall in three hits. The downside? Sunlight is harmful, so you must stay in the shadows. Fortunately, you spawn with a Vampire Knife that heals you with each hit, making survival about maintaining constant pressure. |
In this tier, the classes are still excellent but not as focused on pure survival. They offer strong damage and starting gear, though they're less effective for solo runs. The Ironclad stands out with significant potential.
**Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
Ironclad | 100 | The Ironclad comes equipped with full armor, making you much harder to kill, though you're about 10% slower. Not ideal for solo runs, you'll need a teammate to watch your back. In a team setting, shotguns are your best weapon, as you're built for close-quarters combat. |
Cowboy | 50 | The Cowboy starts strong with a revolver, two ammo boxes, and a horse. This combination makes early fights easier and helps you stay alive during chaotic moments, especially during Blood Moon nights. With the Game Pass, you can sell the revolver for extra cash to start with a better loadout. It's a great value for the price. |
Priest | 75 | The Priest wields Crucifixes and Holy Water, which can't be sold but are effective against enemies. You're immune to lightning, making storms irrelevant. While not suited for solo play, the Priest excels in larger squads, providing crucial support with their throwables. |
Arsonist | 20 | The Arsonist thrives in chaos, starting with Molotovs and a boost to fire damage. They're perfect for quickly clearing groups of enemies or towns. Best in smaller areas where you can control the pace, and a horse enhances the hit-and-run strategy. |
These classes are specialists, excelling in specific situations. The Doctor, for example, is valuable for its price and support capabilities, though not ideal for dealing damage. All three are essential in group settings.
**Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
The Alamo | 50 | The Alamo is designed for defense, starting with Sheet Metal, Barbed Wire, and a helmet. Ideal for fortifying the Train early on, it's perfect for holding the line against enemy waves. Not flashy, but highly effective under pressure. |
Doctor | 15 | The Doctor is your lifeline in dire situations, equipped with healing supplies and the ability to revive teammates at the cost of half their health. One of the most affordable classes, it's invaluable in group play. Selling bandages and snake oil can give you a $40 boost. |
Miner | 15 | The Miner is perfect for resource gathering and nighttime exploration. With a helmet that lights the way and a Pickaxe that breaks ore in two swings, they're the fastest at collecting materials. They also start with Coal, making them a great choice for one of the cheapest classes in the game. |
Similar to the B tier, these classes offer good utility but are less effective for solo play. The Conductor is almost essential in a five-player team, while the Horse class is more of a novelty.
**Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
Conductor | 50 | The Conductor controls the Train, starting with Coal and reaching a top speed of 84. They're vulnerable early on without a melee weapon, so they need protection. They no longer take a health hit, making them less fragile than before. |
Horse | Unlockable through the Horsing Around gamemode | The Horse Class turns you into a horse, unlocked through the 2025 April Fools "Horsing Around" event. It offers standard horse stats but comes with a large hitbox, making tight spaces challenging. You can ride other players but not the train or other horses. |
High Roller | 50 | The High Roller earns 1.5x money from bags, providing a quick start to gear up. However, they're more likely to be struck by lightning during storms, making it a high-risk, high-reward choice. |
Even the least desirable classes have their place. The default class is straightforward, ideal for beginners, while the Zombie class remains underwhelming.
**Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
None | Free | The None class is the default, starting with just a shovel and whatever you can scavenge. It's a blank slate, perfect for saving up bonds and learning your preferred playstyle before choosing a class. Simple and effective if used correctly. |
Zombie | 75 | The Zombie class heals by feeding on corpses and can slip past enemies easily. However, it can't use Bandages or Snake Oil, relying on stealth and sustainability. Unfortunately, it remains one of the weakest options currently. |
That's all for now! I hope this Dead Rails class tier list helps you break records and conquer mobs effortlessly. Don't forget to use Dead Rails codes and tackle Dead Rails challenges. Stay tuned for what the next update might bring!