Want to roam the great beyond in Dead Sails and reach an enviable distance without meeting an untimely end? You're not alone. Besides the gear you acquire and the company you keep, choosing the right class is crucial. Dive into my ultimate Dead Rails class tier list to save yourself hours of trial-and-error. I've done the legwork so you don't have to, and trust me, this isn't a battle you want to navigate blindly.
Recommended Videos Table of contents
All Dead Rails Class Tier ListS Tier Dead Rails ClassesA Tier Dead Rails ClassesB Tier Dead Rails ClassesC Tier Dead Rails ClassesD Tier Dead Rails Classes All Dead Rails Class Tier List
Image by Destructoid I know this Dead Rails class tier list might stir some controversy, but it's essential to share insights. You can't go wrong with the Vampire, even after numerous updates, and the Survivalist has surged in popularity recently. Yet, I'm still disappointed that the Zombie remains underwhelming and can't even use Snake Oil. What's the deal? While teamwork is important, my focus remains on individual performance, though I'll consider group dynamics to some extent. Remember, it's all about enjoying the game with friends, not just about min-maxing.
S Tier Dead Rails Classes
Screenshot by Destructoid It's no surprise that the top tier is all about raw damage output. The Survivalist and Vampire stand out as the prime contenders for the top spot, with the Ironclad being a close contender:
**Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
Survivalist | 75 | The Survivalist starts with a Tomahawk and becomes even more formidable as your health drops. Even at full health, you deal more damage than others, though this might get nerfed soon. It excels against tougher enemies, offering a punch that other classes can't match. |
Vampire | 75 | The Vampire is all about speed and aggression. Faster than a horse or a sprinting zombie, your melee attacks are devastating, taking down most zombies in three swings. Sunlight is your enemy, so stick to the shadows. The Vampire Knife you spawn with heals you on each hit, making staying alive a matter of constant pressure. |
A Tier Dead Rails Classes
Screenshot by Destructoid Here, we delve into classes that are still excellent but not as robust in solo survival scenarios. They offer strong damage and starting gear, though they shine more in team play. The Ironclad holds the most potential in this category:
**Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
Ironclad | 100 | The Ironclad is ready for battle with full armor, making you much harder to kill but slightly slower. Not ideal for solo runs; you'll need a teammate to watch your back. In a team, shotguns are your best bet for close-quarters combat. |
Cowboy | 50 | The Cowboy starts strong with a revolver, ammo, and a horse, easing early-game fights and providing speed for chaotic situations, especially during Blood Moon nights. With Game Pass, you can sell the revolver for extra cash to start with a better loadout. It's a bargain at this price. |
Priest | 75 | The Priest brings divine tools to the fight—Crucifixes and Holy Water that can't be sold but are potent against enemies. Immune to lightning, the Priest is invaluable in larger squads, acting as spiritual support with powerful throwables. |
Arsonist | 20 | The Arsonist excels in chaos, starting with Molotovs and enhanced fire damage, perfect for clearing groups quickly. Best in smaller areas where you can control the pace, and a horse enhances the hit-and-run strategy. |
B Tier Dead Rails Classes
Screenshot by Destructoid These classes are specialists, shining in specific contexts. The Doctor, for example, offers great value due to its price and support capabilities, though it's not ideal for solo damage output. All three are essential in group settings:
**Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
The Alamo | 50 | The Alamo is designed for fortification, starting with Sheet Metal, Barbed Wire, and a helmet, ideal for securing the Train early on. Perfect for holding the line and slowing down enemy waves. |
Doctor | 15 | The Doctor is your lifeline, equipped with healing supplies and the ability to revive teammates at the cost of half their health. Affordable and invaluable in groups, selling bandages and snake oil can give you a $40 boost. |
Miner | 15 | The Miner is perfect for resource runs and nighttime exploration, equipped with a helmet and a Pickaxe for fast ore gathering. Not combat-focused, but their utility is unmatched. |
C Tier Dead Rails Classes
Screenshot by Destructoid These classes offer good utility but are less effective in solo play. The Conductor is almost essential in larger groups, while the Horse Class is more of a novelty:
**Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
Conductor | 50 | The Conductor controls the Train, starting with Coal and reaching speeds up to 84. Vulnerable early on without a melee weapon, they're crucial for keeping the team mobile. No longer taking health penalties, they're slightly less fragile. |
Horse | Unlockable through the Horsing Around gamemode | The Horse Class transforms you into a horse, unlocked through the 2025 April Fools event. With standard horse stats, you face challenges in tight spaces and can ride other players but not the train or other horses. |
High Roller | 50 | The High Roller earns 1.5x money from bags, perfect for a quick cash boost but vulnerable to lightning during storms. High risk, high reward for those willing to live dangerously. |
D Tier Dead Rails Classes
Screenshot by Destructoid Every tier has its bottom, and these classes are no exception. The default class is a solid starting point for beginners, while the Zombie class remains disappointing:
**Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
None | Free | The None class is the default, starting with just a shovel and no perks or drawbacks. Perfect for learning the game and saving bonds before choosing a class. |
Zombie | 75 | The Zombie feeds on corpses to heal and can slip past enemies with stealth. Lacking access to Bandages or Snake Oil, it's still not viable for effective gameplay. |
That's all for my Dead Rails class tier list. I hope it helps you break records and take down mobs with ease. Don't forget to check out our Dead Rails codes and learn about Dead Rails challenges. Who knows what the next update will bring?