Want to explore the vast world of Dead Sails and reach impressive distances without meeting an untimely end? You're not alone in this quest. Beyond the gear you acquire and the companions you choose, selecting the right class is crucial. 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.
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Table of Contents
- All Dead Rails Class Tier List
- S Tier Dead Rails Classes
- A Tier Dead Rails Classes
- B Tier Dead Rails Classes
- C Tier Dead Rails Classes
- D Tier Dead Rails Classes
All Dead Rails Class Tier List
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I know this Dead Rails class tier list might stir up some controversy, but it's the truth. You simply can't go wrong with the Vampire, even after all the recent updates. The Survivalist has also surged in popularity recently. However, I'm still disappointed that the Zombie class remains underwhelming and can't even drink Snake Oil. What's the deal with that? While teamwork plays a role, I've only factored it in slightly. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the game with friends, not just to min-max.
S Tier Dead Rails Classes
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You've probably guessed it—these classes are all about raw damage output. The Survivalist and the Vampire stand out as the top contenders, though the Ironclad is a strong contender too. Here's a closer look:
| **Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
| Survivalist | 75 | The Survivalist starts with a Tomahawk and becomes even more formidable as your health decreases. Even at full health, you deal more damage than most—although that might change with upcoming nerfs. It's particularly effective against tough enemies that don't go down easily. While other classes can handle these foes, none match the Survivalist's raw power. |
| Vampire | 75 | The Vampire excels in speed and aggression. You're faster than a horse or a sprinting zombie, and your melee attacks are devastating—most zombies fall in just three hits. The downside? Sunlight is harmful, so you must stick to the shadows. Fortunately, you start with a Vampire Knife that heals you with each hit, making survival all about maintaining the offensive. |
A Tier Dead Rails Classes
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This tier includes classes that are still excellent but not as strong in terms of pure survival. They offer good damage output and starting gear, though they're less effective for solo runs. In my opinion, the Ironclad has the most potential here.
| **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 at least one 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-game fights easier and provides the speed to survive chaotic situations, especially during Blood Moon nights. With the Game Pass, you can sell the revolver for extra cash to start with an even 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, where their throwables can significantly benefit the team. They're your spiritual support with a powerful throw. |
| 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. They work best in smaller areas where you can control the pace, and having a horse enhances the hit-and-run strategy. |
B Tier Dead Rails Classes
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These classes are specialists, excelling in specific situations. The Doctor, for example, is valuable for its low cost and support capabilities, but you wouldn't rely on it for damage. The same applies to the other two, making all three 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. It's perfect for fortifying the Train early on. If your team needs someone to turn the cabin into a stronghold and slow down enemy waves, this is your class. It's not flashy, but it's 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 own health. It's one of the most affordable classes (tied with the Miner) and invaluable in group play. Keep your Doctor alive—they can turn a wipe into a victory. I recommend selling all bandages and snake oil for a $40 boost. |
| Miner | 15 | The Miner is ideal for resource gathering and nighttime exploration. With a helmet that lights the way and a Pickaxe that breaks ore in just two swings, they're the fastest at collecting materials, especially new ore types. They also start with some Coal. While not combat-focused, their utility is unmatched for one of the cheapest classes in the game. |
C Tier Dead Rails Classes
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Similar to the previous tier, these classes offer good utility but are less effective for solo play. The Conductor is almost essential in a five-stack team. The new Horse class is more of a novelty than a reliable choice.
| **Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
| Conductor | 50 | The Conductor controls the Train, starting with Coal and capable of reaching a top speed of 84. This is crucial for quick escapes. However, they lack a melee weapon at spawn, making them vulnerable early on. Ensure they're protected—they keep the team moving. Fortunately, they no longer suffer health penalties, making them less fragile. |
| Horse | Unlockable through the Horsing Around gamemode | The Horse Class transforms you into a horse, unlocked during the 2025 April Fools "Horsing Around" event. You have standard horse stats: 32 studs per second speed, no passive healing, and a full-sized horse hitbox, which can be problematic in tight spaces. You can ride other players but not the train or other horses. |
| High Roller | 50 | The High Roller earns 1.5x the money from bags, providing a quick start to gear up. However, this also makes you a lightning rod during storms, increasing your chance of getting struck. It's a high-risk, high-reward class, perfect for those looking to stack cash early and willing to live dangerously. |
D Tier Dead Rails Classes
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Every tier has its bottom, and these classes are at the base. The default class, "None," has no particular downsides but also no advantages. It's ideal for beginners to learn the game. The Zombie class, however, is severely underwhelming and not recommended.
| **Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
| None | Free | The None class is the default, starting with just a shovel and whatever you can scavenge. No perks, no drawbacks—a blank slate perfect for saving up bonds and figuring out your preferred playstyle before choosing a class. It's simple, straightforward, and surprisingly effective if used correctly. |
| Zombie | 75 | The Zombie thrives in chaos, feeding on corpses to heal and slipping past enemies with stealth. You can't use Bandages or Snake Oil, but you gain sustainability in areas with many bodies. Unfortunately, it remains a weak choice at the moment. |
That's all for now! I hope this Dead Rails class tier list helps you break records and take down mobs effortlessly. Don't forget to use our Dead Rails codes and explore Dead Rails challenges. Who knows what the next update will bring?
