If you're eager to explore the vast world of Dead Sails and achieve 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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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
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 numerous updates. The Survivalist has also surged in popularity recently. However, I'm still disappointed with the Zombie class, which remains underwhelming and can't even use Snake Oil. What's the deal? Teamwork plays a role too, but it's secondary. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the game with friends, not just to min-max.
S Tier Dead Rails Classes
You've probably guessed it—these classes are all about raw damage output. The Survivalist and 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 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 stick to the shadows. Fortunately, you spawn with a Vampire Knife that heals you with each hit, making survival about maintaining pressure. |
A Tier Dead Rails Classes
This section of the Dead Rails class tier list features classes that are still excellent but not as focused on pure survival. They offer good damage and starting gear, though they're less effective for solo runs. In my view, the Ironclad has the most 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 at least one teammate to watch your back. In a team, 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 setup makes early-game 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, where their throwables can significantly impact the battle. They provide 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 a horse enhances their hit-and-run strategy. |
B Tier Dead Rails Classes
These classes are specialists, excelling in specific situations. The Doctor, for example, is valuable for its price and support capabilities, but not ideal for dealing damage. All three are crucial 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 hold the line 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 health. It's one of the most affordable classes and invaluable in group play. Keep your Doctor alive—they can turn a wipe into a victory. Selling bandages and snake oil can give you 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 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 invaluable. |
C Tier Dead Rails Classes
Similar to the previous section, 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 able to reach a top speed of 84. This is crucial for quick escapes. However, they spawn without a melee weapon, making them vulnerable early on. Ensure they're protected—they keep the team moving. 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 large hitbox, making tight spaces challenging. You can ride 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. Perfect for those looking to stack cash early and willing to take risks. |
D Tier Dead Rails Classes
Every list has its bottom, and here's where we find it. The default class has no specific downsides but also no advantages. It's ideal for beginners to learn the game. The Zombie class, however, is severely lacking and not recommended.
| **Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
| None | Free | The None class is the default, starting with just a shovel and whatever you can scavenge. It has no perks or drawbacks, making it a blank slate perfect for saving up bonds and figuring out your preferred playstyle before choosing a class. It's simple, straightforward, and effective if used correctly. |
| Zombie | 75 | The Zombie class thrives in chaos, healing by feeding on corpses and slipping past enemies with stealth. However, you can't use Bandages or Snake Oil. While it offers some sustainability in areas with many bodies, it remains underwhelming and not recommended. |
That's all for now! I hope this Dead Rails class tier list helps you break records and take down mobs with ease. Don't forget to use Dead Rails codes and tackle Dead Rails challenges. Who knows what the next update will bring?
