Are you eager to explore the vast landscapes of *Dead Sails* and reach impressive distances without constantly facing death? You're not alone! Beyond choosing the right gear and companions, selecting the perfect class is crucial. Dive into my **ultimate *Dead Rails* class tier list** to save yourself from endless trial-and-error. I've done the hard work for you, and trust me, you don't want to get tangled up in this mess.
Recommended Videos
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
Image by Destructoid
I know this Dead Rails class tier list might stir some controversy, but it's what I believe to be true. You simply can't go wrong with the Vampire, even after numerous updates. Meanwhile, the Survivalist has seen a significant rise in popularity in recent weeks. However, I'm still disappointed with the Zombie class—it remains underwhelming and can't even consume Snake Oil. What's the deal? Teamwork is also a factor, though I'll only weigh it slightly. Remember, the goal is to have fun with friends, not just to min-max your gameplay.
S Tier Dead Rails Classes
Screenshot by Destructoid
You've probably guessed it already—this tier is all about raw damage output. What two classes top the charts better than the Survivalist with its unique effect, or the lightning-fast Vampire? Although the Ironclad is a strong contender, only these two truly stand out:
| **Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
| Survivalist | 75 | The Survivalist starts with a Tomahawk and becomes even more lethal as your health decreases. Interestingly, even at full health, you hit harder than anyone else, though this might get nerfed soon. It truly shines against tough enemies that don't go down easily. Other classes can handle them too, but none match the punch the Survivalist once brought to the table. |
| Vampire | 75 | The Vampire excels in speed and aggression. You're faster than a horse or even a sprinting zombie, and your melee hits pack a serious punch—most zombies go down in just three swings. The downside? Sunlight burns, so you must stick to the shadows. On the bright side, you spawn with a Vampire Knife that heals you with each hit, making survival all about maintaining the offensive. |
A Tier Dead Rails Classes
Screenshot by Destructoid
Here, we venture into the part of the Dead Rails class tier list where classes are still excellent but not as strong for pure survival. They maintain solid damage output and starting gear, though they aren't as robust for solo play. In my view, the Ironclad has the most potential.
| **Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
| Ironclad | 100 | The Ironclad comes ready for battle, decked out in full armor, making you significantly harder to kill than others. The trade-off? You're slightly slower—about 10% slower. Not the best for solo runs; you'll need at least one ally watching your back. If you're teaming up, shotguns are your best bet, as you're built for close-quarters combat. |
| Cowboy | 50 | The Cowboy is built for a strong start—you get a revolver, two boxes of ammo, and your own horse right from the beginning. This combination makes early-game fights much easier and gives you the speed to survive chaotic situations, especially during intense Blood Moon nights. With the Game Pass, you can even sell the revolver for some extra cash to start with an even better loadout. The price is a steal, too. |
| Priest | 75 | The Priest brings divine tools to the fight—armed with Crucifixes and Holy Water that can't be sold but are powerful against enemies. You're also completely immune to lightning, making storms irrelevant. While not ideal for solo play, the Priest excels in larger groups, where their throwables can significantly shift the battle in your favor. Consider them as spiritual support with a formidable underhand throw. |
| Arsonist | 20 | The Arsonist thrives in chaos—starting with Molotovs and a substantial boost to fire damage, they're designed to clear out groups quickly. Perfect for burning through enemy packs or clearing towns efficiently. Just remember, it works best in smaller areas where you can control the pace, and having a horse makes the hit-and-run strategy much more effective. |
B Tier Dead Rails Classes
Screenshot by Destructoid
These classes share a common trait—they're specialists, highly useful in specific contexts. For example, the Doctor is excellent due to its price and support value, but would you rely on it for damage? The same applies to the others, though all three remain invaluable in group settings.
| **Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
| The Alamo | 50 | The Alamo is all about fortification and holding the line. You start with Sheet Metal, Barbed Wire, and a helmet, making you a natural at securing the Train early on. If your team needs someone to turn the cabin into a fortress and slow down enemy waves, this is your go-to class. It's not flashy, but it's incredibly effective under pressure. |
| Doctor | 15 | The Doctor is your lifeline in dire situations. Equipped with healing supplies, they can revive teammates, albeit at the cost of half their own health. It's one of the most affordable classes (tied with the Miner), but its value in group play is unmatched. If you have a Doctor on your team, do everything to keep them safe—they can turn a potential wipe into a triumphant comeback. I often sell the bandages and snake oil for a $40 boost. |
| Miner | 15 | The Miner is designed for resource gathering and nighttime exploration. With a helmet that illuminates the way and a Pickaxe that breaks ore in just two swings, they're the fastest at collecting materials, especially the new ore types. They also come with a bit of Coal to start you off. Not great in combat, but their utility more than compensates for it. |
C Tier Dead Rails Classes
Screenshot by Destructoid
This section mirrors the previous part of the Dead Rails class tier list—good utility, but low solo value. The Conductor is a prime example, nearly essential in a five-stack team. There's also the new Horse class, which is more of a novelty than a reliable choice.
| **Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
| Conductor | 50 | The Conductor is the one at the helm—literally. They start with some Coal and can push the Train to a top speed of 84, which is crucial for quick escapes. The downside? No melee weapon at spawn, making them vulnerable early on. If you have a Conductor in your group, ensure they're protected—they keep the whole team moving. The good news? They no longer suffer a health penalty, making them slightly less fragile. |
| Horse | Unlockable through the Horsing Around gamemode | The Horse Class transforms you into a horse—no kidding. Unlocked through the 2025 April Fools "Horsing Around" event, this novelty class gives you standard horse stats: 32 studs per second speed, no passive healing, and a full-sized horse hitbox. This means tight spaces like doorframes and the train cab can be challenging. You can even saddle up on players and ride them like a regular horse, but you can't sit on the train or ride other horses. |
| High Roller | 50 | The High Roller is all about quick cash—you earn 1.5x the money from bags, giving you a solid head start to gear up. However, this also means you're a lightning rod during storms, with a significantly increased chance of getting struck. High risk, high reward—perfect if you're aiming to stack cash early and don't mind living on the edge. |
D Tier Dead Rails Classes
Screenshot by Destructoid
Every barrel has its bottom, and we're scraping it here. The default class, "None," doesn't have particular downsides but also offers no advantages. I still appreciate it as a great way for beginners to learn the ropes. Zombies, on the other hand, are just plain bad—I wouldn't wish them on my worst enemy.
| **Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
| None | Free | The None class is the default—you start with just a shovel and whatever you can scavenge. No perks, but no drawbacks either. It's a blank canvas, perfect for saving up bonds and figuring out your preferred playstyle before committing to a class. Simple, straightforward, and surprisingly effective if you know how to maximize it. |
| Zombie | 75 | Lastly, the Zombie thrives in chaos—feeding on corpses to heal and slipping past enemies with ease thanks to their undead nature. You won't have access to Bandages or Snake Oil, but you compensate with stealth and sustainability, especially in areas teeming with bodies. Unfortunately, it remains largely ineffective at the moment. |
That's all I have! I hope this Dead Rails class tier list helps you break records and take down those mobs with ease. Don't forget to grab one of our Dead Rails codes and explore all about Dead Rails challenges. Who knows what the next update will bring?
