Looking 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 purchase and the allies you choose, selecting the right class plays a crucial role in your survival and success. Dive into my **ultimate *Dead Rails* class tier list** to save yourself from the hassle of trial and error. I've done the legwork for you, and believe me, it's a journey you'll be glad to skip.
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'm well aware that my Dead Rails class tier list might stir up some controversy, but let's face it—opinions are bound to clash. You simply can't go wrong with the Vampire, even after numerous updates, but the Survivalist has made a significant leap in recent weeks. It's disheartening to see the Zombie class struggling, still unable to use Snake Oil. What's the deal with that? While teamwork is a factor, I'll only weigh it lightly in this analysis. Remember, it's all about enjoying the game with friends, not just about min-maxing.
S Tier Dead Rails Classes
Screenshot by Destructoid
You've likely guessed it—these classes are all about maximizing your damage output. Who could be better than the Survivalist with its unique effect, or the lightning-fast Vampire? While the Ironclad is a strong contender, there are only two clear front-runners for the top spot:
| **Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
| Survivalist | 75 | The Survivalist starts with a Tomahawk and becomes more formidable as your health decreases. Interestingly, even at full health, you deal more damage than most—although a nerf might be on the horizon. It excels against tougher enemies that are hard to take down. While other classes can handle these foes, none match the raw power the Survivalist once brought to the battlefield. |
| Vampire | 75 | The Vampire is all about speed and aggression. You're quicker 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 successful hit, making survival dependent on maintaining offensive pressure. |
A Tier Dead Rails Classes
Screenshot by Destructoid
Here, we delve into the part of the Dead Rails class tier list where classes remain excellent, yet they may not be as robust for solo survival. Their damage output and starting gear are still impressive, but they shine more in team settings than in solo runs. In my view, the Ironclad holds the most promise.
| **Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
| Ironclad | 100 | The Ironclad comes ready for battle, equipped with full armor that makes you much harder to kill. The trade-off? You're about 10% slower. It's 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-game combat easier and provides the speed needed to survive chaotic situations, particularly during intense Blood Moon nights. With the Game Pass, you can sell the revolver for extra cash to begin with an even better loadout. The price is a steal, too. |
| Priest | 75 | The Priest brings divine assistance to the fight, equipped with Crucifixes and Holy Water that can't be sold but are potent against enemies. You're immune to lightning, making storms irrelevant. While not suited for solo play, the Priest excels in larger teams, where their throwables can significantly influence the battle. 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, perfect for quickly dispatching groups. Ideal for burning through enemy packs or clearing towns swiftly. It's most effective in smaller areas where you can control the pace, and having a horse enhances the hit-and-run strategy. |
B Tier Dead Rails Classes
Screenshot by Destructoid
These classes are specialists, excelling in specific scenarios. The Doctor, for example, is valuable due to its low cost and support capabilities, but relying on it for damage might not be wise. The same applies to the other two, yet all three are crucial in team settings.
| **Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
| The Alamo | 50 | The Alamo is all about fortification and defense. You start with Sheet Metal, Barbed Wire, and a helmet, making you ideal for 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 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 potential wipe into a triumphant comeback. I recommend selling all bandages and snake oil for a $40 boost. |
| Miner | 15 | The Miner is designed 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 the new ore types. They also come with some Coal to get you started. While not combat-focused, their utility is unmatched for one of the cheapest classes in the game. |
C Tier Dead Rails Classes
Screenshot by Destructoid
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-player team, while the new Horse class is more of a novelty than a reliable choice.
| **Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
| Conductor | 50 | The Conductor is the one driving the Train—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. Ensure they're protected—they keep the entire team moving. Fortunately, 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. Navigating tight spaces like doorframes and the train cab can be challenging. You can even saddle up on players and ride them like a normal 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 makes you a lightning magnet during storms, with a significantly increased chance of getting struck. It's high risk, high reward—ideal if you're looking to stack cash early and don't mind the danger. |
D Tier Dead Rails Classes
Screenshot by Destructoid
Every list has its bottom, and we must address it. The default class has no particular downsides but also offers no unique advantages. It's a great starting point for beginners to learn the ropes. On the other hand, the Zombie class is severely underwhelming and not recommended.
| **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 leverage it. |
| Zombie | 75 | The Zombie thrives in chaos, feeding on corpses to heal and slipping past enemies with ease due to their undead nature. You won't have access to Bandages or Snake Oil, but you compensate with stealth and sustainability, especially in areas with many bodies. Unfortunately, it remains a weak choice at present. |
That's all for now! I hope this Dead Rails class tier list helps you break records and conquer those mobs effortlessly. Don't forget to use one of our Dead Rails codes and explore all about Dead Rails challenges. Who knows what the next update will bring?
