If you're eager to explore the vast world of Dead Sails and cover impressive distances without succumbing to death, you're in good company. Apart from the gear you choose and the companions you travel with, selecting the right class plays a crucial role. That's where my ultimate Dead Rails class tier list comes in handy, saving you from countless hours of trial and error. I've done the legwork so you don't have to, and believe me, navigating this game can be a daunting task without the right guidance.
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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
This Dead Rails class tier list might stir up some controversy, but it's necessary. You simply can't go wrong with the Vampire, even after all the recent updates. However, the Survivalist has surged in popularity in recent weeks. It's disappointing to see the Zombie class still underperforming and unable to use Snake Oil. What's the deal with that? While teamwork plays a role, I'll only factor it in slightly. At the end of the day, Dead Rails is about having fun with your friends, not just about min-maxing.
S Tier Dead Rails Classes
You've probably already guessed it—the top tier is all about raw damage output. Which two classes are better than the Survivalist with its unique effect or the lightning-fast Vampire? Although the Ironclad has its merits, I believe there are only two true contenders for the top spot:
| **Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
| Survivalist | 75 | The Survivalist starts with a Tomahawk and becomes more potent as your health decreases. Interestingly, even at full health, you hit harder than most—although this might soon be nerfed. It excels 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 thrives on speed and aggression. You move faster than a horse or a sprinting zombie, and your melee attacks are devastating—most zombies fall in three hits. The downside? Sunlight burns, so you need to stick to the shadows. Fortunately, you spawn with a Vampire Knife that heals you with each hit, making survival a matter of constant aggression. |
A Tier Dead Rails Classes
Here, we delve into the Dead Rails class tier list where classes remain excellent but aren't as focused on pure survival. They still offer significant damage and starting gear, though they're less effective for solo runs. In my view, the Ironclad holds the most promise.
| **Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
| Ironclad | 100 | The Ironclad comes ready for battle, decked out in full armor that makes you much harder to kill. The trade-off? You're about 10% slower. Not ideal for solo runs; you'll want at least one teammate watching your back. In team play, shotguns are your best bet—you're built for close-quarters combat. |
| Cowboy | 50 | The Cowboy starts strong with a revolver, two boxes of ammo, and a horse. This setup makes early-game encounters much easier and provides the speed to survive chaotic situations, especially during brutal Blood Moon nights. If you have the Game Pass, you can sell the revolver for extra cash to kickstart with a better loadout. It's a bargain, too. |
| Priest | 75 | The Priest brings divine tools to the fight—armed with Crucifixes and Holy Water that can't be sold but are potent against enemies. You're also immune to lightning, making storms irrelevant. While not suited for solo play, the Priest excels in larger squads where their throwables can significantly tilt the battle in your favor. They're your spiritual support with a powerful throw. |
| Arsonist | 20 | The Arsonist thrives in chaos, starting with Molotovs and a significant boost to fire damage. They're perfect for quickly wiping out groups or clearing towns. They work best in smaller areas where you can control the pace, and having a horse enhances their hit-and-run style. |
B Tier Dead Rails Classes
These classes are specialists, shining in specific scenarios. The Doctor, for instance, is valuable due to its low cost and support capabilities, but you wouldn't rely on it for damage. The same holds for the other two, though all three are crucial in group settings.
| **Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
| The Alamo | 50 | The Alamo focuses on fortification, starting with Sheet Metal, Barbed Wire, and a helmet. Ideal for securing the Train early on, it's not flashy but incredibly 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. One of the cheapest classes (tied with the Miner), it's invaluable in group play. Selling bandages and snake oil can give you a $40 boost. |
| Miner | 15 | The Miner excels at 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 unmatched. |
C Tier Dead Rails Classes
Similar to the previous section, these classes offer good utility but are less effective solo. The Conductor is almost essential in larger groups. The new Horse class, while fun, is more of a novelty than a reliable option.
| **Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
| Conductor | 50 | The Conductor controls the Train, starting with Coal and boosting its speed to 84 for quick escapes. The downside? No melee weapon at spawn, making them vulnerable initially. Ensure they're protected; they keep the squad moving. They're now less fragile, no longer taking a health hit. |
| 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 get 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 players but can't sit on the train or other horses. |
| High Roller | 50 | The High Roller earns 1.5x money from bags, providing a solid financial start. However, they're more likely to get struck by lightning during storms. It's a high-risk, high-reward choice if you want to gear up quickly and live dangerously. |
D Tier Dead Rails Classes
Every list has its bottom, and here we are. The default class offers no specific downsides but also no advantages. It's perfect for beginners to learn the game. The Zombie class, however, is disappointingly weak 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, no drawbacks. It's a blank slate, ideal for saving up bonds and finding your preferred playstyle before choosing a class. Simple yet effective with the right strategy. |
| Zombie | 75 | The Zombie thrives in chaos, feeding on corpses to heal and moving stealthily thanks to their undead nature. You can't use Bandages or Snake Oil, but you gain stealth and sustainability in corpse-heavy areas. Unfortunately, it remains underpowered and not viable at the moment. |
That's all for now! I hope this Dead Rails class tier list helps you achieve new records and take down those mobs with ease. Don't forget to use one of our Dead Rails codes and explore all about Dead Rails challenges. Stay tuned for what the next update might bring!
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