If you're eager to explore the vast world of *Dead Sails* and aim for impressive distances without risking your life, you're not alone. Besides choosing the right gear and companions, selecting the perfect class is crucial. That's why I've created this **ultimate *Dead Rails* class tier list** to save you from the hassle of trial and error. I've done the legwork so you don't have to, and believe me, it's a journey you'll want to navigate with ease.
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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 some debate, but here's the deal: you simply can't go wrong with the Vampire, even after all the updates. The Survivalist has also seen a significant rise in popularity lately. However, I'm still disappointed with the Zombie class, which remains underwhelming and can't even use Snake Oil. What's the deal with that? While teamwork plays a role, I'll only consider it slightly. Remember, the game is about having fun with friends, not just about min-maxing.
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 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 gets stronger as your health decreases. Even at full health, you deal more damage than others, though a nerf might be on the horizon. It excels against tough enemies that don't go down easily. While other classes can handle them, none match the Survivalist's power. |
Vampire | 75 | The Vampire focuses on 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 stay in the shadows. Fortunately, you start with a Vampire Knife that heals with each hit, making survival a matter of maintaining the offensive. |
A Tier Dead Rails Classes
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This tier includes classes that are excellent but not as robust for solo survival. They still offer great damage and starting gear, though they're less effective alone. In my view, the Ironclad holds the most promise.
**Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
Ironclad | 100 | The Ironclad comes ready for battle, clad in full armor, making you much harder to kill. The trade-off? You're about 10% slower. Not ideal for solo runs; you'll need at least one ally to watch your back. In a team, shotguns are your best bet, as you're built for close-quarters combat. |
Cowboy | 50 | The Cowboy starts strong with a revolver, two boxes of ammo, and a horse. This combination makes early fights easier and gives you 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 cost-effective choice. |
Priest | 75 | The Priest brings divine tools to the fight—Crucifixes and Holy Water that can't be sold but are effective against enemies. You're immune to lightning, making storms irrelevant. Not ideal for solo play, but in larger squads, the Priest's throwables can significantly sway the battle in your favor. They're the 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 wiping out groups or clearing 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, valuable in specific contexts. The Doctor, for example, is great due to its price and support capabilities, but not ideal for solo damage. The same applies to the others, making them essential in group settings.
**Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
The Alamo | 50 | The Alamo is about fortification, starting with Sheet Metal, Barbed Wire, and a helmet. It's perfect for locking down the Train early on. If your team needs someone to turn the cabin into a fortress and slow down enemy waves, this is the class. It's not flashy, but highly effective under pressure. |
Doctor | 15 | The Doctor is your lifeline in tough situations, equipped with healing supplies and the ability to revive teammates at half their own health. It's one of the most affordable classes (tied with the Miner) and incredibly valuable in group play. Keep them alive—they can turn a wipe into a comeback. I recommend selling bandages and snake oil for a $40 boost. |
Miner | 15 | The Miner is designed for resource runs and nighttime exploration. With a helmet for light and a Pickaxe that breaks ore in two swings, they're the fastest at gathering materials, especially new ore types. They also start with Coal. While not combat-focused, their utility is invaluable. |
C Tier Dead Rails Classes
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These classes offer good utility but have limited solo value. The Conductor is almost essential in a five-stack team. Then there's the new Horse class, which is more of a novelty than a reliable choice.
**Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
Conductor | 50 | The Conductor is the one driving the Train, starting with Coal and reaching a top speed of 84. This is crucial for quick escapes. The downside? No melee weapon at spawn, making them vulnerable early on. Ensure they're protected—they keep the team moving. They're less fragile now, no longer taking health hits. |
Horse | Unlockable through the Horsing Around gamemode | The Horse Class turns you into a horse, unlocked via 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, making tight spaces challenging. You can even ride other players but can't sit on the train or ride other horses. |
High Roller | 50 | The High Roller earns 1.5x the money from bags, giving you a head start to gear up. However, you're more likely to get struck by lightning during storms. It's high risk, high reward—ideal if you're aiming to stack cash early and don't mind the danger. |
D Tier Dead Rails Classes
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Every list has its bottom, and here's ours. The default class is straightforward but doesn't offer any perks. It's perfect for beginners to learn the game. Zombies, however, are just terrible—I wouldn't wish them on anyone.
**Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
None | Free | The None class is the default—you start with a shovel and whatever you can scavenge. No perks, no drawbacks. It's a blank slate, ideal for saving bonds and figuring out your playstyle before committing to a class. Simple, effective if you know how to use it. |
Zombie | 75 | The Zombie thrives in chaos, feeding on corpses to heal and slipping past enemies with ease. You can't use Bandages or Snake Oil, but you gain stealth and sustainability in body-strewn areas. Unfortunately, it remains largely ineffective. |
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 one of our Dead Rails codes and explore Dead Rails challenges. Who knows what the next update will bring?