If you're eager to explore the vast landscapes of Dead Sails and reach impressive distances without meeting an untimely demise, you're in good company. Besides the gear you purchase and the companions you choose, selecting the right class can significantly enhance your gameplay. To save you from endless trial-and-error, I've compiled the ultimate Dead Rails class tier list. Trust me, it's a resource you'll want to bookmark to avoid the hassle of figuring it out yourself.
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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 debate, but it's inevitable. You simply can't go wrong with the Vampire, even after the numerous updates. Meanwhile, the Survivalist has surged ahead in recent weeks. It's disappointing to see the Zombie class lagging far behind, still unable to use Snake Oil. What's the deal? Teamwork also plays a role, though I consider it only marginally. At the end of the day, it's all about enjoying the game with friends, not just about optimizing your stats.
S Tier Dead Rails Classes
You've likely guessed it—the focus here is on raw damage output. Which two classes stand out more than the Survivalist, with its unique effect, and the lightning-fast Vampire? While 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 formidable as your health decreases. Interestingly, even at full health, you hit harder than most—although this might be subject to a nerf soon. This class truly excels against tough enemies that are hard to take down. While other classes can manage them, none match the Survivalist's punch. |
| Vampire | 75 | The Vampire is all about speed and aggression. You're quicker than a horse or even a sprinting zombie, and your melee attacks are devastating—most zombies fall in just three swings. The downside? Sunlight is harmful, so you need to stick to the shadows. However, you spawn with a Vampire Knife that heals with each hit, making survival a matter of maintaining the offensive. |
A Tier Dead Rails Classes
This section of the Dead Rails class tier list features classes that are still excellent but not quite as effective for pure survival. They offer good damage and starting gear, though they aren't as potent for 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 want at least one teammate to cover you. For team play, shotguns are your best bet, as you're designed for close-quarters combat. |
| Cowboy | 50 | The Cowboy starts strong with a revolver, two boxes of ammo, and a horse. This combination makes early-game fights easier and gives you the speed to survive chaotic situations, especially during Blood Moon nights. With the Game Pass, you can even 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 divine tools like Crucifixes and Holy Water, which can't be sold but are effective against enemies. You're also immune to lightning, making storms a non-issue. While not suited for solo play, the Priest excels in larger squads, providing spiritual support and impactful throwables. |
| Arsonist | 20 | The Arsonist thrives in chaos, starting with Molotovs and a significant boost to fire damage. They're perfect for quickly clearing groups of enemies or towns. This class works 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
These classes are specialists, excelling in specific scenarios. For example, the Doctor is great due to its low cost and support capabilities, but it's not ideal for dealing damage. Similarly, the other classes in this tier are valuable in group settings but not as solo performers.
| **Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
| The Alamo | 50 | The Alamo focuses on 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 turn the cabin into a stronghold and slow down enemy waves, this is your choice. It's not flashy, but highly effective under pressure. |
| Doctor | 15 | The Doctor is your lifeline in emergencies, 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 and invaluable in group play. Keep your Doctor safe—they can turn a near-wipe into a victory. I recommend selling bandages and snake oil for 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 the new ore types. They also start with some Coal. While not combat-focused, their utility is unmatched. |
C Tier Dead Rails Classes
This tier mirrors the previous one—excellent utility but limited solo value. The Conductor is almost essential in a five-stack team, while the new Horse class is more of a novelty than a reliable option.
| **Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
| Conductor | 50 | The Conductor controls the Train, starting with Coal and capable of reaching a top speed of 84. This is crucial for quick escapes. The downside is no melee weapon at spawn, making them vulnerable early on. Protect your Conductor—they keep the team moving. They no longer suffer a health penalty, making them less fragile. |
| 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 have standard horse stats: 32 studs per second speed, no passive healing, and a large hitbox. Navigating tight spaces can be tricky, but you can ride other players. You can't sit on the train or ride other horses. |
| High Roller | 50 | The High Roller earns 1.5x the money from bags, providing a quick financial boost. However, this also makes you a lightning magnet during storms, increasing the chance of getting struck. It's a high-risk, high-reward choice, ideal for those looking to accumulate cash early and willing to take risks. |
D Tier Dead Rails Classes
Every tier has its bottom, and here it is. The default class has no specific disadvantages but also no perks. It's perfect for beginners to learn the game. On the other hand, the Zombie class is severely underwhelming and not recommended.
| **Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
| None | Free | The None class is the default, providing you with just a shovel and whatever you can scavenge. No perks, no drawbacks—a blank slate ideal for saving up bonds and figuring out your preferred playstyle before choosing a class. It's simple, straightforward, and effective if you know how to use it. |
| Zombie | 75 | The Zombie thrives in chaos, feeding on corpses to heal and moving stealthily due to their undead nature. You can't use Bandages or Snake Oil, but you gain stealth and sustainability in areas with many bodies. Unfortunately, this class remains underpowered and not worth considering. |
That's the complete rundown! I hope this Dead Rails class tier list helps you break records and tackle those mobs with ease. Don't forget to use Dead Rails codes and explore Dead Rails challenges. Who knows what exciting changes the next update will bring?
