If you're eager to explore the vast world of Dead Sails and reach impressive distances without meeting an untimely demise, you're in good company. Besides the gear you equip and the allies you choose, selecting the right class is crucial. To save you from endless trial and error, I've crafted this ultimate Dead Rails class tier list—a guide to help you navigate the game more effectively. Trust me, you'll thank me for sparing you the hassle.
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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 well aware that this Dead Rails class tier list might stir up some controversy, but it's all in the spirit of helping you succeed. You simply can't go wrong with the Vampire, even after all the recent updates. Meanwhile, the Survivalist has surged in popularity over the past few weeks. It's disappointing to see the Zombie class still struggling, unable to use Snake Oil. However, teamwork plays a role too, so I've factored that in, albeit minimally. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the game with friends, not just to min-max your stats.
S Tier Dead Rails Classes
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 at the S Tier:
| **Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
| Survivalist | 75 | The Survivalist starts with a Tomahawk and becomes more formidable as your health decreases. Even at full health, you deal more damage than most—although a nerf might be on the horizon. This class excels against tough enemies that are hard to take down. While other classes can manage these foes, none match the Survivalist's raw power. |
| Vampire | 75 | The Vampire is all about speed and aggression. You're faster 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 a matter of maintaining pressure. |
A Tier Dead Rails Classes
In the A Tier of the Dead Rails class tier list, you'll find classes that are still excellent but not as focused on pure survival. They offer strong damage output and good starting gear, though they're less effective for solo runs. The Ironclad stands out as having the most potential:
| **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. Not ideal for solo runs; you'll need at least one teammate to watch your back. In a team setting, shotguns are your best weapon choice, 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-game fights easier and gives you the speed to survive chaotic situations, especially during Blood Moon nights. If you have the Game Pass, you can sell the revolver for extra cash to start with an even better loadout. It's a great value for the price. |
| Priest | 75 | The Priest brings divine tools to the fight, armed with Crucifixes and Holy Water that can't be sold but are effective 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 impact 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. They're perfect for quickly wiping out groups of enemies or clearing towns. They work best in smaller areas where you can control the pace, and having a horse enhances their hit-and-run strategy. |
B Tier Dead Rails Classes
These B Tier classes are specialists, excelling in specific situations. The Doctor, for example, is valuable for its low cost and support capabilities, but you wouldn't rely on it for damage. Here's a look at the B Tier:
| **Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
| The Alamo | 50 | The Alamo is all about fortification. 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 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 wipe into a comeback. I recommend selling all bandages and snake oil for a $40 boost. |
| Miner | 15 | The Miner is perfect for resource runs 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 gathering materials, especially the new ore types. They also come with some Coal to get you started. While not combat-focused, their utility is invaluable. |
C Tier Dead Rails Classes
The C Tier classes offer good utility but are less effective for solo play. The Conductor is almost essential in a five-stack team, while the Horse class is more of a novelty. Here's a closer look:
| **Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
| Conductor | 50 | The Conductor is the one driving the Train, starting with some Coal and capable of reaching a top speed of 84. This is crucial for escaping danger quickly. The downside? No melee weapon at spawn, making them vulnerable early on. Ensure they're protected—they keep the squad moving. They no longer take a health hit, making them slightly less fragile. |
| Horse | Unlockable through the Horsing Around gamemode | The Horse Class turns you into a horse, unlocked through 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 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, earning 1.5x the money from bags, giving you a solid head start. However, this also makes you a lightning rod during storms, with a higher 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
Every tier list has its bottom, and here's where we find the D Tier. The default class, "None," has no particular downsides but also no advantages. It's perfect for beginners to learn the game. The Zombie class, however, is severely underwhelming:
| **Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
| None | Free | The None class is the default, starting you with just a shovel and whatever you can scavenge. No perks, but no drawbacks either. It's a blank slate, ideal for saving up bonds and figuring out your preferred playstyle before committing to a class. Simple, straightforward, and 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 due to their undead nature. You can't use Bandages or Snake Oil, but you make up for it with stealth and sustainability in areas with many bodies. Unfortunately, it remains a weak choice at the moment. |
That's all for now! I hope this Dead Rails class tier list helps you break records and take down mobs with ease. Don't forget to use one of our Dead Rails codes and explore all the Dead Rails challenges. Who knows what the next update will bring?
