If you're eager to explore the vast landscapes of Dead Sails and reach impressive distances without meeting an untimely end, you're in good company. Beyond the gear you can purchase and the companions you choose, selecting the right class is crucial. To save you from hours of trial-and-error, I've crafted the ultimate Dead Rails class tier list. Trust me, you'll want to avoid the hassle I went through to compile this.
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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 the nature of the beast. You simply can't go wrong with the Vampire, even after all the recent updates. The Survivalist has also seen a significant rise in popularity lately. However, I'm still disappointed that the Zombie class remains underpowered and can't even drink Snake Oil. What's the deal? Teamwork plays a role too, but let's not get too caught up in min-maxing. Remember, the goal is to have fun with your friends.
S Tier Dead Rails Classes
You've probably guessed it by now—it's all about raw damage output. What two classes excel here more than the Survivalist with its unique effect, or the lightning-fast Vampire? Although the Ironclad has its merits, I'd argue there are only two true contenders for the top spot:
| **Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
| Survivalist | 75 | The Survivalist starts with a Tomahawk and becomes increasingly lethal as your health decreases. Even at full health, you'll deal more damage than most—although a nerf might be on the horizon. This class shines against tougher enemies that don't go down easily. While other classes can manage, none match the Survivalist's raw 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 just three hits. The downside? Sunlight is harmful, so you'll need to stay in the shadows. Thankfully, you spawn with a Vampire Knife that heals you with each strike, making survival about maintaining the offensive. |
A Tier Dead Rails Classes
Here, we delve into the section of the Dead Rails class tier list where the classes remain strong but aren't as focused on pure survival. Their damage output and starting gear are solid, though they're less effective for solo runs. In my view, the Ironclad has the most potential here.
| **Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
| Ironclad | 100 | The Ironclad arrives ready for battle, clad in full armor that makes you much harder to take down. The trade-off is a slight reduction in speed—about 10% slower. Not ideal for solo runs; you'll want at least one teammate to cover you. In a team setting, shotguns are your best friend—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 much easier and gives you the speed to survive chaotic situations, especially during those tough Blood Moon nights. With the Game Pass, you can sell the revolver for extra cash, starting with an even better loadout. It's a bargain at its 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. Not suited for solo play, but invaluable in larger groups where their throwables can significantly impact the battle. Think of them as spiritual support with a powerful throw. |
| Arsonist | 20 | The Arsonist excels 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 a horse enhances the hit-and-run strategy. |
B Tier Dead Rails Classes
These classes are specialists, excelling in specific situations. For example, the Doctor is excellent due to its low cost and support capabilities, but you wouldn't want to rely on it for damage output. The same applies to the other two, all of which are crucial in team settings.
| **Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
| The Alamo | 50 | The Alamo is all about fortification, starting with Sheet Metal, Barbed Wire, and a helmet. This makes you a natural at 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. One of the most affordable classes, it's invaluable in group play. If you have a Doctor on your team, do everything to keep them safe—they can turn a wipe into a victory. Selling bandages and snake oil can give you a $40 boost. |
| Miner | 15 | The Miner is designed for resource gathering and nighttime exploration. With a helmet that provides light and a Pickaxe that breaks ore in just two swings, they're the fastest at collecting materials, especially new ore types. They also come with some Coal to get you started. Though not combat-focused, their utility is undeniable. |
C Tier Dead Rails Classes
This part of the Dead Rails class tier list mirrors the previous one—good utility but limited solo value. The Conductor is a prime example, almost essential in a full team. There's also the new Horse class, which is more of a novelty than a reliable choice.
| **Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
| Conductor | 50 | The Conductor is the team's driver, starting with Coal and capable of pushing the Train to a top speed of 84, which is vital for quick escapes. The downside is no melee weapon at spawn, making them vulnerable early on. Ensure they're protected in your group—they keep everyone moving. Fortunately, they no longer lose health, making them less fragile. |
| Horse | Unlockable through the Horsing Around gamemode | The Horse Class turns you into a horse—literally. Unlocked through the 2025 April Fools "Horsing Around" event, this novelty class offers standard horse stats: 32 studs per second speed, no passive healing, and a full-sized horse hitbox. Navigating tight spaces can be challenging. You can even saddle up on players, but you can't sit on the train or ride other horses. |
| High Roller | 50 | The High Roller is all about earning quick cash, gaining 1.5x the money from bags, which gives you a solid head start. However, this also makes you a lightning rod during storms, increasing your chance of being struck. It's high risk, high reward—ideal for those looking to stack cash early while living dangerously. |
D Tier Dead Rails Classes
Every list has its bottom, and here we find the least favorable options. The default class has no specific downsides but also no advantages. It's a great starting point for beginners to learn the ropes. The Zombie class, however, is significantly underwhelming and not something I'd recommend to anyone.
| **Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
| None | Free | The None class is the default, equipped with just a shovel and whatever you can scavenge. It has no perks or drawbacks, making it a blank slate. It's perfect for saving up bonds and figuring out your playstyle before committing to a class. Simple, straightforward, and surprisingly effective with the right strategy. |
| Zombie | 75 | The Zombie thrives in chaotic situations, feeding on corpses to heal and slipping past enemies with stealth due to its undead nature. You won't have access to Bandages or Snake Oil, but you make up for it with sustainability and stealth in areas with many bodies. Unfortunately, it remains underpowered at the moment. |
That's the complete rundown! I hope this Dead Rails class tier list helps you break records and dominate mobs effortlessly. Don't forget to use our Dead Rails codes and explore Dead Rails challenges. Who knows what the next update will bring?
