Want to explore the vast, treacherous landscapes of *Dead Rails* and reach incredible distances without meeting an untimely end? You're not alone in this quest. Beyond the gear you purchase and the companions you choose, selecting the right class can significantly impact your journey. Why not save yourself the frustration of trial-and-error by diving into my **ultimate *Dead Rails* class tier list**? I've done the legwork so you can jump straight into the action and avoid the pitfalls that come with experimenting on your own.
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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'm well aware that this Dead Rails class tier list might stir up some controversy, but it's hard to argue with the facts. The Vampire remains an unbeatable choice, even after numerous updates, while the Survivalist has seen a remarkable surge in effectiveness recently. However, the Zombie class continues to disappoint, unable to consume Snake Oil—a critical oversight. Teamwork plays a role, but let's keep the focus on individual class strengths. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the game with friends, not just to min-max your stats.
S Tier Dead Rails Classes
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It's no surprise that the top spot is reserved for classes with exceptional damage output. The Survivalist and Vampire are the clear frontrunners here. While the Ironclad has its merits, it can't quite compete with these two powerhouses.
| **Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
| Survivalist | 75 | The Survivalist starts with a Tomahawk and becomes increasingly lethal as your health decreases. Even at full health, you deal more damage than most—although a nerf might be looming. It excels against tough enemies that take longer to defeat, offering a unique edge over other classes. |
| Vampire | 75 | The Vampire is all about speed and aggression. Faster than a horse or a sprinting zombie, your melee attacks are devastating—often taking down zombies in just three hits. Sunlight is your weakness, so stick to the shadows. You start with a Vampire Knife that heals with each successful hit, making survival about maintaining relentless pressure. |
A Tier Dead Rails Classes
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This tier includes classes that are still excellent but not as strong in solo survival scenarios. While they offer good damage and starting gear, they shine more in team play. The Ironclad stands out with its potential for group synergy.
| **Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
| Ironclad | 100 | The Ironclad comes equipped with full armor, making you significantly harder to kill. However, this comes at the cost of speed—about 10% slower. Not ideal for solo runs, you'll need a teammate to watch your back. In a team, shotguns are your weapon of choice for close-quarters combat. |
| Cowboy | 50 | The Cowboy offers a strong start with a revolver, two ammo boxes, and a horse. This combination makes early-game combat easier and provides the mobility to survive chaotic situations, especially during Blood Moon nights. With the Game Pass, selling the revolver can provide extra cash for an enhanced loadout. |
| Priest | 75 | The Priest wields Crucifixes and Holy Water—unsellable but powerful against enemies. You're immune to lightning, making storms irrelevant. While not suited for solo play, the Priest excels in larger groups, where their throwables can significantly impact battles. |
| Arsonist | 20 | The Arsonist thrives in chaos, starting with Molotovs and a boost to fire damage. Ideal for quickly dispatching groups of enemies or clearing towns. Best used in smaller areas where you can control the pace, and a horse enhances the hit-and-run strategy. |
B Tier Dead Rails Classes
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These classes are specialists, shining in specific situations. The Doctor, for example, offers great value at a low cost and provides essential support, but isn't the best for direct combat. All three are invaluable in team settings.
| **Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
| The Alamo | 50 | The Alamo is designed for defense, starting with Sheet Metal, Barbed Wire, and a helmet. Perfect for fortifying the Train early on and slowing down enemy waves. Not flashy, but highly effective under pressure. |
| Doctor | 15 | The Doctor is your team's lifeline, equipped with healing supplies and the ability to revive teammates at the cost of half their own health. One of the most affordable classes, yet invaluable in group play. Keep them safe, as they can turn a potential wipe into a victory. Selling bandages and snake oil can net you a $40 boost. |
| Miner | 15 | The Miner excels at resource gathering and nighttime exploration. With a helmet for light and a Pickaxe that breaks ore in two swings, they're the fastest at collecting materials, especially new ore types. They also start with Coal. While not combat-focused, their utility is undeniable. |
C Tier Dead Rails Classes
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Similar to the B Tier, these classes offer utility but are less effective in solo play. The Conductor is almost essential in larger groups, while the Horse class is more of a novelty.
| **Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
| Conductor | 50 | The Conductor controls the Train, starting with Coal and achieving a top speed of 84, crucial for quick escapes. However, they lack a melee weapon at spawn, making them vulnerable early on. Ensure they're protected—they keep the team moving. Fortunately, they no longer suffer health penalties, making them slightly more durable. |
| Horse | Unlockable through the Horsing Around gamemode | The Horse Class transforms you into a horse. Unlocked through the 2025 April Fools "Horsing Around" event, it offers standard horse stats: 32 studs per second speed, no passive healing, and a large hitbox, making tight spaces challenging. You can ride players, but not the train or other horses. |
| High Roller | 50 | The High Roller earns 1.5x money from bags, providing a strong start to gear up. However, this also makes you a lightning magnet during storms. High risk, high reward—ideal for those looking to accumulate cash early and willing to take risks. |
D Tier Dead Rails Classes
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Even the best have their weaker moments, and these classes represent the bottom of the barrel. The default None class is straightforward but lacks any special abilities, making it a good choice for beginners. The Zombie class, however, remains frustratingly ineffective.
| **Name** | **Cost** | **Info** |
| None | Free | The None class is the default, equipped with just a shovel and whatever you can scavenge. No perks, no drawbacks—a blank slate perfect for saving up bonds and experimenting with playstyles before committing to a class. Surprisingly effective if you know how to leverage its simplicity. |
| Zombie | 75 | The Zombie thrives in chaos, feeding on corpses to heal and moving stealthily. However, without access to Bandages or Snake Oil, its effectiveness is severely limited. While it offers stealth and sustainability, it remains a disappointing choice at present. |
That's all for now! I hope this Dead Rails class tier list helps you break records and conquer mobs with ease. Don't forget to check out our Dead Rails codes and learn about Dead Rails challenges. Stay tuned for the next update, which might bring exciting changes!
