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Top-Tier Dead Rails Classes Ranked: Horse Edition

by Camila May 13,2025

Want to explore the vast world of *Dead Sails* and achieve impressive distances without constantly facing death? You're not alone in this quest. Beyond the gear you purchase and the companions you choose, selecting the right class can significantly enhance your gameplay. Dive into my **ultimate *Dead Rails* class tier list** to bypass the tedious trial-and-error process. I've done the legwork for you, ensuring you don't waste time on ineffective choices.

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Table of contents

All Dead Rails Class Tier ListS Tier Dead Rails ClassesA Tier Dead Rails ClassesB Tier Dead Rails ClassesC Tier Dead Rails ClassesD Tier Dead Rails Classes

All Dead Rails Class Tier List

dead rails class tier listImage by Destructoid

I'm aware that this Dead Rails class tier list might stir some controversy, but it's necessary. 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. However, I'm still disappointed with the Zombie class, which remains underwhelming and can't even use Snake Oil. What's the deal? Teamwork is also a factor, though I'll only consider it slightly. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the game with friends, not just to min-max your stats.

S Tier Dead Rails Classes

dead rails class tier listScreenshot by Destructoid

You've probably guessed it—these classes are all about maximizing damage output. The Survivalist and Vampire stand out as the top performers, though the Ironclad is a strong contender. Here are the two classes that dominate the S Tier:

**Name****Cost****Info**
Survivalist75The Survivalist starts with a Tomahawk and becomes even more formidable as your health decreases. Interestingly, even at full health, you deal more damage than most other classes, though this might be nerfed soon. It's particularly effective against tough enemies that are hard to take down. While other classes can handle these foes, none match the Survivalist's raw power.
Vampire75The Vampire excels in speed and aggression. You move faster 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 must stay in the shadows. Fortunately, you start with a Vampire Knife that heals you with each successful hit, making survival all about maintaining the offensive.

A Tier Dead Rails Classes

dead rails class tier listScreenshot by Destructoid

In the A Tier, we 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**
Ironclad100The Ironclad comes equipped with full armor, making you much harder to kill, though you move about 10% slower. It's not ideal for solo play; you'll need at least one teammate to watch your back. In a team setting, shotguns are your best weapon, as you're designed for close-quarters combat.
Cowboy50The Cowboy starts strong with a revolver, two boxes of ammo, and a horse. This combination makes early-game combat much easier and provides the speed needed 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 great value for the price.
Priest75The 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 benefit the team. They're like spiritual support with a powerful throw.
Arsonist20The Arsonist thrives in chaos, starting with Molotovs and a boost to fire damage, perfect for quickly wiping out groups of enemies or clearing towns. It's most effective in smaller areas where you can control the pace, and having a horse enhances the hit-and-run strategy.

B Tier Dead Rails Classes

dead rails class tier listScreenshot by Destructoid

These classes are specialists, excelling in specific situations. The Doctor, for example, is valuable for its low cost and support capabilities, though it's not ideal for dealing damage. All three classes in this tier are crucial in group settings:

**Name****Cost****Info**
The Alamo50The Alamo is all about fortification, starting 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 the class to choose. It's not flashy, but it's highly effective under pressure.
Doctor15The 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 potential wipe into a comeback. I recommend selling all bandages and snake oil for a $40 boost.
Miner15The Miner is perfect for resource gathering 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 collecting materials, especially the new ore types. They also start with some Coal. While not combat-focused, their utility is invaluable.

C Tier Dead Rails Classes

dead rails class tier listScreenshot by Destructoid

Similar to the B Tier, these classes offer good utility but are less effective for solo play. The Conductor is almost essential in a five-player team, while the Horse class is more of a novelty:

**Name****Cost****Info**
Conductor50The Conductor is the one driving the Train, starting with Coal and capable of reaching a top speed of 84, which is crucial for escaping danger quickly. The downside is no melee weapon at spawn, making them vulnerable early on. Ensure they're protected—they keep the entire squad moving. They no longer take a health penalty, making them less fragile.
HorseUnlockable through the Horsing Around gamemodeThe Horse Class transforms 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 Roller50The High Roller is all about quick cash, earning 1.5x the money from bags, giving you a solid start to gear up. However, this also makes you a lightning rod during storms, with a significantly increased 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

dead rails class tier listScreenshot by Destructoid

Every tier has its bottom, and we're scraping it here. The default class has no particular downsides but also no advantages. It's perfect for beginners to learn the game. Zombies, however, are simply terrible and not recommended:

**Name****Cost****Info**
NoneFreeThe None class is the default, starting 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.
Zombie75The 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 gain stealth and sustainability in areas with many bodies. Unfortunately, it remains underpowered and not recommended.

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 all about Dead Rails challenges. Who knows what the next update will bring?

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