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Top Horse Classes in Dead Rails: A Tier List

May 13,25(3 months ago)
Top Horse Classes in Dead Rails: A Tier List

Want to explore the vast world of Dead Sails and cover impressive distances without meeting an untimely demise? You're not alone in this quest. Beyond the gear you purchase and the companions you choose, selecting the right class is crucial. To save you from endless trial-and-error, dive into my ultimate Dead Rails class tier list. I've done the legwork so you don't have to, and trust me, you'll want to avoid the hassle.

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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

dead rails class tier listImage by Destructoid

I'm fully aware that this Dead Rails class tier list might stir up some controversy, but it's necessary. You can't go wrong with the Vampire, even after numerous updates, but the Survivalist has seen a significant rise in recent weeks. However, I'm still disappointed that the Zombie remains underpowered and can't even drink Snake Oil. What's the deal? Teamwork is important too, though I'll only consider it slightly. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the game with friends, not just to min-max.

S Tier Dead Rails Classes

dead rails class tier listScreenshot by Destructoid

You've probably guessed it—these classes are all about raw damage output. What two classes are better than the Survivalist with its unique effect, or the lightning-fast Vampire? While one could argue for the Ironclad, I'd say there are only two true contenders for the top spot:

**Name****Cost****Info**
Survivalist75The Survivalist starts with a Tomahawk and becomes even more formidable as your health decreases. Interestingly, even at full health, you hit harder than most—although that might be nerfed soon. It excels against tough enemies that don't go down easily. Other classes can handle them too, but none match the punch the Survivalist used to deliver.
Vampire75The Vampire is all about speed and aggression. You're faster than a horse or even a sprinting zombie, and your melee hits like a truck—most zombies go down in three swings. The catch? Sunlight burns, so you need to stick to the shadows. On the plus side, you spawn with a Vampire Knife that heals you with every hit, making survival all about maintaining pressure.

A Tier Dead Rails Classes

dead rails class tier listScreenshot by Destructoid

Here, we enter the part of the Dead Rails class tier list where the classes are still excellent but not as strong in terms of pure survival. The damage output and starting gear are still solid, though they aren't as effective for solo runs. In my opinion, the Ironclad has the most potential.

**Name****Cost****Info**
Ironclad100The Ironclad comes ready for battle, decked out in full armor, making you much harder to kill than others. The trade-off? You're about 10% slower. Not ideal for solo runs; you'll want at least one teammate watching your back. In a team, shotguns are your best bet—you're built for close-quarters combat.
Cowboy50The Cowboy is built for a strong start—you get a revolver, two boxes of ammo, and your own horse right from the start. This combo makes early-game fights much easier and gives you the speed to survive chaotic situations, especially during those brutal Blood Moon nights. With the Game Pass, you can even sell the revolver for extra cash to start with an even better loadout. The price is a bargain, too.
Priest75The Priest brings divine tools to the fight—armed with Crucifixes and Holy Water that can't be sold but pack a punch against enemies. You're also fully immune to lightning, making storms a non-issue. While not ideal for solo play, the Priest excels in larger squads, where their throwables can significantly tilt the odds in your team's favor. Think of them as spiritual support with a mean underhand throw.
Arsonist20The Arsonist thrives in chaos—starting with Molotovs and a serious boost to fire damage, they're built to wipe out groups quickly. Perfect for torching through packs of enemies or clearing out towns in no time. It works best in smaller areas where you can control the pace, and having a horse makes the hit-and-run playstyle much more effective.

B Tier Dead Rails Classes

dead rails class tier listScreenshot by Destructoid

These classes are specialists, very useful in specific contexts. The Doctor, for instance, is great due to its price and support value, but you wouldn't rely on it for damage. The same goes for the other two, with all three still being invaluable in group settings.

**Name****Cost****Info**
The Alamo50The Alamo is all about digging in and holding the line. You start with Sheet Metal, Barbed Wire, and a helmet, making you a natural at locking down the Train early on. If your team needs someone to turn the cabin into a fortress and slow down waves of enemies, this is your guy. It's not flashy, but it's incredibly effective when the pressure's on.
Doctor15The Doctor is your lifeline when things go south. They come equipped with healing supplies and can revive teammates, though it costs them half their own health. It's one of the most affordable classes (tied with the Miner), but easily the most valuable in group play. If you've got a Doctor on your team, do whatever it takes to keep them alive—they can turn a wipe into a comeback. I like to sell all the bandages and snake oil for a $40 boost.
Miner15The Miner is built for resource runs and nighttime exploring. With a helmet that lights the way and a Pickaxe that breaks through ore in just two swings, they're the fastest at gathering materials—especially the new ore types. They also come with a bit of Coal to get you started. Not bad for one of the cheapest classes in the game. While they might not shine in combat, their utility more than makes up for it.

C Tier Dead Rails Classes

dead rails class tier listScreenshot by Destructoid

This part of the Dead Rails class tier list is similar to the previous one—good utility, but low solo value. The Conductor is a great example, as it's almost mandatory to have one on your team if you're in a five-stack. There's also the new guy, which is more of a meme than a reliable class.

**Name****Cost****Info**
Conductor50The Conductor is the one behind the wheel—literally. They start with some Coal and can push the Train to a top speed of 84, which is huge for getting out of trouble fast. The downside? No melee weapon at spawn, so they're vulnerable early on. If you've got one in your group, make sure they're protected—they keep the whole squad moving. Good news: they no longer take a hit to health, so they're a bit less fragile than before.
HorseUnlockable through the Horsing Around gamemodeThe Horse Class turns you into a horse—no joke. Unlocked through the 2025 April Fools “Horsing Around” event, this novelty class gives you standard horse stats: 32 studs per second speed, no passive healing, and a full-sized horse hitbox. That means tight spaces like doorframes and the train cab can be a headache. You can even 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 fast cash—you earn 1.5x the money from bags, giving you a solid head start to gear up. However, this also means you're a walking lightning rod during storms, with a massively increased chance of getting zapped. High risk, high reward—perfect if you're looking to stack cash early and don't mind living dangerously.

D Tier Dead Rails Classes

dead rails class tier listScreenshot by Destructoid

Every barrel has a bottom, and we're scraping this one. The default class doesn't have any particular downsides, but it also provides nothing special. I still like it because it's a perfect way for beginners to learn the ropes. Zombies, on the other hand, are downright terrible, and I wouldn't wish them upon my worst enemy.

**Name****Cost****Info**
NoneFreeThe None class is the default—just you, a shovel, and whatever you can scavenge. No perks, but no drawbacks either. It's a blank slate, perfect for saving up bonds and figuring out what playstyle suits you before committing to a class. Simple, straightforward, and surprisingly effective if you know how to make the most of it.
Zombie75Lastly, the Zombie thrives in chaos—feeding on corpses to heal and slipping past enemies with ease thanks to their undead nature. You won't have access to Bandages or Snake Oil, but you make up for it with stealth and sustainability, especially in areas swarming with bodies. Unfortunately, it's still hopeless at the moment.

That's all for now! I hope this Dead Rails class tier list helps you break records and take down those mobs with ease. Don't forget to grab one of our Dead Rails codes and learn all about Dead Rails challenges. Who knows what the next update will bring?

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