Home News Top Horse Classes in Dead Rails: A Tier List

Top Horse Classes in Dead Rails: A Tier List

Author: Joseph May 01,2025

Want to explore the vast world of *Dead Sails* and reach impressive distances without meeting an untimely end? You're not alone in this quest. Beyond the gear you acquire and the companions you choose, selecting the right class is crucial. To save you from endless trial-and-error, I've crafted the **ultimate *Dead Rails* class tier list**. I've done the legwork so you don't have to, and believe me, it's a journey you'll want to navigate with ease.

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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 all part of the game. You simply can't go wrong with the Vampire, even after all the recent updates, but the Survivalist has surged ahead in recent weeks. It's disappointing to see the Zombie class still struggling and unable to use Snake Oil. What's the deal with that? While teamwork plays a role, I'll only consider it to a small extent. 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 list Screenshot by Destructoid

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

Name	Cost	Info
Survivalist	75	The 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 change with upcoming nerfs. It excels against tough enemies that don't go down easily. While other classes can handle 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 even a sprinting zombie, and your melee attacks are devastating—most zombies fall in just three swings. The downside? Sunlight is harmful, so you must stick to the shadows. Fortunately, you spawn with a Vampire Knife that heals you with each hit, making survival all about maintaining the offensive.

A Tier Dead Rails Classes

dead rails class tier list Screenshot by Destructoid

Here, we delve into the Dead Rails class tier list where the classes are still excellent but not as focused on pure survival. They offer solid damage output and starting gear, though they're less effective for solo runs. In my view, the Ironclad holds the most potential.

Name	Cost	Info
Ironclad	100	The Ironclad comes ready for battle, fully armored, making 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 bet—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 much easier and provides the speed 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 bargain at this 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 benefit the team. Think of them as spiritual support with a powerful throw.
Arsonist	20	The Arsonist thrives in chaos, starting with Molotovs and a boost to fire damage, perfect for quickly wiping out groups. Ideal for clearing towns or packs of enemies. It works best 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 list Screenshot by Destructoid

These classes are specialists, shining in specific contexts. The Doctor, for example, is great due to its low cost and support value, but you wouldn't rely on it for damage. The same applies to the others, yet all three are invaluable in group settings.

Name	Cost	Info
The Alamo	50	The Alamo is all about fortification, starting with Sheet Metal, Barbed Wire, and a helmet, making 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. It's one of the most affordable classes (tied with the Miner) and incredibly valuable 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 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

dead rails class tier list Screenshot by Destructoid

Similar to the previous section, these classes offer good utility but are less effective for solo play. The Conductor is almost essential in a five-stack 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 one driving the Train—literally. They start with some Coal and can push the Train to a top speed of 84, crucial for escaping trouble quickly. The downside? No melee weapon at spawn, making them vulnerable early on. Ensure they're protected—they keep the squad moving. Fortunately, they no longer take a health hit, making them less fragile.
Horse	Unlockable through the Horsing Around gamemode	The 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. This can be problematic in tight spaces like doorframes and the train cab. 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 Roller	50	The 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 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 list Screenshot by Destructoid

Every tier has its bottom, and we're scraping this one. The default class has no particular downsides but also offers no advantages. I still appreciate it as a perfect starting point for beginners to learn the ropes. Zombies, however, are simply terrible and not something I'd wish on anyone.

Name	Cost	Info
None	Free	The 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 your playstyle before committing to a class. Simple, straightforward, and surprisingly 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 won't have access to Bandages or Snake Oil, but you make up for it with stealth and sustainability, especially in areas with many bodies. Unfortunately, it remains largely ineffective at the moment.

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?