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

Top Horse Classes in Dead Rails: A Tier List

by Aiden Apr 24,2025

If you're eager to explore the vast world of Dead Sails and cover impressive distances without meeting an untimely demise, you're in good company. Besides the gear you acquire and the companions you choose, selecting the right class is crucial. Why not delve into my ultimate Dead Rails class tier list to sidestep the frustration of trial-and-error? I've done the legwork so you don't have to, and believe me, it's a hassle you'll want to avoid.

All Dead Rails Class Tier List

dead rails class tier list

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I'm aware that this Dead Rails class tier list might stir up some controversy, but that's the nature of the beast. You simply can't go wrong with the Vampire, even after all the updates we've seen, but the Survivalist has made a significant leap in recent weeks. However, I'm still disappointed that the Zombie remains underwhelming and can't even drink Snake Oil. What's the deal? Teamwork plays a role here too, but I'll only give it minor consideration. Remember, it's all about enjoying the game with friends, not just about min-maxing.

S Tier Dead Rails Classes

dead rails class tier list

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You've probably guessed it—it's all about raw damage output, and which two classes excel more than the Survivalist with its unique effect, or the lightning-fast Vampire? Although one could argue for Ironclad, I'd still say there are only two top contenders:

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 be nerfed soon. It truly shines against tough enemies that don't go down easily. Other classes can manage them too, but none match the punch the Survivalist brings to the table.
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 pack a punch—most zombies fall after three hits. 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 dependent on maintaining pressure.

A Tier Dead Rails Classes

dead rails class tier list

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This section of the Dead Rails class tier list features classes that are still excellent but less focused on pure survival. They maintain strong damage output and starting gear, though they aren't as effective for solo runs. In my view, Ironclad holds the most potential here.

Name	Cost	Info
Ironclad	100	The Ironclad arrives ready for battle, clad in full armor, making you significantly harder to kill. The trade-off? You're about 10% slower. It's not the best choice for solo runs; you'll need at least one ally to watch your back. In a team setting, shotguns are your best bet—you're built for close-quarters combat.
Cowboy	50	The Cowboy is designed for a strong start—you get a revolver, two boxes of ammo, and a horse right from the beginning. This combination makes early-game battles much easier and gives you the speed to survive when chaos ensues, especially during those tough Blood Moon nights. With the Game Pass, you can even sell the revolver for extra cash to start with an even better loadout. It's a bargain, too.
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 completely immune to lightning, making storms irrelevant. While not ideal for solo play, the Priest excels in larger groups where their throwables can significantly sway the battle. Consider them as spiritual support with a powerful throw.
Arsonist	20	The Arsonist thrives in chaos—starting with Molotovs and a significant boost to fire damage, they're perfect for quickly eliminating 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 list

Screenshot by Destructoid

These classes are specialists, shining in very specific situations. For example, the Doctor is great due to its low cost and support capabilities, but you wouldn't rely on it for damage output. The same goes for the other two, yet all three remain invaluable in team settings.

Name	Cost	Info
The Alamo	50	The Alamo is all about fortifying and holding the line. You start 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 guy. It's not flashy, but incredibly effective under pressure.
Doctor	15	The Doctor is your lifeline when things go south. They come equipped with healing supplies and can revive teammates, though it costs them half their health. It's one of the most affordable classes (tied with the Miner), yet invaluable in group play. If you have a Doctor on your team, do everything to keep them alive—they can turn a wipe into a victory. I often sell all the bandages and snake oil for a $40 boost.
Miner	15	The Miner is built for resource runs and nighttime exploration. With a helmet that illuminates your path and a Pickaxe that breaks ore in just two swings, they're the fastest at gathering materials, especially the new ore types. They also come with some Coal to get you started. Not great in combat, but their utility more than compensates for it.

C Tier Dead Rails Classes

dead rails class tier list

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This part of the Dead Rails class tier list mirrors the previous section—good utility but limited solo value. The Conductor is a prime example, almost essential in a five-stack team. There's also the new addition, more of a meme than a reliable class.

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 danger quickly. The downside? No melee weapon at spawn, making them vulnerable early on. Ensure they're protected in your group—they keep everyone moving. Good news: they no longer lose health, making them less fragile.
Horse	Unlockable through the Horsing Around gamemode	The Horse Class turns you into a horse—no kidding. 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 means tight spaces like doorframes and the train cab can be challenging. 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 quick cash—you earn 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 much higher chance of getting struck. 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 list has its bottom, and we must address it. The default class has no specific downsides, but it also offers no advantages. I still appreciate it as a perfect way for beginners to learn the ropes. Zombies, however, are simply terrible, and I wouldn't wish them 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 preferred playstyle before committing to a class. Simple, straightforward, and surprisingly effective if you know how to leverage it.
Zombie	75	Lastly, 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 compensate with stealth and sustainability, especially in areas with many bodies. Unfortunately, it remains unviable at the moment.

That's all for now! I hope this Dead Rails class tier list helps you set records and take down mobs effortlessly. Don't forget to use one of our Dead Rails codes and check out Dead Rails challenges. Who knows what the next update will bring?

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