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

Top Horse Classes in Dead Rails: A Tier List

by Eleanor Apr 15,2025

If you're eager to explore the vast world of Dead Sails and reach impressive distances without facing death too often, choosing the right class can make all the difference. Why not save yourself hours of trial-and-error with my ultimate Dead Rails class tier list? I've done the hard work for you, so you can avoid the hassle and jump straight into the action.

All Dead Rails Class Tier List

dead rails class tier list

Image by Destructoid

I know this Dead Rails class tier list might stir some debate, but it's all in the spirit of helping you out. You can't go wrong with the Vampire, even after recent updates, but the Survivalist has surged ahead recently. It's a bit disappointing that the Zombie class remains underwhelming and still can't consume Snake Oil. But remember, while teamwork is crucial, the focus here is on fun and enjoying the game with your friends, not just on min-maxing.

S Tier Dead Rails Classes

dead rails class tier list

Screenshot by Destructoid

You've probably guessed it—the top tier is all about raw damage output. The Survivalist and Vampire stand out with their unique effects and lightning-fast gameplay. While the Ironclad is a strong contender, the Survivalist and Vampire are the true stars:

Name	Cost	Info
Survivalist	75	The Survivalist starts with a Tomahawk and becomes more lethal as your health decreases. Even at full health, you deal more damage than most—although this might soon be nerfed. It's perfect against tough enemies that don't go down easily. While other classes can handle these foes, none pack the punch the Survivalist does.
Vampire	75	The Vampire excels in speed and aggression. You're quicker than a horse or a sprinting zombie, and your melee attacks are devastating—most zombies fall in three hits. However, sunlight is a threat, so stick to the shadows. You spawn with a Vampire Knife that heals you on each hit, making survival dependent on constant pressure.

A Tier Dead Rails Classes

dead rails class tier list

Screenshot by Destructoid

This tier features classes that are excellent but not as strong for pure survival. Their damage output and starting gear are still impressive, though they shine more in team play than solo runs. The Ironclad holds the most potential here:

Name	Cost	Info
Ironclad	100	The Ironclad comes fully armored, making you much harder to kill, but you're 10% slower. It's not ideal for solo runs; you'll need a teammate to watch your back. In a team, shotguns are your best weapon, as you're built for close-quarters combat.
Cowboy	50	The Cowboy starts strong with a revolver, ammo, and a horse. This setup makes early fights easier and helps you survive chaotic situations, especially during Blood Moon nights. With the Game Pass, you can sell the revolver for extra cash to enhance your initial loadout. It's a bargain at this price.
Priest	75	The Priest brings divine weapons like Crucifixes and Holy Water, which can't be sold but are effective 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 turn the tide. 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 clearing groups quickly. They're ideal in smaller areas where you can control the pace. A horse enhances their hit-and-run strategy.

B Tier Dead Rails Classes

dead rails class tier list

Screenshot by Destructoid

These classes are specialists, excelling in specific contexts. The Doctor, for example, is valuable due to its low cost and support capabilities, but you wouldn't rely on it for damage. The same goes for the other classes in this tier, all of which are invaluable in group settings:

Name	Cost	Info
The Alamo	50	The Alamo is about fortification, starting with Sheet Metal, Barbed Wire, and a helmet. It's perfect for securing the Train early on. Not flashy, but effective when you need to hold the line against enemy waves.
Doctor	15	The Doctor is your lifeline, equipped with healing supplies and the ability to revive teammates at half their own health. It's one of the most affordable classes and invaluable in group play. Keep your Doctor alive; they can turn a wipe into a comeback. Selling bandages and Snake Oil can give you a $40 boost.
Miner	15	The Miner is ideal for resource runs and night exploration, with a helmet that lights the way and a Pickaxe that breaks ore quickly. They also start with Coal. Not a combat powerhouse, but their utility is unmatched among the cheapest classes.

C Tier Dead Rails Classes

dead rails class tier list

Screenshot by Destructoid

Similar to the previous tier, these classes offer great utility but are less effective solo. The Conductor is almost essential in a five-stack team, while the Horse class is more of a novelty:

Name	Cost	Info
Conductor	50	The Conductor controls the Train, starting with Coal and reaching speeds up to 84. They lack a melee weapon at spawn, making them vulnerable early on. Protect them in your group; they're crucial for mobility. They're less fragile now, no longer taking a health hit.
Horse	Unlockable through the Horsing Around gamemode	The Horse Class turns you into a horse, unlocked during the 2025 April Fools "Horsing Around" event. It has standard horse stats but 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, ideal for a quick start. However, you're more likely to get struck by lightning during storms. High risk, high reward—perfect for those who want to stack cash early and live dangerously.

D Tier Dead Rails Classes

dead rails class tier list

Screenshot by Destructoid

Every tier has its bottom, and here we find the least effective classes. The default class, while lacking perks, is a good starting point for beginners. The Zombie class, however, remains disappointingly weak:

Name	Cost	Info
None	Free	The None class is the default, starting you with just a shovel and whatever you scavenge. No perks, no drawbacks—a blank slate for learning the game and saving up bonds before choosing a class. Simple, yet effective if used wisely.
Zombie	75	The Zombie class heals by feeding on corpses and can move stealthily, but lacks access to Bandages or Snake Oil. While it has potential for sustainability in areas with many bodies, it's currently underwhelming and not recommended.

That's all for my Dead Rails class tier list! I hope it helps you break records and take down mobs with ease. Don't forget to use our Dead Rails codes and tackle Dead Rails challenges. Who knows what exciting updates await in the future?

Latest Apps