Surviving in the Wild West is a formidable challenge, especially when supernatural creatures are on your trail. In this comprehensive guide to Dead Rails, we’ll equip you with essential strategies for both solo and team gameplay, ensuring you’re primed for adventure.
Acquiring Fuel
Your primary objective in Dead Rails is to maintain your train’s movement. A straightforward method to secure fuel is by purchasing coal from the General Shop located in safe towns every 10 kilometers you travel. At the outset of your journey, spend all available funds on coal to ensure you have adequate power.
When coal is scarce, an alternative is to gather the remains of zombies. These can be stowed in your inventory and added directly to the train’s furnace for fuel. Additionally, look for other burnable items in abandoned structures, particularly in furniture stores:
- Newspapers
- Chairs
- Books
- Rope
- Wheels
Fortifying Your Train
Your train’s best defense comes from Metal Sheets and Barbed Wire, particularly important for the locomotive. If those aren’t accessible, any weldable items such as chairs and wheels can help block the pathway to the cabin. Also, consider using newspapers and wanted posters to reinforce the rear ladders.
Healing Strategies
In Dead Rails, you have multiple options for healing: two methods involve visiting a Doctor.Bandages are an economical choice and can aid in reviving teammates, although they won’t restore you to maximum health. In contrast, Snake Oil provides full health regeneration over time but at a higher cost, and cannot revive others.
If you want a head start in healing, choosing the Doctor Class allows you to begin with two bandages and two Snake Oils. This class can also revive companions by sacrificing half of your health.
Earning Currency
You can begin earning money right in the first safe town before heading out on your journey. Spend a few nights there while turrets eliminate incoming enemies. This tactic allows you to gather fuel from zombies and money from defeated vampires and werewolves, which can then be sold.
Be aware, however, that turrets have limited ammo, so this strategy can’t last indefinitely. You can apply it again in the following town if desired.
In addition to this method, looting valuables is another excellent way to amass wealth. The most desirable items are frequently located in burning towns and castles, the riskiest locations. Once equipped with a firearm, don’t hesitate to engage in battle against roaming bandits. By defeating them, you can claim a bounty at the Sheriff’s office. And if possible, grab a horse to enhance your movement speed.
Night Survival Tactics
To maximize your chances of surviving the night in Dead Rails, make your way to one of the safe towns at 10k meter intervals and stay put until morning. This mechanic is reminiscent of 7 Days to Die, where a multitude of enemies spawn during nighttime hours. Use the turrets for defense while you rest.
If you find yourself outside after dark, seek refuge in the locomotive and barricade the entrance with any materials at your disposal. While you can fend off zombie attacks, vampires and werewolves present a more formidable threat.
Also, be mindful of environmental hazards; lightning strikes can pose a risk at night. It’s advisable to either find shelter or choose a class equipped for protection against such hazards, like the Priest.
Recommended Weapons
Early on, the Revolver is your best weapon choice due to its affordability and effectiveness against bandits. Accumulate enough money from defeated foes to eventually upgrade to superior weapons such as the Rifle or a Turret.
The reliable Shovel also serves as a decent weapon, particularly in scenarios where enemies are confined within buildings. Zombies might glitch through walls, allowing you to dispatch them with targeted blows.
Acquiring Bonds
For those wondering how to acquire bonds in Dead Rails, this currency plays a vital role in purchasing various gear and classes within the lobby.
The most effective method for farming bonds involves raiding bank vaults in burning towns or castles. Both locations are fraught with danger, so equip yourself with at least a Revolver before venturing into these areas. Teaming up with at least one other player is advantageous for carrying more loot.
To open the bank vault, you’ll need either dynamite from the general store or a combination, which can be found on a piece of paper carried by a top-hatted zombie. Defeat that zombie, grab the document, and make your way to the vault.
Top Class Suggestions
If you’re planning a solo run, consider choosing either the Ironclad or The Alamo. Both are defensive classes, with Ironclad offering armor protection, while The Alamo provides fortifications for the train using metal sheets and barbed wire. If you’re part of a team and some members are already playing Ironclad, opt for the Doctor class.
This class starts with two bandages (usable for reviving teammates), Snake Oil for full health restoration, and the ability to revive allies by sacrificing half your health.
Strategies for Solo Play
For optimal equipment, consider staying a few nights in the initial town. Once daylight breaks, gather the corpses eliminated by turrets. You can either sell the bodies (particularly vampires and werewolves) or utilize zombie remains for fuel.
Using the money farming strategy, you should accumulate enough wealth to purchase coal and acquire a decent weapon before leaving the comfort of the town. If you’re comfortable battling early enemies with just a shovel, consider saving your funds for a Rifle.
When playing solo, securing a horse early on is advantageous, as it significantly reduces time spent traveling back and forth to your train. The Ironclad and The Alamo classes are effective for solo players, with a slight preference for the former due to its ability to use various items for train protection.
Continue utilizing the town strategy while exploring nearby structures. Don’t hesitate to investigate a burning town, as it may contain a bank worth raiding for bonds.
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