The train is your base, your transport, and usually your cause of death, so which one you bring matters. Each purchasable train trades between speed, protection, and layout: open builds are easy to defend from but easy to board, while enclosed hulls like the Armored Train turn zombie waves into scenery at the cost of pace and visibility.
Group
Trains
80s Train
The 80s Train was a train created as part of a collaboration event between Dead Rails and Stranger Things '85.
- Cost
- Participated in the Stranger Things: '85 watch party.
- Base speed
- 75
- Features
- More max speed; Enclosed boxcar; Purple headlights; Shiny hull; Two pieces; Additional small car at the back
Armored Train
The Armored Train is an enclosed Train in Dead Rails.
- Cost
- 275 Bonds
- Base speed
- 65
- Features
- Made entirely out of metal; Unclimbable sides; One piece; Comes with Maxim Guns
Cattle Car
The Cattle Car is an enclosed Train in Dead Rails.
- Cost
- 225 Bonds
- Base speed
- 65
- Features
- Enclosed boxcar; Easy roof access; Two pieces; No special abilities
Default Train
The Default Train is the standard train that all players start with when they first enter the game. It is the only Train available to new players until they can obtain another one (via having enough Bonds or gifting). Being the default option, it has no...
- Cost
- 0 Bonds
- Base speed
- 65
- Features
- Open flatcar; Two pieces; No special abilities
Dracula's Train
The Dracula's Train is an enclosed Train in Dead Rails.
- Cost
- 300 Bonds
- Base speed
- 65
- Features
- Enclosed passenger car; Two pieces; Translucent roof; Emits light; Kills near the train heal players
Frost Train
The Frost Train is an enclosed Train in Dead Rails.
- Cost
- 290 Bonds
- Base speed
- 80
- Features
- Freezes nearby enemies; Made entirely out of metal; Unclimbable sides; Faster max speed; One piece
Ghost Train
The Ghost Train is an open Train in Dead Rails.
- Cost
- 325 Bonds
- Base speed
- 65
- Features
- Open flatcar; Two pieces; Partially transparent; Emits light; Kills near the train summon temporary allies
Gold Rush
Check Default Train for more information, since this is a reskin of it.
Old Faithful
The Old Faithful is a unique open Train in Dead Rails.
- Cost
- 350 Bonds
- Base speed
- 65
- Features
- Uses liquids as fuel, instead of the usual fuel items; Has a large variety of useful abilities; Starts with a Canteen full of Water; Unique horn sound
Passenger Train
The Passenger Train is an enclosed Train in Dead Rails.
- Cost
- 250 Bonds
- Base speed
- 65
- Features
- Enclosed passenger car; Decorative seats; Two pieces; No special abilities
Presidential Train
The Presidential Train is an enclosed Train in Dead Rails.
- Cost
- 250 Bonds
- Base speed
- 65
- Features
- Well protected; Interior lighting; One piece; Unclimbable by enemies (except zombies); Kills near the train summon a powerful ally
Wooden Train
The Wooden Train is an open Train in Dead Rails.
- Cost
- 285 Bonds
- Base speed
- 75
- Features
- Entirely open; One piece; Faster max speed; Faster acceleration; Uses less fuel; Spawns with Ballista
Yeat's Train
Yeat's Train is an open Train in Dead Rails.
- Cost
- Completing Yeat Event
- Base speed
- 65 115 (Yeat Event exclusive)
- Features
- Open flatcar; Two pieces; Emits light; Kills near the train summon an Alligator
What a train choice buys
Base speed sets how fast the kilometers pass and how briefly each night has to be survived; armor and wall layout set how many of those kilometers you spend shooting boarders. The default train is a genuinely fair middle: free, workable walls, standard speed. Premium engines are specialists, and buying one is really buying a playstyle.
Picking for your crew
- Solo players lean toward enclosed builds; there is no one to cover the open sides while you fuel.
- Full teams get more from fast open trains, since four guns can hold a platform an armored wall does not need.
- Fuel burn scales with the engine, so heavy hulls keep demanding coal discipline long after the purchase price is paid.
- Features like mounted guns are force multipliers only if someone actually mans them.
FAQ
How do you get new trains in Dead Rails?
Buy them with Bonds from the train garage in the lobby. Each is a one-time unlock selectable before a run.
Is the Armored Train worth it?
For solo and duo runs, its sealed metal hull removes most boarding pressure, at the cost of speed and heavier fuel use. Full teams often prefer faster open trains they can defend by hand.
Does train speed matter?
Yes. Faster base speed shortens night exposure and total run time, but usually pairs with lighter protection.
