Entities in Dead Rails include all the living NPCs you encounter during your runs. They are divided into two main groups: hostile enemies that actively challenge you in combat, and passive creatures that, while not aggressive, can provide valuable benefits. Knowing the unique traits of each entity will help you plan your strategy and maximize your rewards.
All Entities in Dead Rails
Enemies in Dead Rails
Enemies are hostile NPCs found throughout buildings and during night events. They attack on sight, dealing damage and sometimes dropping unique items. Here’s a breakdown of each enemy type:
Zombie
- Description: The most common enemy in the game, the Zombie has green skin and a brown body. It appears in nearly all buildings and during night events.
- Key Stats:
Attribute Value Health 100 Damage 15 Special Ability None Fuel Drop 2/50 Spawn Chance 100% in all buildings Difficulty Easy
Fast Zombie
- Description: Similar in appearance to the regular Zombie but with a distinct face, the Fast Zombie is much quicker. It mainly spawns during cloudy full moon conditions.
- Key Stats:
Attribute Value Health 100-120? Damage 15 Special Ability Speed Fuel Drop 2/50 Spawn Chance 100% during Cloudy Full Moon Difficulty Medium
Zombie Banker
- Description: Bearing a top hat, the Zombie Banker looks similar to a regular Zombie but always appears near banks. When killed, it drops a 5-digit code required for unlocking bank vaults.
- Key Stats:
Attribute Value Health 100 Damage 15 Special Ability Drops 5-digit bank code Fuel Drop 2/50 Spawn Chance 100% near banks Difficulty Easy
Outlaw
- Description: An armed human enemy dressed in typical outlaw attire, often carrying a revolver, sawed-off shotgun, or rifle. Outlaws can spawn riding a tamed horse or appear on foot at bandit camps.
- Key Stats:
Attribute Value Health ~100? Damage 10-100? (varies by encounter) Special Ability Shooting Fuel Drop ?/50 Sell Price $35 (if sold at the Sheriff) Spawn Chance 100% at Bandit Camps Difficulty Medium-Hard
Outlaw on Horse
- Description: Similar to the standard Outlaw, this variant is mounted on a horse, making him faster and more dangerous.
- Key Stats:
Attribute Value Health ~100? Damage 10-100? Special Ability Shooting Fuel Drop ?/50 Sell Price $35 (if sold at the Sheriff) Spawn Chance Variable (less common) Difficulty Hard
Vampire
- Description: Vampires are unique enemies that spawn during a Blood Moon and in the Castle. Their special ability is teleporting behind the player for surprise attacks.
- Key Stats:
Attribute Value Health ~100? Damage 20 Special Ability Teleportation behind player Fuel Drop 2/50 Sell Price $15 (if sold at the Trading Post) Spawn Chance 100% during Blood Moon Difficulty Medium-Hard
Wolf
- Description: Wolves are agile creatures that often roam in packs. They are commonly found in the wild or near Werewolves.
- Key Stats:
Attribute Value Health ~80? Damage ~15? Special Ability Speed Fuel Drop 2/50 Sell Price $15 (if sold at the Trading Post) Spawn Chance Common (variable) Difficulty Easy-Medium
Werewolf
- Description: The toughest enemy in the game, Werewolves possess extremely high health. They only spawn during Clear Full Moon conditions or in the Castle.
- Key Stats:
Attribute Value Health 300-500? Damage ~20? Special Ability Higher durability (more HP) Fuel Drop 5/50 Sell Price $20 (if sold at the Trading Post) Spawn Chance 100% during Clear Full Moon Difficulty Insane
Passives in Dead Rails
Passives are non-aggressive NPCs that can be beneficial if used wisely. They mostly run away when approached, but they can also be killed if needed.
Horse
- Description: Horses are passive animals that spawn in various locations, including barns. They can be equipped with saddles and ridden, offering a quick and fuel-efficient way to traverse the map.
- Key Stats:
Attribute Value Health 100 Special Ability Speed Fuel Drop ?/50 Sell Price N/A (not typically sold) Spawn Chance Common in barns and fields
Unicorn
- Description: Unicorns are a rare variant of horses distinguished by a horn. They are extremely valuable if kept alive and sold at the Trading Post. Their rarity makes them a prized find.
- Key Stats:
Attribute Value Health 100 Special Ability Speed Fuel Drop ?/50 Sell Price $250 (alive) or $150 (killed) Spawn Chance ~1%
Why Entities Matter
- Threats & Combat: Hostile enemies require weapons, strategy, and sometimes teamwork to survive.
- Economy & Resources: Some creatures drop valuable loot or can be sold for cash at the Trading Post or Sheriff’s Office.
- Travel & Support: Passive animals like horses (and unicorns) can be tamed or sold to help you travel faster or boost your income.
How They Behave
- Spawn Conditions: Enemies often appear at night or in certain locations, with some spawning only during specific moon phases (like werewolves or vampires).
- Loot & Sell Value: Hostile entities drop items that can be used for fuel or sold, while passive creatures can be sold alive for more money.
- Aggression vs. Evasion: Hostile NPCs actively seek you out, while passive creatures flee when approached.
- Encounter Frequency: Common enemies like zombies are found everywhere, while rare entities like unicorns or top-hat bankers appear in specific conditions.
Overall Insights
- Enemy Dynamics: Each enemy in Dead Rails has distinct traits. Common zombies are easy, but specialized foes like Fast Zombies, Outlaws, Vampires, and Werewolves require better weapons and strategy.
- Loot & Resources: Enemies drop valuable items and fuel, while unique enemies like the Zombie Banker drop items essential for progression.
- Passive Benefits: Passive creatures like Horses and Unicorns provide significant advantages, whether it’s faster travel or valuable loot.
- Strategy Tips:
- Adapt your weapons: Use ranged weapons for fast or distant threats and melee options for close quarters.
- Work as a team: In multiplayer, designate roles to manage enemies and loot efficiently.
- Manage your inventory: Sell low-value drops and focus on high-value resources to keep your train fueled.
Understanding the traits of each entity allows you to better prepare for the challenges in Dead Rails. Use this guide to adapt your combat strategy, manage your resources, and improve your chances of survival. Happy hunting!