Combat Guide
Dead Rails Weapons Guide
The three weapon archetypes verified in Dead Rails: Shotgun, Rifle and Melee. Exact DPS and damage numbers are not published in the sources we checked, so this guide focuses on how each weapon is actually used.
S+ TIERShotgun
Shotgun
The best beginner gun. At close range it one-shots most enemies, including Runner Zombies and Wolves. Also the recommended answer to Werewolves, just with multiple shots.
KNOWN STATSExact DPS/damage: not documented — one-shots most enemies at close range
S TIERRifle
Rifle
Long-range precision. A headshot one-shots most targets, making it the safest way to handle Zombie Soldiers, Outlaws and Captain Prescott before they reach you. Requires scavenged ammo.
KNOWN STATSExact DPS/damage: not documented — headshots one-shot
A TIERMelee
Melee Weapons
Melee never degrades, but only strikes one enemy at a time. Watch the wall-pierce quirk: enemies can hit you through walls too, so keep your distance when hugging cover.
KNOWN STATSNever breaks; hits one enemy per swing; can hit through thin walls
Ranged weapons need ammo, which you scavenge along the route. Melee weapons never break — but they only hit one enemy per swing, and enemies can also hit you through thin walls.