Dead Rails Items Guide: Complete Guide to Resources, Tools, Consumables, and Valuables

I. Introduction: Dead Rails Item System Explained: From Basic Resources to Rare Items

In the Roblox game "Dead Rails," players are placed in a dangerous post-apocalyptic world with the goal of driving a train to Mexico. In this journey filled with threats like zombies, werewolves, and vampires, effectively utilizing various non-weapon items is crucial for player survival. Buildings scattered along the railway tracks contain various items that serve not only as fuel for the train but also as key elements for survival in the wilderness.

All items in "Dead Rails" can be roughly divided into two categories: practical items and sellable items. The former includes weapons, ammunition, medical supplies, and other survival necessities. The latter covers junk and valuables that can be sold for extra cash. Understanding the functions and values of these non-weapon items helps players better face challenges and successfully complete this dangerous journey. This guide focuses on comprehensive analysis of all non-weapon items in "Dead Rails," while weapon information has been detailed in another article Dead Rails Weapons Guide.

II. Dead Rails Core Item Categories: Resources, Tools, and Consumables

In "Dead Rails," non-weapon items play various roles and can be classified into the following categories based on their primary uses:

1. Resources

These items are mainly used to maintain train operation and basic player survival, ensuring the journey can continue and providing necessary functions.

Coal

  • This is the train's primary fuel, crucial for maintaining train operation
  • Players can randomly find coal in buildings along the way or purchase it from the general store in safe zones
  • General stores typically have a considerable amount of coal
  • At game start, players need to sell their initial gold bars to buy coal, then drag coal into the train's furnace to start the train
  • Coal is the lifeblood of the "Dead Rails" journey, and effectively managing coal resources is crucial for long-term survival

Corpses (as fuel)

  • Defeated enemy corpses can be used as emergency or supplementary fuel for the train
  • Players should collect zombie corpses as they can provide additional fuel for the train
  • Dragging zombie corpses into the train's fuel tank increases fuel
  • Different types of humanoid corpses (vampires, outlaws, zombies) provide 2 units of fuel
  • When traditional fuel sources are scarce, corpses provide a readily available alternative fuel, highlighting the game's harsh survival environment

2. Tools

These items have specific uses that help players explore, defend, or interact with the environment, providing capabilities beyond basic survival.

Dynamite

  • A powerful explosive mainly used to blow open bank vaults to obtain valuables
  • Players can randomly find dynamite in buildings or purchase it from the general store
  • A torch is needed to detonate the dynamite
  • Players need to use dynamite carefully to avoid self-harm
  • Dynamite provides a high-risk, high-reward method for obtaining valuable resources, adding elements of strategic choice and risk management

Torch

  • Mainly used to provide lighting in dark environments, especially important for night exploration
  • Players can randomly find torches in buildings or purchase them from the general store
  • Torches are also necessary tools for detonating dynamite
  • Torches serve dual functions as lighting and tool components, making them a versatile item in early game

Barbed Wire

  • A defensive tool used to reinforce the train, causing damage to enemies trying to board
  • Players can randomly find barbed wire in buildings or purchase it from the general store
  • Barbed wire can be welded to the train, causing damage to zombies that touch it
  • Particularly useful for players traveling alone
  • Barbed wire is a key component of train defense, highlighting the importance of vehicle reinforcement for long-term survival

Metal Plates

  • Used to reinforce the train's structure, improving its resistance to enemy attacks
  • Players can randomly find metal plates in buildings or purchase them from the general store
  • Metal plates can be welded to the train's exterior to increase its durability
  • Players should strategically place metal plates
  • Metal plates are a key component of train defense, showing that defense needs to be layered with different items playing different protective roles

Camera

  • According to current information, the camera's main use is unclear
  • Players can randomly find cameras in buildings or purchase them from the general store
  • The camera's specific function needs further research, it may be used for selling or have some specific game mechanics

3. Consumables

These items can immediately benefit player health or resources, providing temporary advantages or restoring lost capabilities.

Bandages

  • A basic medical consumable used to restore some of the player's health, can also be used to revive fallen teammates in multiplayer games
  • Players can randomly find bandages in buildings or purchase them from the doctor's store
  • Bandages cost $10
  • Bandages are the primary healing item, crucial for team cooperation as they have the ability to revive teammates

Dr. Rico's Healing Potion (Snake Oil)

  • A more effective medical consumable that fully restores player health and provides temporary speed boost
  • Players can randomly find snake oil in buildings or purchase it from the doctor's store
  • Snake oil costs $35
  • Snake oil provides a more effective healing option with additional benefits, showing that the game's medical recovery system is tiered with more effective items costing more

Ammunition

  • While weapons are not within this analysis, ammunition is a necessary consumable resource for using firearms, enabling players to resist various threats in the game
  • Players can randomly find ammunition in buildings or purchase it from the weapon store
  • Different weapons require different types of ammunition

4. Valuables

These items have no direct practical value but can be sold to merchants for in-game currency, forming the basis of the game's economy. These items include gold ingots, silver bars, unicorns, etc.

5. Junk Items

These are low-value items that can be sold for small amounts of money or used as very basic fuel. Examples include books, barrels, chairs, teapots, ropes, jars, and wheels, typically selling for $5 each.

III. Dead Rails Items Detailed Analysis: Properties, Acquisition, and Usage Strategies

(A) Dynamite

PropertyDescription
OverviewA powerful explosive mainly used to blow open bank vaults, providing a shortcut to valuable resources but with inherent risks
DataNo clear data about explosion radius or power
PriceDynamite costs $35
LocationRandomly found in buildings or purchased from general store
AcquisitionSearch various buildings encountered during train journey or purchase from safe zone's general store
UsageRequires torch for detonation. Players must place dynamite near vault, then use torch to ignite and quickly retreat to avoid explosion range
FrequencyDue to its powerful effect and specific use, dynamite's frequency may be low. Players unlikely to find it in large quantities
TierDue to its ability to bring significant rewards, dynamite can be considered rare or uncommon
Unique FeaturesProvides a way to bypass finding bank vault passwords, allowing players more direct access to vault contents

Analysis: The addition of dynamite adds a risk-reward choice to the game. Players must weigh potential rewards of vault contents against dynamite's cost (if purchased) and risk of self-harm. This provides a strategic option for players who prefer more direct methods or have difficulty finding vault passwords. If players frequently encounter banks but have trouble finding banker zombies, investing in dynamite may be an effective strategy for obtaining valuable vault resources. However, dynamite's scarcity (given its specific use) may make it a resource that needs careful use.

(B) Barbed Wire

PropertyDescription
OverviewA defensive tool crucial for protecting train from boarding enemies, causing damage and potentially stopping them
DataNo clear data about damage per contact or durability
PriceBarbed wire costs $25
LocationRandomly found in buildings or purchased from general store. Also found at mine entrance
AcquisitionSearch buildings, especially general stores and mine entrances, or purchase from general store
UsageWelded to train's exterior. Strategic placement recommended, especially around cab. Any enemy touching it takes damage
FrequencySeems relatively common as it can be found in multiple locations and purchased from general store. Its importance in defense may make it a frequently encountered item
TierDue to its important role in defense and relatively wide availability, barbed wire may be common or uncommon
Unique FeaturesProvides passive defense for train without requiring direct player interaction, allowing players to focus on driving, searching, or combat

Analysis: Emphasizing barbed wire as a key component of creating an "impregnable train" and its importance for solo players highlights its crucial role in mitigating constant threat of boarding enemies. Investing in and strategically placing barbed wire can significantly improve survival by reducing frequency and severity of direct enemy encounters on train. For solo players who can't rely on teammates for train defense, barbed wire provides a crucial layer of protection, allowing them to more effectively manage other tasks like driving, searching, or managing resources. It can also be found at mine entrance, suggesting certain environments may offer more defensive loot.

(C) Coal

PropertyDescription
OverviewTrain's primary and most efficient fuel source, crucial for traversing vast and dangerous territory of "Dead Rails"
DataFuel value of 12.5 units. Each unit can travel approximately 4000 meters. Costs $20 per piece when purchased from general store
Price$20 per piece when purchased from general store
LocationCommon in general stores, also randomly found in various buildings including furniture stores
AcquisitionMainly purchased from safe zone's general store using currency from selling valuables. Also obtainable through building searches, with furniture stores being notable secondary source
UsageDrag and drop into train engine room's furnace to replenish fuel. Maintaining sufficient fuel crucial to avoid getting stranded and becoming vulnerable to enemy attacks at night
FrequencyVery common as it's essential for travel. General stores typically stock coal, and it appears relatively frequently as loot
TierCommon as it's core resource needed for basic game progression
Unique FeaturesHigher fuel efficiency compared to alternative sources like corpses or junk items, making it preferred choice for long-distance travel

Analysis: Game's economy and progression heavily rely on balance between selling valuables to obtain coal, then using coal to reach new locations to obtain more loot. This creates continuous cycle of exploration, resource management, and economic activity. Lower fuel efficiency of other sources highlights importance of prioritizing coal acquisition for sustainable travel. Players may establish routine of searching for valuables, selling in safe zones, then purchasing coal to continue journey. Running out of coal disrupts this cycle and puts player in danger, making continuous coal acquisition top priority.

(D) Torch

PropertyDescription
OverviewA handheld tool that emits light, significantly improving visibility in dark environments, especially during night exploration. Also necessary component for detonating dynamite
DataNo clear data about light range or intensity
PriceTorch costs $15
LocationRandomly found in various buildings or purchased from general store
AcquisitionThrough searching buildings encountered along way or purchase from safe zone's general store
UsageActivated by player to illuminate surroundings, making it easier to navigate buildings, spot enemies, and find loot, especially at night. Also crucial for igniting dynamite to blow open bank vaults
FrequencyMay be common due to frequent night occurrence in game and its utility in exploration and key interactions (using dynamite)
TierCommon as it's widely available and useful in multiple common situations
Unique FeaturesHas dual purpose: providing lighting and serving as tool component for more advanced operations

Analysis: Torch embodies well-designed utility tool that serves multiple player needs. Its primary function of improving visibility directly addresses challenge of night gameplay, while its secondary function as component for using dynamite adds strategic depth by linking basic tool with potentially high-reward operation. This encourages players to obtain and carry torches. Players may frequently need torches due to day-night cycle and knowing it's also necessary for opening bank vaults makes it more valuable item.

(E) Metal Plates

PropertyDescription
OverviewA durable material used to reinforce train's hull, providing stronger defense against damage from zombie attacks and other environmental hazards
DataNo clear data about damage reduction or durability it adds to train
PriceMetal plate costs $50
LocationRandomly found in buildings or purchased from general store
AcquisitionSearch buildings encountered during journey or purchase from safe zone's general store
UsageWelded to train's exterior to provide additional armor layer. Strategic placement, possibly at angles, can maximize its efficiency in deflecting or absorbing damage
FrequencySeems relatively common, may appear as loot and can be purchased, encouraging players to invest in train defense
TierDue to its significant impact on train's survivability, metal plate may be common or uncommon
Unique FeaturesImproves train's overall durability, reducing damage from enemy attacks and potentially allowing safer passage through dangerous areas

Analysis: Investing in metal plates for train armor is long-term survival strategy. By improving train's resilience, players can reduce need for frequent repairs and potentially withstand more intense enemy attacks, improving overall efficiency and survival during journey. Ability to place them strategically indicates some degree of customization in train defense. Players prioritizing long-term survival and planning to traverse numerous dangerous areas may want to invest in metal plates to make their train more resilient. This reduces risk of train being destroyed and player becoming stranded in danger.

(F) Corpses (as fuel)

PropertyDescription
OverviewRemains of defeated enemies that can be used as less efficient auxiliary fuel source in train's furnace
DataFuel value varies by type (humanoid: 2 units, wolf: 4 units, werewolf: 5 units, horse/unicorn: 3 units). Approximate travel distance also varies by type (zombie/vampire/outlaw: 700m, horse/unicorn: 500m, wolf: 1500m, werewolf: 1700m)
PriceNo direct purchase price; obtained through defeating enemies. Some types (outlaws, werewolves, vampires) can be sold for money (see Valuables)
LocationDropped by defeated enemies throughout game world, regardless of where combat occurs
AcquisitionAs byproduct of combat encounters with zombies, werewolves, vampires, outlaws, and other hostile entities
UsageDrag and drop into train's furnace to provide small amount of fuel. Usually used as emergency fuel source when coal supply is low or depleted
FrequencyVery frequent as enemy encounters are common phenomenon in "Dead Rails"
TierCommon as they're readily available result of interaction with game threats
Unique FeaturesFree and continuously available fuel source that doesn't require spending in-game currency. Some types also have economic value when sold

Analysis: Ability to use corpses as fuel introduces pragmatic element to survival. Encourages players to collect enemy remains not only for potential sale but also as backup plan for maintaining train power. Different fuel efficiency of different corpse types adds small strategic consideration to which corpses to burn in desperate situations. If player is low on coal and just fought group of werewolves, they might choose to burn werewolf corpses for slightly higher fuel return than more common zombie corpses, while still having option to sell some later at sheriff's office for extra income.

(G) Camera

PropertyDescription
OverviewAccording to provided information, camera's main function is unclear, suggesting it may have specific, less obvious use or primarily serve economic value
DataNo clear information about any specific data or function
PriceCamera costs $10
LocationRandomly found in buildings or purchased from general store
AcquisitionSearch various buildings encountered during train journey or purchase from safe zone's general store
UsageAccording to provided information, its use is unclear. May be used for reconnaissance, photography (though this is Roblox's function), or may serve as component for crafting or specific tasks. Its presence in general store suggests it has some value or use in game
FrequencyMay be common as it can be found in general store and appears as random loot, suggesting it's not particularly rare item
TierUnknown, depends on actual use. If only used for selling, may be common. If it has specific function, its rarity may vary
Unique FeaturesUnknown according to provided information

Analysis: Camera's unclear function highlights area of game mechanics that may need deeper exploration. Its existence as purchasable item suggests it has some use beyond just taking up inventory space. Players may need to experiment or consult external resources (like wiki) to fully understand its purpose. If camera is only used for selling and has low value, it's unlikely to be standard item in general store. This suggests there may be hidden or less obvious use that makes it worth obtaining for players.

(H) Ammunition

PropertyDescription
OverviewImportant consumable resource necessary for using firearms, enabling players to combat and defeat various hostile entities encountered in "Dead Rails". Different weapons require specific types of ammunition
DataPrice varies by weapon type, with common firearms like revolvers, shotguns, and rifles having magazine prices ranging from 15to15 to 25. Amount of ammunition obtained from searching or purchasing also varies
PricePurchased from safe zone's weapon store. Price depends on type of ammunition needed for player's equipped weapon. Various ammunition types cost $15
LocationRandomly found as loot in various buildings throughout game world. Safe zone's weapon store is reliable source for purchasing specific ammunition types. Outlaw camps also considered potential source
AcquisitionMainly through searching buildings, especially combat-related buildings like gun stores and sheriff's office (though ammunition not explicitly stated, logically can be inferred), or purchase from weapon store using in-game currency
UsageUsed to load and fire various firearms available in game. Players must ensure their weapons have correct type of ammunition to be effective in combat
FrequencyCommon, especially in locations where weapons are also found or sold. Weapon stores typically stock various ammunition types
TierCommon as it's basic requirement for using important item category (weapons)
Unique FeaturesDifferent types of ammunition specific to different weapons, requiring players to manage their ammunition inventory based on their chosen arsenal

Analysis: Effective combat in "Dead Rails" heavily relies on maintaining sufficient supply of correct ammunition. This requires balance between engaging in combat to obtain valuable loot and ensuring enough ammunition reserves for future encounters. Strategic purchasing from weapon stores and thorough searching crucial for survival, especially in more challenging areas of game. Players relying on firearms for defense need to prioritize obtaining corresponding ammunition for their weapons. Running out of ammunition in critical situations makes them vulnerable, making continuous acquisition and conservation of ammunition key aspect of strategic gameplay.

(I) Bandages

PropertyDescription
OverviewA basic but important medical consumable that can restore moderate amount of player health and can be used to revive fallen teammates in multiplayer games
DataImmediately restores portion of health (specific amount not stated in information). Costs $10 when purchased from doctor's store
Price$10 per bandage when purchased from doctor's store
LocationRandomly found as loot in various buildings throughout game world. Safe zone's doctor store is reliable purchase source
AcquisitionMainly through searching buildings, especially healing-related buildings like hospitals or doctor's offices (logically can be inferred), or purchase from safe zone's doctor store
UsageActivated by player to immediately restore portion of lost health. In multiplayer games, can revive fallen allies by interacting with them while bandage is selected
FrequencyCommon as it's basic healing item players frequently need to recover from damage. Its existence as loot and purchasable item makes it easily obtainable resource
TierCommon as it plays crucial role in basic survival and is widely available
Unique FeaturesIts ability to revive teammates in multiplayer games adds significant value to cooperative gameplay, encouraging players to support each other

Analysis: Bandages are primary means of recovering from damage taken during dangerous exploration and combat encounters that frequently occur in "Dead Rails". Their relatively low cost and widespread availability make them essential item in any player's inventory, crucial for maintaining health and ensuring survival. Additional function of reviving teammates highlights importance of cooperation and support in multiplayer scenarios. Players may frequently obtain and use bandages to recover from minor to moderate damage. Their low cost encourages players to stock up as much as possible, especially before venturing into potentially dangerous areas.

(J) Dr. Rico's Healing Potion (Snake Oil)

PropertyDescription
OverviewA more effective medical consumable than bandages that fully restores player health and provides temporary movement speed boost
DataImmediately fully restores health. Costs $35 when purchased from doctor's store. Also provides brief speed boost
Price$35 per bottle when purchased from doctor's store
LocationRandomly found as loot in various buildings. Safe zone's doctor store is purchase source
AcquisitionThrough searching buildings, especially medical supply-related buildings, or purchase from safe zone's doctor store
UsageActivated by player to immediately restore their health to maximum and gain temporary movement speed boost, allowing faster escape or more flexible maneuvering
FrequencyLess common than bandages due to higher cost and superior effect. Players may also find it less frequently as loot
TierUncommon as it has enhanced healing ability and additional benefits, making it more valuable but less easily obtainable resource than bandages
Unique FeaturesProvides complete healing and temporary speed enhancement, making it valuable in critical situations or when needing to quickly traverse area

Analysis: Dr. Rico's Healing Potion represents advanced healing option in "Dead Rails", providing significant advantage in critical situations requiring quick and complete recovery. Additional speed boost crucial for escaping dangerous encounters or quickly reaching objectives. Its higher cost indicates players should use it strategically for maximum effect. Players may save snake oil for times when they face imminent death or need to quickly escape large group of enemies. Complete healing ensures they immediately return to optimal combat state, while speed boost provides crucial opportunity to reposition or escape.

IV. Dead Rails Valuables System: Value, Acquisition, and Trading Guide

Overview

These items have no direct combat or survival use but serve as primary means of earning in-game currency through selling at trading posts or sheriff's office.

Detailed Valuables List

Item NamePrice($)Source/Typical Location
Live Unicorn250Rare spawn in horse herds
Dead Unicorn150Rare spawn in horse herds
Gold Ingot50Common in banks
Gold Statue45Random drop in buildings
Gold Painting35Random drop in buildings
Outlaw35Capture and turn in to sheriff
Cross75Castle or church
Brain in a Jar250Guaranteed spawn in Tesla Lab
Nikola Tesla's Body300Tesla Lab
Silver Ingot25Random drop in buildings
Gold Cup25Random drop in buildings
Werewolf Corpse20Defeat werewolf and turn in to sheriff
Gold Plate20Random drop in buildings
Silver Statue20Random drop in buildings
Vampire Corpse15Defeat vampire and turn in to sheriff
Gold Watch15Random drop in buildings
Silver Painting12Random drop in buildings
Silver Cup12Random drop in buildings
Silver Plate10Random drop in buildings
Silver Watch7Random drop in buildings
Stone Statue5Random drop in buildings
Wooden Painting5Random drop in buildings
Holy Water30Church

Valuables Locations

These items can be found in various buildings including houses, banks, churches, and special rare locations like Tesla Lab and castle.

Selling Valuables

Most valuables are sold at trading posts in safe zones. Specific enemy corpses like outlaws, werewolves, and vampires are sold to sheriff at sheriff's office.

Analysis

Wide variety of valuables with varying prices and rarity greatly incentivizes players to explore different types of locations and engage in various activities, from searching ordinary buildings to challenging more dangerous special areas. High value of certain rare items (like unicorns and items found in Tesla Lab) encourages players to seek out these specific opportunities for significant economic gain. Fact that certain enemy types have specific merchant (sheriff) adds to game's realism and encourages players to engage with game's combat mechanics. Players may learn values of different items and prioritize searching those offering best return on investment. For example, knowing gold ingots are common in banks makes banks primary search target, while unicorn's rarity and high price makes encountering horse herd potentially exciting event.

V. Dead Rails Basic Items: Acquisition and Utilization of Low-Value Items

Overview

These are common low-value items that can be sold for small amounts of money or used as very basic and typically inefficient emergency train fuel.

Junk Items Examples

Item NameSale Price($)Fuel Value(units)Notes
Book53Found in various buildings
Barrel56Found in various buildings, including furniture stores
Chair55Common in houses and furniture stores
Teapot5-Found in various buildings
Rope54Found in various buildings
Jar5-Found in various buildings
Wheel53Found in various buildings
Newspaper/Wanted Poster-1Newspapers can also be used as very basic early train armor

Junk Items Locations

Can be found in almost any type of building, especially houses, furniture stores, and even zombie-occupied villages.

Junk Items Uses

Mainly sold at trading posts for small amounts of money ($5 per item). When coal is scarce, they can be burned in train's furnace to provide very small amount of fuel, with varying efficiency. Newspapers also have additional use as very basic early train armor.

Analysis

While individually insignificant in terms of economic or fuel value, sheer quantity of junk items ensures players almost always find something during exploration. Accumulating these items can provide steady but slow income source useful for purchasing basic supplies early in game. Even if inefficient, they can serve as emergency fuel, providing last resort to avoid getting stranded. Newspapers' dual use as fuel and armor makes them more valuable in early game when more powerful defensive materials may be scarce. Players may initially ignore junk items but as their need for currency or fuel grows, they may begin collecting and selling them or burning them on train. Newspapers can also be used as armor, making them more valuable in early game when more powerful defensive materials may be scarce.

VI. Dead Rails Item Fuel Efficiency Table

Item NameFuel Value(units)Approximate Travel Distance(meters)
Coal12.550000
Zombie Corpse28000
Vampire Corpse28000
Outlaw Corpse28000
Wolf Corpse416000
Werewolf Corpse520000
Horse Corpse312000
Unicorn Corpse312000
Newspaper14000
Book312000
Wheel312000
Chair520000
Barrel624000
Rope416000

VII. Dead Rails Item System Summary: Strategies and Advice

1. Key Item Categories and Their Importance Summary

Briefly reiterate key roles of resources (coal, corpses), tools (dynamite, barbed wire, torch, metal plate, camera), consumables (bandages, snake oil, ammunition), valuables, and junk items in player's "Dead Rails" journey. Emphasize how each category contributes to survival, progression, and economic stability.

2. Strategic Significance of Item Knowledge

Emphasize how deep understanding of each item's properties, acquisition methods, and uses can significantly improve player's chances of survival and success. Knowing where to find specific items, their values, and their uses enables more effective resource management and strategic decision-making.

3. Player Advice

  1. Prioritize obtaining and maintaining sufficient coal supply for travel, and bandages/snake oil for healing.
  2. Use tools strategically: use dynamite wisely for high-value targets, reinforce train with barbed wire and metal plates for long-term defense, and use torch for navigation and specific interactions.
  3. Identify and collect valuables to accumulate wealth, enabling purchase of necessary supplies and upgrades.
  4. Don't ignore junk items as they can provide supplementary income or emergency fuel source. Understand unique uses of items like newspapers in early defense.
  5. Continuously adjust item usage based on current situation and long-term goals. Be prepared to make strategic trade-offs between immediate needs and future benefits.

4. Final Thoughts on Item Management in Dead Rails

Mastering various non-weapon items in "Dead Rails" is crucial for overcoming game challenges and ultimately surviving dangerous journey to Mexico. Thorough understanding of these items is key to resourcefulness, strategic planning, and long-term success in this unforgiving world.