Dead Rails has received the biggest update so far, which adds a lot of depth and functionality to almost every part of the game. From fully customizable trains to smarter AI soldiers, new map mechanics, and a complete revamp of the bullet system, this patch changes how you play in ways that go so far beyond cosmetics. If you’ve been waiting for something huge, this is it. Let’s take a look at the Dead Rails 0.13.0 detailed update patch notes.
Three New Trains Classes in Dead Rails: Gold Rush, Cattle Car, and Armored
One of the major features is the inclusion of multiple trains. Players can now select among four different trains, each with their own capabilities.
Though one of them is the standard, the real showstopper is the armored train, which brings defensive upgrades as well as firepower. It’s not just for looks; the armor has a functional role due to the newly added bullet system.
Bullets now go through thin walls and surfaces. However, the armored train does give bulletproof cover.
Back to trains, two other variants are worth mentioning as the armored train hogging the limelight. The Gold Rush train disappointingly doesn’t bring anything new to the table in terms of performance or gameplay features and is not recommended unless you’re collecting for style.
The Cattle Car train, though, brings functionality with a feature of ladders that makes it easier to board the train. This could be a major strategic consideration, especially if zombies are found not to climb the ladders. If so, the train’s roof could become a temporary fort during night phases.
New Turret System
The turret system is also another major feature. Functional turrets are now available to be placed directly on your train and players can control them if nearby AI soldiers fall. Talking of soldiers, two new ones have been added.
The blue soldier is mainly tasked with operating the turret in safe zones, providing extra protection during downtime.
The brown soldier, on the other hand, is out patrolling the outposts and aggressive enemy targets, even charging at threats such as werewolves to defend players.
In short, the game has now added personal bodyguards to players in their safe zones.
QoL Improvements
One massive quality of life improvement comes in the form of the new money drop and recovery system.
When a player dies, all items are now in one crate. Instead of having to individually pick up each item, you can collect everything at once by interacting with the crate. On paper it might seem tiny but it’s one of the more practical changes the game has made.
Bullet Mechanism Overhaul
The update also brings significant changes to how bullets work. There is now bullet drop, which depends on long-range accuracy on distance. Close-ranged guns like the revolver don’t get much of a change, but then rifles and other long-distance guns will now need more precision aiming.
In exchange for that, there is a bullet penetration system that enables trick shots through weak surfaces, such as hitting zombies behind thin wooden walls. It’s a high-risk, high-reward shift that favors players who spend time learning the lay of the land and bullet physics.
Sterling Map Changes
Also worth noting is the refurbished Sterling map, which has a puzzle-based bank vault system now. Scattered around the area are ripped pieces of a bank combination code, commonly found near resource piles such as coal, silver, and gold.
Once gathered, these fragments enable players to unlock the Sterling Bank, and the rewards are worth it. Inside you can find gold bars, bonds, turrets, turret ammo, and high-level consumables like snake oil. It’s a new paradigm that brings in exploration and puzzle elements to a game that was previously more centered around survival and combat.
Final Words
In total, this update feels like a break point for Dead Rails. It doesn’t just tack on new things; it reworks how the existing systems function, from combat mechanics to progression flow.
The armored train may run slowly and consume more fuel, but its attack and defense capabilities get it to be an S+ tier. With turret support, new AI soldiers, a worthwhile loot recovery system, bullet physics, and the Sterling Bank puzzle, this update doesn’t just fix the game; it remakes it.
