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Dead Sails: A Comprehensive Beginner's Guide

Author:Kristen Update:Apr 27,2025

Diving into the challenging world of *Dead Sails*? You're in for a thrilling adventure where your skills as a ship captain are put to the test. Balancing survival, ship maintenance, selling valuables, and battling monsters is no small feat. But don't worry, we've got the ultimate guide to help you become a pro and reach that coveted 100k meters finish line swiftly.

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Table of Contents

  • Beginner’s Guide for Dead Sails
  • Before You Set Sail
  • How To Choose A Class
  • What To Do In Towns
  • Dead Sails Tips & Tricks
  • Tips For Never Running Out Of Fuel
  • How To Survive The Night
  • Which Weapon To Choose
  • Best Items To Collect

Beginner’s Guide for Dead Sails

dead-sails-beginners-guide-boat-day

Screenshot by The Escapist.

New to Dead Sails? No problem. This game, much like its predecessor Dead Rails, is designed to be straightforward. As the captain, your mission is to sail a straight line, covering 10 thousand meters between towns, with the ultimate goal of reaching 100k meters. Sounds simple, but with the need to keep moving, avoid running out of fuel, and stay alive, it's anything but easy.

Before You Set Sail

The in-game lobby is your pre-sail preparation zone, albeit at a cost. Starting with just 15 Dabloons, the game's currency, you'll need to spend wisely. While boats are tempting, they're pricey and unnecessary for beginners. Instead, consider saving your Dabloons for essential items like bandages and weapons, which you'll find plentiful in the game itself.

How To Choose A Class

dead-sails-beginners-guide-class

Screenshot by The Escapist.

Investing your 15 Dabloons in a class is a smart move. These perks are randomly acquired through loot boxes at 3 Dabloons a pop, with a chance to get a class that suits your playstyle. Options like the Pirate and Gunslinger are great Common and Uncommon choices. For a detailed breakdown, check out our Dead Sails Class Tierlist.

What To Do In Towns

dead-sails-beginners-guide-town-day

Screenshot by The Escapist.

Starting each round in a town where your ship is docked, these safe havens appear every 10 thousand meters. Here, you'll find:

  • Trading Hut: Sell collected items for cash.
  • General Store: Buy items to aid your journey.
  • Hospital: Heal up.
  • Gun Shop: Purchase firearms and ammo.
  • Sheriff’s: Collect bounty money from pirate and creature corpses.

Begin with a blunt weapon like a pickaxe or hammer, but prioritize buying coal over firearms. Fuel is crucial in Dead Sails, as running out means game over.

Dead Sails Tips & Tricks

Dead Sails may seem simple, but the journey involves navigating past various structures and fending off undead creatures. Here are key tips to master the game.

Tips For Never Running Out Of Fuel

dead-sails-beginners-guide-zombie-fuel

Screenshot by The Escapist.

Coal is your lifeline, each piece adding 20% more fuel. You could technically finish the game by buying 5 coal pieces per town, but where's the challenge in that? Collect items marked as "fuel" for a 5% increase, and don't forget to use the corpses of defeated enemies as an additional fuel source.

How To Survive The Night

dead-sails-beginners-guide-wire

Screenshot by The Escapist.

Nighttime in Dead Sails brings increased difficulty and reduced visibility. Ideally, spend the night in town for safety. If that's not possible, buy Barbed Wire to protect your ship from mobs. Without it, pause your journey and engage any approaching creatures.

Which Weapon To Choose

dead-sails-beginners-guide-shotgun

Screenshot by The Escapist.

Weapon choice depends on your preference. Melee fans may stick with the starting hammer or pickaxe, but as enemies grow stronger, you'll need firepower. A shotgun is ideal due to its high damage output, perfect for unexpected encounters. Alternatively, a revolver is a good early-game option, found in buildings and easier to handle.

Best Items To Collect

dead-sails-beginners-guide-water

Screenshot by The Escapist.

With a limited inventory of 10 items, choose wisely:

  • Moyai and Bars: Valuable in diamond, gold, and silver, these are top earners.
  • Healing Packs: Keep these for emergencies rather than selling.
  • Crosses: Sell for 35 cash or use against undead.
  • Weapons: Use or sell depending on your needs.
  • Robot Head: Found in houses and banks, sells for 45 cash.
  • Holy Water: Found in churches, sells for 25 cash.
  • Gold Llama: Rare and lucrative, sells for 150 cash.

Remember, items on your boat need to be welded to stay in place; use the weld button (Z on the keyboard) to secure them.

And there you have it, the ultimate beginner's guide to Dead Sails! Follow these tips, and you'll be the best captain sailing those perilous waters—or canals—in no time. For an extra edge, don't forget to check out our Dead Sails codes for a boost in your gameplay.