The Fistful of Dollars Challenge in Dead Rails presents one of the most resource-restrictive and strategic experiences in the game. The core objective is to complete a full run without selling a single item. This restriction removes the ability to earn cash, meaning you can’t buy coal, bandages, ammo, or any gear from vendors. It’s a true test of planning, class choice, and survival instincts.
What is Fistful of Dollars Challenge?
The challenge requires players to finish a full journey (typically around 80 km) without selling anything. If you sell even one item, the challenge automatically fails. Upon successful completion, players are rewarded with 30 Bonds and 9 Stars.
This challenge introduces a unique gameplay loop where resource management is critical. Since you can’t rely on the game’s economy, everything must be looted, earned through exploration, or strategically bypassed.
Best Classes for Fistful of Dollars Challenge
Certain classes give you a much better chance of success by either starting with essential resources or minimizing dependency on ammo and healing:
Miner
Starts with 2 Coal – allows instant train movement without needing to loot first.
Best class overall for this challenge due to fuel advantage.
Cowboy
Starts with a horse, making it easier to loot fuel, ammo, and weapons quickly across the map.
Vampire
High mobility at night.
Doesn’t rely on traditional weapons, although the lack of healing can be risky.
Werewolf
Enhanced speed and attack at night.
Suffers during daytime, but great for nighttime defense and fast movement.
Necromancer / Packmaster
Can summon minions to fight on your behalf.
Conserves ammunition and reduces risk from direct combat.
Avoid gear-heavy classes that require upgrades or rely on expensive ranged builds.
Resource Management Without Cash
1. Fuel Strategy
Since fuel purchases are off the table, you must rely on looted items to keep your train moving:
Coal, newspaper, and flammable trash are your main fuel sources.
Recommended locations to loot fuel:
Furniture stores
Mineshafts
Doctor’s office
Some enemies may drop coal if defeated in secure locations.
Ore rocks can also be mined for coal using the Miner class.
Utilize fort turrets to kill enemies safely and without using ammo.
2. Ammo and Weapon Loot
You won’t be able to buy weapons or bullets, so looting becomes essential:
Check Sheriff Buildings and Gunsmiths for early-game gear.
Outlaw camps are high-risk, high-reward zones with weapons and bullets.
Rely on melee-based classes (like Vampire or Werewolf) during early encounters.
Defend your train using turrets to conserve ammo for later fights.
3. Defense and Healing Without Purchases
With no access to medkits or armor, you must protect yourself using environmental tools:
Use newspapers and furniture to build makeshift barricades on the train.
Loot Doctor’s office for healing items like bandages or medical kits.
Avoid dangerous zones like Castle unless you are fully equipped.
Health is limited and non-replenishable through purchases, so play cautiously.
How to Complete the Run Without Selling
To beat the Fistful of Dollars challenge, focus on steady progress and gathering resources as you move. Here’s the strategic breakdown:
Loot coal and ammo consistently from key buildings.
Keep the train moving, but don’t rush—prepare before reaching harder zones.
Plan your route to hit high-loot areas like mineshafts and forts, while skipping riskier zones early.
Reach the 80 km mark before 5:00 AM in-game time.
For final defense:
Stand on the roof during nighttime to avoid zombies.
If fuel runs out, defend your position and farm enemies for drops.
Use bridges and natural barriers for cover in final encounters.
Do not sell any item throughout the run. When all enemies are defeated and the lever is pulled, the challenge completes automatically and rewards are given.
Final Thoughts
The Fistful of Dollars Challenge transforms Dead Rails into a survival test focused on smart decisions, not firepower. With no money to buy anything, your success depends on:
Picking the right class,
Looting efficiently,
Managing fuel and defense, and
Maintaining control of your train all the way to the end.
Classes like Miner and Necromancer shine, while reckless aggression or heavy gear reliance often leads to failure. As long as you follow the route carefully and never sell an item, the challenge will complete, rewarding you with valuable Bonds and Stars.