The Packmaster class in Dead Rails offers a fresh and accessible take on summoner-style gameplay. If you’re asking is Packmaster worth it in Dead Rails, the answer depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for—low-risk minion control, or high-maintenance micromanagement.
Unlocked for 35 Bonds via the Tailor in the main lobby, Packmaster starts with a small wolf pack and the tools to expand it, making it ideal for players who want a growing army without risking their health like Necromancer. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Packmaster: how it works, how it compares to other summoner classes, and whether it’s a smart investment for your Bonds.
What Is the Packmaster Class in Dead Rails?
Packmaster is a summoner-type class focused on taming and commanding wolves as combat allies. You begin each run with:
3 tamed wolves
A basic shovel for early combat and utility
Unlike other summoner classes, Packmaster uses wild wolves found in the environment rather than summoning undead or spending HP to raise allies.
Unique Taming Mechanic:
When attacked by a wild wolf, survive the first one-second encounter
If you don’t kill it and remain alive, it becomes tamed and joins your side
There’s no cooldown, no health cost, and no item requirement
This simple system allows for scalable summoning without penalties, and it can lead to powerful pack synergy over time.
How to Unlock Packmaster
Go to the Tailor’s Shop in the lobby
Purchase the class for 35 Bonds
Activate it via the Tailor menu before starting a run
Earning Bonds:
Complete runs
Take on challenges from the Challenge Board
Explore areas like Castle or Town of Sterling to find hidden resources
At 35 Bonds, Packmaster is cheaper than many other classes and delivers a high utility value with low maintenance.
Pros of Playing Packmaster
✅ 1. Low Risk, High Reward
Unlike the Necromancer, which consumes 10 HP per summon, Packmaster’s taming mechanic costs nothing. There’s no limit to how many wolves you can tame—just keep finding them.
✅ 2. Scales Naturally During Exploration
As you progress through a run, you’ll encounter wild wolves. Each one is a chance to expand your army, turning dangerous mobs into loyal allies.
✅ 3. Great for Solo Play
With enough wolves, you can hold your own even without teammates. The minions deal reliable damage and act as meat shields, absorbing hits and letting you focus on positioning.
✅ 4. Simple and Fun
There are no buttons to press or summons to manage. Just survive wolf encounters and let the pack grow. This makes the class easy to learn while still feeling powerful.
Weaknesses of Packmaster
❌ 1. Dependent on Map Spawns
The biggest downside is that Packmaster’s power level is tied to wolf spawn rates. If you’re in a map with few or no wolves, you’ll struggle to build your army and might end up relying mostly on your shovel.
❌ 2. Weak Starter Loadout
Starting only with a shovel means early combat can be slow, especially before you’ve tamed more wolves. You’ll need to avoid taking unnecessary fights until you have a stronger team.
❌ 3. No Healing or Support
Packmaster doesn’t offer healing, shielding, or AoE abilities. In team play, this limits your utility outside of damage and distraction.
Packmaster vs Necromancer – Which Summoner Is Better?
| Feature | Packmaster | Necromancer |
|---|---|---|
| Summon Type | Wolves (tamed) | Undead (from corpses) |
| Health Cost | None | 10 HP per summon |
| Limit on Minions | No hard limit (based on wolves) | No limit, but HP-restricted |
| Ease of Use | Simple and automatic | Requires melee kills |
| Combat Risk | Low | High |
| Team Synergy | Moderate | High (benefits from healer) |
| Best For | Solo farming, low-stress play | High-risk, high-reward runs |
Verdict: If you prefer a safe and scalable minion build, Packmaster is the superior choice. Necromancer has more burst potential but demands careful HP management and setup.
Best Strategies for Playing Packmaster
Prioritize survival early: Tame your starting wolves and avoid unnecessary fights until your pack grows.
Explore areas known for wild wolves: Maps like Castle or abandoned forest zones typically have higher wolf spawn rates.
Let wolves fight first: Stay back and use your shovel to support from behind.
Upgrade your weapon as soon as possible to deal with non-wolf enemies.
🛈 Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about wolf density in a run, scout ahead or ask teammates before investing Bonds.
Final Thoughts
So, is Packmaster worth it in Dead Rails? For 35 Bonds, it absolutely is—especially for players who enjoy summoner builds without the stress. It’s easy to play, satisfying to scale, and works well for both casual and strategic runs. While it lacks the explosive utility of classes like Necromancer or the income of High Roller, it excels at providing steady, dependable power with very little cost.
If you want to lead a growing pack of beasts and survive by smart positioning and numbers, Packmaster is a fun and worthy investment.