Completing the Fistful of Dollars trial in Dead Rails demands careful planning due to its strict prohibition against earning currency. Selling any item instantly fails the run, eliminating access to crucial resources like ammunition or medical supplies.
This guide outlines effective strategies, optimal class choices, and survival tactics for this rigorous challenge.
Understanding the Fistful of Dollars Undertaking
Players must finish an entire playthrough without generating income through sales. Successful completion rewards exclusive bonuses including unique cosmetics and in-game currency. While conceptually straightforward, resource scarcity turns this challenge into a strategic marathon.
Optimal Class Selections
Choose classes that minimize resource dependence or enhance mobility:
- Excavator: Begins with initial fuel reserves, providing early momentum (top recommendation)
- Rider: Mounted movement enables rapid scavenging at structures without fuel expenditure
- Nightstalker: Enhanced nocturnal mobility but vulnerable without healing items
- Lycanthrope: Powerful nighttime mobility offset by daytime weaknesses
- Summoner/Minion Master: Deployable allies conserve ammunition through proxy combat
Avoid gear-dependent or resourceless classes that require store upgrades.
Survival Tactics for Resource Scarcity
Fuel Management

Prioritize scavenging combustibles from abandoned structures like mines and medical facilities:
- Repurpose newspapers for makeshift train defenses
- Harvest fuel drops from defeated enemies
- Utilize autonomous turrets for safe enemy engagement
Combat Preparation




Scrounge weaponry from strategic locations:
- Raid armories and weapon shops for firearms
- Utilize close-combat abilities for early engagements
- Stockpile ammunition from outlaw encampments
Health Preservation




Implement defensive measures to conserve health resources:
- Reinforce train cars with scavenged materials
- Prioritize medical facility looting for first aid items
- Avoid high-risk combat zones when under-equipped
Final Stage Strategies
After securing adequate supplies, advance cautiously toward the 80-kilometer mark. Time your arrival near terminus points before dawn breaks:
- Employ rooftop positioning during nocturnal assaults
- Farm fuel from hostile patrols when reserves dwindle
- Leverage environmental cover during concluding engagements
Successful completion without monetary transactions triggers automatic challenge completion and reward distribution.