Dead Sails: A Beginner's Guide

Author : Emery May 28,2025

If you're ready to set sail in the high-stakes world of Dead Sails, you'll quickly discover that being a ship captain isn't as easy as it seems. Balancing survival, managing your vessel, trading valuables, and fending off relentless monsters is no small feat. But fear not—this guide will walk you through the essentials to becoming a pro and reaching the coveted 100k-meter mark in record time.

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Table of Contents


Beginner’s Guide for Dead Sails

dead-sails-beginners-guide-boat-day
Screenshot by The Escapist.

If you're new to Dead Sails, don't panic—it’s as straightforward as it sounds. You’re the captain of a ship navigating a straight path across 10,000 meters between towns, aiming for a total distance of 100,000 meters. Simple enough, right? Move forward, stay alive, and don’t let your fuel run out. Easy, right?

But let’s break it down further.


Before You Set Sail

The pre-game lobby is packed with useful tools—and opportunities to spend your hard-earned 15 Dabloons. While boats may seem appealing, they're not essential for beginners. Instead, focus on gathering supplies in-game. Save your currency for crucial resources like coal, which powers your ship.


How To Choose A Class

dead-sails-beginners-guide-class
Screenshot by The Escapist.

Your class determines your in-game abilities, and each costs 3 Dabloons. Spend wisely! You might get a perk you love right away, or it could take a few tries. Common classes like the Pirate or Gunslinger are solid choices, but tailor your selection to fit your playstyle. For a full breakdown, check out our Dead Sails Class Tierlist.


What To Do In Towns

dead-sails-beginners-guide-town-day
Screenshot by The Escapist.

Each town represents a safe haven every 10,000 meters. Take advantage of these hubs to stock up:

  • Trading Hut: Sell excess loot for Dabloons.
  • General Store: Stockpile critical supplies like coal.
  • Hospital: Heal your wounds.
  • Gun Shop: Equip stronger weapons.
  • Sheriff’s Office: Earn bonus money by turning in pirate corpses.

Coal is king in Dead Sails. Prioritize purchasing as much as possible, even if it means skimping elsewhere.


Dead Sails Tips & Tricks

Mastering Dead Sails doesn’t require rocket science. Follow these strategies to stay ahead:

Tips For Never Running Out Of Fuel

dead-sails-beginners-guide-zombie-fuel
Screenshot by The Escapist.

Coal adds 20% fuel per chunk, but collecting smaller items like undead remains yields only 5%. To maximize efficiency, kill every monster you encounter—then store their bodies in your inventory to burn later. It’s both practical and sustainable.


How To Survive The Night

dead-sails-beginners-guide-wire
Screenshot by The Escapist.

Nighttime brings increased danger. Visibility drops, and enemies grow fiercer. Your best bet? Stay put in town or fortify your ship with Barbed Wire. If neither option is available, pause your journey and fight back against attackers.


Which Weapon To Choose

dead-sails-beginners-guide-shotgun
Screenshot by The Escapist.

Melee weapons like hammers are fine for early-game encounters, but firearms become essential as threats intensify. Shotguns reign supreme due to their wide damage radius, while revolvers serve as decent starter options thanks to their frequent availability and low ammo cost.


Best Items To Collect

dead-sails-beginners-guide-water
Screenshot by The Escapist.

Not all loot is created equal. Focus on high-value items like Moyai, Bars, Healing Packs, Crosses, and Holy Water. Weld valuable items to your ship to prevent them from falling off mid-journey.


With these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to conquer Dead Sails. Ready to set sail? Check out our list of Dead Sails redeem codes for an extra edge!