Lightning storms in Dead Rails are a rare challenge, forcing players to protect themselves from strikes from above. Unlike regular in-game threats, lightning doesn’t come from enemies—it comes straight from the sky, making it an unpredictable force of nature. If it hits you, you die instantly. However, with the right strategies, you can significantly reduce your chances of getting struck and make it through the storm unharmed.
Best Strategies for Surviving the Lightning in Dead Rails
Be Prepared
Before the storm begins, the sky will take on a blue color, indicating a stormy night. There won’t be any enemy spawn waves for the night, so you won’t have to deal with zombies or other creatures. The real danger comes from the lightning bolts that randomly strike down. Armor will not be able to protect you.
Find Shelter Immediately
The first thing you should do against lightning is find a roof or any structure that covers you. If you’re near the train, get inside and stay away from open areas. If you’re out in the open, look for buildings, or any enclosed space that will save you from getting hit.
Use a Lightning Rod
A Lightning Rod nullifies lightning strikes, so you can place it near you so that it grabs the lightning towards it. This tool can be found randomly in abandoned buildings, the Tesla Lab, or Towns, and you can buy it for $20 from the General Store as well. If you have an Electrocutioner that needs reloading, place it near the Lightning Rod so that it is ready when you want to take down the Nikola Tesla boss at the 80,000m checkpoint.
Stay Off High Ground
Lightning tends to strike higher areas more often. If you’re on a hill, a rooftop, or any other exposed high point, you’re in more danger. Quickly move to lower ground and avoid standing on tall structures.
Keep Moving if You’re Stuck Outside
If you don’t have any shelter nearby in the wilderness, keep moving because it might help lower your chances of being hit. This strategy is not guaranteed to protect you, but it’s better than standing in one spot, which can almost guarantee a hit.
Use the Priest Class
The Priest class costs 75 Bonds and starts with 2x Holy Waters and 2x Crucifixes along with a 1x Shovel. However, the trait that helps you against lightning in Dead Rails is that this class is immune to lightning strikes.
Coordinate With Your Team
If you’re playing with others, communicate and make sure everyone knows where to find shelter. Use gear like Lightning Rods, healing items, and let your teammates know if they’re standing in dangerous locations.
Lightning storms in Dead Rails can be unpredictable, but with the right strategy, you can avoid getting caught off guard. The most important things to remember are: quickly find shelter, stay off high ground or open spaces, and use the right tools to protect yourself.
Note that if you’re doing the Pony Express challenge, make sure your horse isn’t near the lightning rod, because it will get hit instead.