Taking on the 80,000M checkpoint in Dead Rails alone might sound intimidating, but with the right preparation and tactics, it’s entirely achievable. This guide outlines the key steps, required gear, and strategies to help you lower the bridge and survive the onslaught—all while keeping your cool in a solo run.
Preparation and Supplies
Before heading to the checkpoint, gather all necessary supplies. Your success hinges on having the right tools at your disposal:
- Rifle & Ammo: A reliable rifle with at least 100 rounds is essential. The rifle allows you to snipe outlaws quickly, and headshots with this weapon will instantly kill them.
- Snake Oil: Stock up on snake oil to heal during critical moments. It makes you nearly invincible for about 10 seconds, so use it when your health is low.
- Optional Horse: Although not mandatory, a horse can act as a moving shield. You can place it in front of you to absorb incoming shots from outlaws.
Make sure to buy all your supplies back in the lobby, so you can get down to the checkpoint as quickly as possible.
Navigating to the Checkpoint
Once you’ve prepared, head to the 80,000M checkpoint. Key points to remember during this stage include:
-
Stay Back Initially: Position yourself far enough from the town overrun by outlaws. This prevents you from getting overwhelmed while you set up your sniping position.
-
Clearing the Turrets: Focus on the outlaws on the turrets. They are positioned in two clusters—one on each turret of the base. Stay far enough back so they don’t immediately open fire, but close enough to land precise shots.
-
Gradual Advancement: Slowly move closer to the town as you eliminate the outlaws. Ensure that you maintain a safe distance to avoid triggering too many attacks at once.
- Tip: Aim for headshots to take them out in one hit; a body shot might require two hits.
Lowering the Bridge: Timing and Strategy
Before you start lowering the bridge, make sure to maximize your resources:
-
Loot the Houses: Prior to engaging the lowering mechanism, loot houses in the town for extra weapons, ammo, and bonds. Bonds are especially useful since, after lowering the bridge, you won’t have time to collect them.
-
Daytime is Key: Ensure that it’s daytime before you start. At night, vampires and additional threats spawn, making the challenge far more difficult.
-
Activating the Bridge Lowering: Once looted, move to the crank on the right side of the bridge and turn it. This triggers a 4-minute timer during which enemies will spawn:
- First Minute: Only outlaws appear.
- Next Phase: Outlaws and zombies spawn together.
- Final Minutes: Mainly zombies, then a lull during the last minute.
-
Defensive Positioning: Stick close to the bridge while using your rifle to pick off enemies. Use your horse as a shield when necessary, and continue to aim for headshots to quickly neutralize threats.
Survival Tips During the Onslaught
During the 4-minute defense phase, stay vigilant and manage your resources effectively:
-
Maintain Your Distance: Keep enemies at bay by sniping from a distance, ensuring they don’t close in and overwhelm you.
-
Use Snake Oil Strategically: If your health drops too low, use snake oil immediately. Its temporary invincibility is crucial for surviving heavy enemy waves.
-
Prioritize Targets: Focus on outlaws first. Their headshots will reduce the threat quickly. For zombies, wait until they come closer if needed, as they tend to be more agile and harder to hit from afar.
-
Monitor the Timer: Stay alert as the 4-minute timer counts down. In the final 30 seconds, you should be in a safe position, with minimal enemy spawns, so focus on finishing off any lingering threats.
Defeating the 80,000M checkpoint solo in Dead Rails is all about preparation, precise sniping, and smart resource management. By stocking up on a rifle, snake oil, and optionally a horse, you’re well-equipped to handle the incoming waves. Remember to loot houses for extra bonds before triggering the bridge lowering, and always aim for headshots to maximize your efficiency. With these strategies in hand, you’ll not only lower the bridge successfully but also secure your victory and make your solo run a resounding success. Happy railroading!