How to Complete Pony Express Challenges Dead Rails Guide

The Pony Express challenge in Dead Rails is one of the toughest missions you’ll encounter, demanding both skill and strategy to complete successfully. It’s not just about speed—it requires careful planning, resource management, and adaptability to various in-game threats.

From dealing with unpredictable night events like zombie or werewolf nights to managing hostile encounters with enemy cowboys, completing this challenge can feel overwhelming. However, with the right preparation and a methodical approach, even this difficult challenge can be conquered.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through each crucial step, sharing tips and strategies that will help you complete the Pony Express challenge with ease, from selecting the right class to surviving the toughest nights and making the most of every opportunity on the road. Let’s break it down so you can ride to victory.

1. Use the Cowboy Class

The Cowboy class is essential for the Pony Express challenge. Without it, completing the challenge will be much harder. To unlock the class, you’ll need to spend 50 bonds, but it’s well worth the investment. The Cowboy class gives you the tools necessary for managing your horse and combat during the journey.

2. Solo Play for Easier Focus

It’s recommended to tackle the Pony Express challenge solo. This allows you to focus entirely on your own survival and objectives, without worrying about team dynamics. Being a solo player ensures that you can make quick decisions based on your surroundings.

3. Tame Your Horse Early

Once you’re in the game, grab your class item and head to a nearby house. Open it up to prevent your horse from running too far away. This is a crucial step because keeping your horse close means you can tame it and avoid losing it during your run.

4. Prepare with Essentials

Before setting out, use your starting gold to buy important items such as bandages or snake oil. These will help you manage health and stamina during the journey. Having a couple of extra supplies will make your run more manageable.

5. Navigating the Track

Once you’re ready, mount your horse and head towards the next station. Don’t worry about nightfall—there are strategies to handle it. When you encounter enemies, avoid engaging them if possible. Simply switch between the right and left sides of the track to outmaneuver them.

6. Look Out for Unicorns

While riding, keep an eye out for white horses. These could be unicorns, which are highly valuable and offer a significant speed boost. They’re worth chasing down, so don’t miss the chance if you spot one.

7. Surviving Zombie Nights

During the night, you may encounter zombies. To survive, simply run straight ahead on your horse. If zombies spawn in front of you, turn right or left and continue in a zigzag pattern. Zombies can’t keep up with your horse’s pace, so they’ll lag behind as you continue your journey.

8. Strategize for Werewolf Nights

Werewolf nights are similar to zombie nights in terms of survival. The key is to keep moving in a circle to avoid getting caught by the werewolves. They can teleport in front of you, so running in circles prevents them from getting close enough to deal damage.

9. Thunderstorm Survival

During a thunderstorm night, it’s important to find shelter. If you can’t find a structure to hide in, look for a lightning rod at the lab. Place the rod near you during the storm to prevent lightning strikes from hitting you.

10. Having a Spare Horse

One of the best tips for success in the Pony Express challenge is having a spare horse. If your primary horse gets killed, having an extra one will help you stay alive and keep your run going. A spare horse can be a lifesaver, especially when you face tough situations like fast zombies or night creatures.

11. Dealing with Vampire Nights

Vampire nights can be challenging, as vampires teleport in front of you and can deal a lot of damage. To avoid this, run in circles so the vampires can’t land hits on you. Wait until daylight to allow them to despawn.

12. Raiding and Looting

When you find a station, it’s a good idea to loot it, but don’t overdo it. Focus on items like the brain jar and gold, but avoid spawning the boss if you’re trying to complete the challenge. For best results, loot only the most necessary items and continue on your way.

13. Managing Boss Encounters

If you encounter a boss at any station, use a rifle to deal with turrets and Cowboys from a distance. Be cautious, as you could get trapped if you waste too much time looting. After clearing the enemies, make sure to stock up on supplies like snake oil, armor, and bandages to prepare for the next leg of your journey.

14. Final Push to Complete the Challenge

As you near the final stages of the challenge, continue avoiding unnecessary fights and focus on completing the route. Use your horse to survive any nighttime encounters, and be ready to deal with enemies in the morning.

By following these tips and staying prepared, you’ll have a much better chance of completing the Pony Express challenge. It requires patience and strategy, but with the right mindset, you can overcome even the toughest obstacles. Good luck, and enjoy the ride!