The latest Dead Rails update has just gone live, and it introduces some of the most unique content we’ve seen in the game so far. From the brand-new Presidential Train to the eerie Lincoln Landmark and the powerful Ghost Hat, this update mixes history with horror in a way that fits perfectly into Dead Rails’ strange world. Here’s a full breakdown of everything included and how you can make the most of it.
Dead Rails Update – New Presidential Train, Lincoln Landmark, and Ghost Hat Guide
The Presidential Train
One of the highlights of the update is the new Presidential Train, which can be purchased for 250 bonds. At first glance, it looks like a decorative addition, but this train comes with its own powerful feature. Inside, you’ll find a casket and a “soul meter.”
The way this system works is simple but rewarding: as you kill zombies or enemies, the meter gradually fills up. Once you’ve slain 25 enemies, the casket releases a special ghost to fight alongside you.
That ghost is none other than Abraham Lincoln himself—or at least his spirit, reimagined as a towering fighter that resembles a werewolf in size and ferocity. When summoned, Lincoln charges into combat, punching zombies into flames and pursuing them relentlessly through the town.
He’s so aggressive that he’ll even chase enemies into their houses to finish the job. In practice, it feels like having a boss-level ally fighting for your team, although there are limitations. Lincoln cannot be stored or carried in your sack like normal loot, so moving him requires creative workarounds such as metal sheets or other tricks.
The Lincoln Landmark
Alongside the train, the update introduces a new landmark that you can discover in the world. Located around the 40,000 mark, you’ll find a derailed presidential train, which serves as Lincoln’s final resting place. Exploring the wreck reveals loot such as silver cups, junk items, and most importantly, a casket containing Lincoln himself.
Inside that casket lies Lincoln’s top hat, which is more than just a collectible—this item unlocks the next phase of the update’s content.
Summoning the Lincoln Ghost
Once you’ve claimed Lincoln’s top hat, you can interact with your train in a brand-new way. By placing the hat into the engine’s fire, you will summon the Ghost of Lincoln. Unlike the ally from the soul meter, this ghost is hostile. He will immediately attack you or anyone nearby, making this encounter more of a boss fight than a summoning ritual.
Lincoln’s ghost is relentless, and unless you’re prepared, he can easily overpower you or your teammates. Once defeated, however, he drops a special reward: the Ghost Hat.
The Ghost Hat and Its Powers
The Ghost Hat is the standout reward of this update and provides a unique ability that completely changes combat. When worn, the hat periodically summons an army of spectral zombie soldiers who will fight by your side. These soldiers appear in waves every few minutes, automatically spawning whenever you engage in combat, and they will attack nearby enemies without hesitation.
This makes the Ghost Hat not only a fun cosmetic but also a powerful defensive tool, especially when you’re fighting in towns where zombies can easily overwhelm you. Watching an undead army suddenly rise from the ground to protect you is both practical and one of the coolest visuals Dead Rails has introduced.
Why This Update Stands Out
This update does more than just add new loot. It introduces layered gameplay: the Presidential Train provides a passive way to summon a ghostly ally, the Lincoln Landmark serves as an exploration incentive, and the Ghost Hat delivers lasting rewards that keep paying off in regular gameplay. Together, these features make Dead Rails feel more dynamic and unpredictable, which is exactly what fans enjoy about the game.
The new Dead Rails update brings a mix of history, horror, and unique mechanics to the game. The Presidential Train gives players a powerful but temporary ally, the Lincoln Landmark offers exploration and lore, and the Ghost Hat ensures long-term gameplay advantages with its army-summoning powers. It’s a creative and surprisingly fun addition to the game that keeps both casual players and hardcore grinders engaged.