Dead Rails has launched a limited-time collaboration with Netflix, bringing the world of Stranger Things straight into your train journey. There's an interactive Watch Party to join, minigames to get through, and some exclusive rewards you won't be able to grab after the event closes on May 3, 2026. So, to help you get these, here's everything you need to know to complete it and collect every reward.
How to Get the Stranger Things: Tales from '85 Event Badge in Dead Rails
The Event Badge is the main reward to go for, similar to the Evade Stranger Things Event. To earn it, you need to watch the full episode from start to finish without leaving the server. Once the final scene ends, the badge gets awarded to you automatically, and a notification will appear on your screen confirming it.
Make sure you don't leave early; the badge only triggers at the very end of the broadcast, so you need to stick around till the end. Once you have the badge, it also unlocks the '80s Train skin, which you can find waiting for you at your train station after the event.
How to Join the Watch Party
Head to the main lobby in Dead Rails and look for the event NPC. Click the join button before the session starts, and you will get teleported directly to the event map. Once you're inside, you'll see a giant screen at the far end of the area, which is where the episode plays.
Do note that you can join a private server to reduce the competition during minigames, especially for ones like Snowball Fight, where other players are directly involved. Less competition generally means a better shot at hitting the 1200-point threshold for the UGC reward.
How to Play the Minigames in Dead Rails
Minigame rounds pop up throughout the episode, and your job during each one is to score as many points as possible. You can track your score in the corner of your screen during the entire session. Here's a full list of every minigame you'll encounter and how to make the most of each one:
- Burning Vineacondas: Use the flamethrower and burn as many vines as you can before time runs out. Move quickly and head for clusters of vines to maximize your point gain in the time window.
- Snow Shark Attacks: Sharp spikes (Snow Sharks) move across the map and pull you in if they connect. Keep dodging and use your arrow keys to break free quickly if one catches you.
- Grab Food: Food items like donuts and pudding pops spawn randomly around the map. Run around and collect as many as you can.
- Hop on Your Bike: Jump on a bike and pull off tricks for points. Double jumping gives you a speed boost, so keep that in mind while you're riding to chain tricks together faster.
- Don't Fall Asleep: An arrow sequence appears on your screen, and you need to complete it before the timer runs out.
- Snowball Fight: Grab snowballs and hit other players for points. Aim at groups of players clustered together rather than chasing individuals across the map.
All Rewards in the Dead Rails Stranger Things Event
| Reward | How to Unlock |
|---|---|
| Stranger Things: Tales from '85 - Event Badge | Watch the full episode until the very end |
| '80s Train Skin | Earn the Event Badge by completing the Watch Party |
| Vineaconda (UGC) | Score 1,200 points across the minigames during the Watch Party |
The Vineaconda is a limited-time avatar accessory and the rarest reward in the event. After you hit 1,200 points and earn the badge, you will need to head to The Block experience on April 25 at 12 PM EST to claim it.
NOTE: None of these rewards will be available after May 3, 2026, so make sure you complete the event before it closes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The event runs until May 3, 2026. It's a limited-time collaboration with Netflix, so all rewards become unavailable after that date.
The broadcast repeats every three hours throughout the day. Check the countdown timer in the lobby to see when the next session starts.
Complete the full Watch Party and earn the Event Badge. Once the badge is awarded, the '80s Train unlocks and becomes available at your train station.
Score 1,200 points across the minigames during the Watch Party and earn the Event Badge. After that, visit The Block experience on April 25 at 12 PM EST to claim the UGC item. Copies are limited, so claim it quickly.
Yes, and it's worth doing. Private servers reduce competition during minigames like Snowball Fight, which makes it easier to hit the 1,200-point threshold for the Vineaconda.
For more on Dead Rails, check out Complete Eggstravaganza Challenge Dead Rails Guide – Easter Event 2026 or Complete Dead Rails Bite Sized Game Mode Guide on Pro Game Guides!
Sudhanyo Chatterjee has nearly six years of writing experience, with four focused on the gaming industry. He specializes in RPGs, strategy games, and mobile game guides. His favorite titles include the Diablo series and strategy staples like Total War and Age of Empires.