Reaching high rounds on Der Riese isn’t just about having good aim. You also need the right setup, smart resource management, and a strategy that keeps the zombies under control. While there are several ways to survive, the Catwalk Strategy is still one of the easiest and most reliable methods for solo players and coordinated teams.
In this guide, we’ll show you the best loadout, perks, weapons, and early-game setup. We’ll also explain how to use the Catwalk strategy to survive past Round 30 and push toward Round 50 or even higher.
Why Should You Use the Catwalk Strategy?
The Catwalk Strategy is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require complicated movement. Instead of constantly training zombies around the map, you’ll hold a strong defensive position near the Catwalk in the STG room.
As long as your team manages ammo and equipment properly, this strategy can carry you through high rounds with very little risk.
If things get out of control, you can always drop into the open area below and start training zombies until it’s safe to return.
Best Loadout for High Rounds
Before you begin camping at the Catwalk, make sure your loadout is complete.
Recommended Perks
- Juggernog
- Speed Cola
- Double Tap
- Mule Kick
Each perk has a purpose. Juggernog keeps you alive longer. Speed Cola reduces reload time for your LMGs. Double Tap increases your damage output, while Mule Kick lets you carry a third weapon.
New to Der Riese? If you’re playing solo and still learning the map, consider buying Quick Revive early. Experienced players usually skip it, but it can easily save a run.
Best Weapons
Your ideal weapon setup should look like this:
- Wunderwaffe DG-2 (Pack-a-Punched if possible)
- HK21 or another LMG
- A third weapon of your choice with Mule Kick
Don’t forget your equipment:
- Monkey Bombs
- Bouncing Betties
The Wunderwaffe is your emergency weapon. Use it whenever a large group gets too close.
For your LMG, the HK21 is generally the better option. After Pack-a-Punch, it carries a much larger ammo reserve than the RPK. That means fewer trips to the Mystery Box and more time holding your position.
If you’re lucky enough to get both the HK21 and RPK, keep them. Together they provide an enormous ammo supply for long games.
Should You Use the Ray Gun?
The Ray Gun is ok, but it isn’t the best choice on Der Riese.
The map doesn’t include PhD Flopper, so splash damage can easily take you down when zombies get too close. That’s a serious risk during higher rounds.
For solo runs, you’re usually better off sticking with the Wunderwaffe and LMGs. In four-player games, the Ray Gun becomes a little safer since teammates can cover you.
Early Game Setup (Rounds 1–15)
Your early game decides how smooth the rest of the match will be. The goal isn’t to rush the Mystery Box. Focus on building points first. The more points you save early, the faster you’ll complete your high-round setup.
Here’s a simple path to follow.
Round 1
Shoot each zombie 4–5 times, then finish it with a knife.
This gives you the maximum number of points before moving into Round 2.
Round 2
Buy the Gewehr 43.
Now shoot each zombie once, then knife them for extra points.
Round 3
Shoot zombies twice, then use your knife.
You should still save as many points as possible rather than buy unnecessary weapons.
Round 4
Shoot zombies three times, then knife.
Leave one zombie alive at the end of the round. This gives you enough time to open doors without another wave starting.
Once only one zombie is left, start opening the map in this order:
- Open the door toward the Thompson room.
- Buy the Thompson.
- Continue to the Power room.
- Turn on the power.
- Buy Juggernog as soon as possible.
If you’ve managed your points correctly, you should have just enough for Juggernog after turning on the power.
From Round 5 onward, stay around the Power area and keep farming points.
Don’t rush to the Catwalk yet.
Your priority is building enough points for:
- Speed Cola
- Double Tap
- Mystery Box spins
- Opening the remaining doors
- Pack-a-Punch later
Around 3,000 points, it’s a good idea to buy Speed Cola. With a faster reload, clearing waves is much easier, especially once tougher zombies start spawning.
Unlock Pack-a-Punch
Between Rounds 12 and 15, try to leave one zombie alive again.
If you’re playing solo, you should have around 10,000 points or even more.
Now it’s time to activate the teleporters.
Solo
Activate every teleporter linked to the mainframe.
Once they’re all connected, Pack-a-Punch becomes available.
Co-Op
Split the work between teammates.
Each player can activate a different teleporter while one player stays near the starting area. This finishes the process much faster.
After Pack-a-Punch is unlocked, begin working toward your final build.
Buy the remaining perks if you haven’t already.
Then start hitting the Mystery Box until you find:
- Wunderwaffe DG-2
- HK21
- RPK (optional but highly recommended)
- Monkey Bombs
Try to complete your setup before Round 20.
If your luck is bad, Round 25 is still acceptable. Beyond that, surviving high rounds becomes much more difficult because you’ll be missing the firepower needed for the Catwalk strategy.
How to Use the Catwalk Strategy?
Once your loadout is complete, it’s time to move to the Catwalk. This is where you’ll spend most of the game.
The strategy is simple. Hold your position, control the zombie flow, and only leave the area when necessary.
Where to Camp?
Head to the back of the Catwalk near the STG room.
This spot forces almost every zombie to approach from the front. That makes them much easier to control than training around the entire map.
Everyone on the team should stay together. Splitting up only creates unnecessary pressure.
How to Place Bouncing Betties?
Your Bouncing Betties are an important part of this strategy.
Place them on the left side of the Mystery Box near the back of the Catwalk.
Instead of spreading them around the room, keep placing them in the same location. Over time you’ll build a small pile that acts as an emergency defense.
If zombies manage to push through, lead them into the Betty pile. The explosions will quickly clear the path and give you enough space to recover.
Tip: Don’t waste Betties during easy rounds. Save them whenever possible so you’ll have a larger stockpile later.
Use the Wunderwaffe Only When Needed
Your LMG should handle most of the zombies.
Save the Wunderwaffe DG-2 for dangerous situations.
Fire it when:
- Zombies get too close.
- Multiple teammates are trapped.
- The front line starts collapsing.
The chain lightning can instantly clear a large group and give everyone room to breathe.
What to Do If the Catwalk Gets Overrun?
No strategy works forever.
If too many zombies reach your position, don’t panic.
Simply drop off the Catwalk into the open area below.
Train the zombies until the path is clear, then return to your camping spot when it’s safe.
Knowing when to fall back is just as important as knowing when to hold your ground.
Solo vs Co-Op
The Catwalk Strategy works in both solo and co-op games.
Solo
You’ll have fewer zombies to deal with, but you’ll also be responsible for everything. Keep an eye on your ammo and replace your equipment whenever possible.
Co-Op
This strategy becomes even stronger with four players.
If everyone uses a similar loadout, the team can melt entire waves before they reach the Catwalk. One player can also throw Monkey Bombs while another clears the horde with the Wunderwaffe.
Good communication makes a huge difference here. Tell your teammates before dropping off the Catwalk or using Monkey Bombs.
How Long Do Bouncing Betties Stay Effective?
Bouncing Betties are incredibly powerful during the early and mid-game.
They can instantly kill zombies up to around Round 30.
After that, they stop one-shotting enemies. Even so, don’t stop using them.
Their damage is still useful, and they can weaken large groups before they reach your team. Keep adding new Betties whenever you find them so your emergency pile is always ready.
Best Pack-a-Punch Priority
Once Pack-a-Punch is unlocked, don’t upgrade your weapons randomly. Spend your points on the weapons that will help you survive the longest.
Here’s the priority you should follow:
- Wunderwaffe DG-2
- HK21
- RPK (if you’re using one)
A Pack-a-Punched Wunderwaffe becomes your panic button. Save it for emergencies instead of using it every round.
After that, upgrade your HK21. Its huge magazine and ammo reserve make it the perfect weapon for camping on the Catwalk.
If you have an RPK as your third weapon, Pack-a-Punch it as well. Carrying two upgraded LMGs gives you an incredible amount of ammunition for long rounds.
Ammo Management Tips
Running out of ammo is one of the biggest reasons high-round attempts fail.
Don’t fire your Wunderwaffe at every group of zombies.
Instead:
- Use your LMG for normal waves.
- Save the Wunderwaffe for emergencies.
- Throw Monkey Bombs before reloading if you’re under pressure.
- Buy ammo whenever it’s available instead of waiting until you’re completely empty.
If you get a Max Ammo, reload every weapon first. That way you’ll receive a full refill on all of them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many runs end because of simple mistakes. Here are a few things you should avoid:
1. Don’t spend half the game searching for the perfect weapon. If you’re still missing important gear after Round 25, your chances of reaching very high rounds drop significantly.
2. Monkey Bombs are limited. Don’t throw one just because a few zombies are getting close. Save them for situations where your team is trapped or someone needs time to revive a teammate.
3. If zombies completely overwhelm the Catwalk, drop into the lower area and train them until things calm down. Trying to hold your position no matter what usually ends with everyone getting downed.
4. Even after Round 30, Bouncing Betties are still worth placing. They won’t instantly kill zombies anymore, but they’ll soften up large groups and give you extra protection if the front line breaks.
Keep rebuilding your Betty pile whenever you get the chance.
Final Tips for Reaching Round 50+
If you’re aiming for Round 50 or beyond, consistency matters more than speed.
Keep your setup complete before the late game starts.
Manage your ammo carefully.
Use Monkey Bombs only when they’re actually needed.
Most importantly, don’t panic if the Catwalk gets overrun. Drop down, train the zombies, then return once it’s safe.
This Strategy Only Works in Black Ops 1
The Catwalk Strategy in this guide is designed for Call of Duty: Black Ops 1.
It isn’t recommended for World at War.
World at War doesn’t have Mule Kick, so you lose your third weapon. On top of that, the Wunderwaffe can remove your Juggernog if you shock yourself, making the strategy much riskier.
The strategy also isn’t meant for Black Ops 3’s The Giant. That version includes GobbleGums and other mechanics that completely change how the map is played.
Can This Strategy Reach Round 50?
Yes.
Many players have reached Round 50 and beyond using this setup.
The strategy isn’t difficult to learn either. Once your loadout is complete, the gameplay becomes much more consistent.
Your success mainly depends on three things:
- Manage your ammo wisely.
- Gett enough Max Ammo drops.
- Stay calm when the Catwalk becomes crowded.
If you can do those consistently, you’ll have a great chance of pushing into very high rounds.
The Catwalk Strategy is still one of the easiest ways to get to high rounds on Der Riese in Black Ops 1 Zombies. All you need is the right loadout, good resource management, and a bit of luck with Max Ammo drops.
