Defending Ol’ Tessie in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is one of the most intense experiences in the game’s multiplayer PvE modes. Waves of Ravagers relentlessly attack, and without proper preparation, your team can quickly get overwhelmed. After several runs, I’ve gathered strategies and loadout tips that can help any player hold the line effectively, whether you’re soloing or coordinating with a squad.

Understanding the Threat

Ravagers are fast, heavily armored enemies that come in waves. Each wave introduces more challenging variants, including ones that can disable your defenses temporarily. Knowing their patterns is crucial. For example, some Ravagers charge directly at Ol’ Tessie, while others attempt to flank your position. Anticipating their movements allows you to position yourself optimally.

Recommended Loadouts

Choosing the right loadout is key. Weapons with high damage and good control are essential:

  • U4N AR-1: This assault rifle is excellent for mid-range suppression and consistent damage output. Its stability allows you to take down Ravagers before they reach critical areas.

  • Shotguns: Perfect for close-range choke points, especially when paired with tactical grenades.

  • SMGs: Quick mobility is vital to respond to flanking enemies. The U4N SMG variant works well here due to its balance between speed and control.

Secondary weapons should complement your primary choice. For example, a pistol with fast reload or a secondary SMG can save crucial seconds during intense waves.

Defensive Positions

Positioning matters just as much as weapons. Ideal strategies include:

  1. High Ground: Whenever possible, take elevated positions to maximize your line of sight. Ravagers are easier to target from above, and you’ll reduce the risk of being surrounded.

  2. Choke Points: Focus on areas where Ravagers must funnel through. Placing turrets or traps here can thin waves before they reach Ol’ Tessie.

  3. Fallback Points: Have at least one secondary position in case the frontline is breached. This allows for regrouping without losing the objective.

Perks and Equipment

Certain perks and equipment can drastically improve survival:

  • Perks: Ghost helps you avoid detection by special Ravager types, while Tracker can alert you to enemies approaching from behind. Quick Hack can disable enemy electronics temporarily.

  • Equipment: Flashbangs and frag grenades are invaluable when multiple Ravagers converge. In long sessions, consider setting up automated defenses or turrets to reduce constant pressure.

Practice Strategies

For players still learning the mechanics, cheap bo7 bot lobbies or ways to buy bo7 bot lobbies can be incredibly helpful. These environments allow you to experiment with different positions, weapons, and loadouts without the chaos of high-level PvE waves. Practicing here can teach timing, aiming, and movement that directly translate to defending Ol’ Tessie more effectively.

Team Coordination

If you’re playing with friends or other online players, communication is critical:

  • Assign sectors for each player to cover.

  • Call out special Ravagers or incoming waves to prevent surprise breaches.

  • Share ammo and health packs to ensure no one is left vulnerable.

Even with the best gear, soloing this objective is challenging, so a coordinated team always has a better chance of success.

Final Thoughts

Defending Ol’ Tessie is all about preparation, positioning, and loadout synergy. Weapons like the U4N AR and SMG variants give you a reliable backbone, while strategic use of choke points, equipment, and perks multiplies your efficiency. Taking the time to practice in cheap bo7 bot lobbies or using buy bo7 bot lobbies can significantly improve your reaction times and survival skills.

With the right approach, Ol’ Tessie can be held against even the toughest Ravager waves, making each victory deeply satisfying and rewarding for multiplayer PvE enthusiasts.