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All over Arrakis,Dune: Awakeningplayers can find various Imperial Testing Stations, which are full of valuable resources as well as enemies to defeat. These areas function almost like miniature dungeons or puzzle rooms that have both combat and some minor knots to unravel. Plus, you’ll often find sidequests outside of these locations.
So, if you’ve just entered the Vermillius Gap section of Arrakis, you might notice and be able to spot Imperial Testing Station 197, which is slightly to the west on the map. Here’s everything you need to know to both find this location and complete it in Dune: Awakening.
How To Find Imperial Testing Station 197
The easiest way to find Imperial Testing Station 197 is touse a Survey Probeto clear sections of the map in the Western Vermillius Gap.
Barring that, you’ll simply want tohead west once you’ve reached north of the game’s starting area. Look for theoutcropping of rocks in a semicircle.
This large hole is the entranceto Imperial Testing Station 197.
How To Prepare For Imperial Testing Station 197
Compared to some of the other testing stations,Imperial Testing Station 197 is relatively linear. However, there are some shielded enemies both inside and outside.
Plus, if you’ve begun to unlock the Planetologist skill tree,you’ll find Dr. Derek Chinara outside the station.
Here’s a quick checklistyou’ll want to run through before entering the testing station:
There is a ton of water within Imperial Testing Station 197, sothis is a great quest to do during the middle of the day, as you’ll be out of the sun and be able to replenish your water reserves.
How To Complete Imperial Testing Station 197
When you first arrive at Imperial Testing Station 197, you’ll need toclear out the guards at the top of the structure. Once you’ve done this,drop to the base of the structureand head southeast tofind Dr. Derek Chinara.
Once there,he’ll give you a quest to recover a set of Minimic Film recordsfrom within the testing station. Accept this quest if you want to unlock more of the Planetologist skill tree.
Entering The Testing Station
The main entrance to the testing station is to the northeast; however, you might notice a glowing red hologram to the northwest.
While you can check this out, you’ll actually pass by this area on your way out, so you can skip it for now andhead northeast to the main entrance.
Head down the rampto the northeast to enter the station.
Near the entrance,you’ll see a destroyed sandbike. If you want,there’s a recording you may listen tothat is near the bike that gives context to the purpose of this testing station.
There is also an execution contract on the bodyof the sandbike driver.
Central Mine Shaft
Head down the rampinside the central mine shaft. From there,you’ll find a large open roomfilled with enemies.
Take out these enemiesusing your ranged weapon. Equip your Holtzman Shield as well.
In this room,there’s a chest with Advanced Servoksand Particle Capacitorson the eastern wall, up the ramp.
From there,head southeast to the small door.
Hallways
Once inside the hall,you’ll find another audio recording on your right-hand sideto discover.
Follow the hall to the doorto the next room.
In this room,you’ll find a group of bandits. If you picked up the Execution Order contract from outside the Imperial Testing Station,defeating these enemies will work toward completing the execution contract.
There is also water everywhere in this room in tanks, so stock up while you’re able to!
In terms of loot, all felled enemies in this room drop darts and bandages, andthe chest on the east side of the room has a Standard Disruptor in it,which is a great, ranged weapon.
Minimic Film Records Location
On the east wall, before the exit,head into the small bunkeron your right-hand side. You’ll see a glowing green light.
On the table, you’ll find a chest that contains the Film Records, which you can return to Dr. Chinara on your way out, as well as another audio file to play for more context on the Imperial Testing Station.
Before leaving,pick up the green identification band on the chest just outside the Film Records roomin order to proceed forward.
Mechanics Room
Once in the mechanics room, defeat the enemies inside, andfollow the hallways to the northwest. You’ll seeorange glowing lightsin this direction.
Follow the hallwayto return to the Central Mine Shaft.
To The Ice Harvest Room
Back in the Central Mine Shaft,head to the northwest section of the room, whereyou can now access the blocked door.
Follow the rampfurther down. When you reach the bottom,there is another audio file to your right.
From there,follow the chamber linearly. When you reach the end,you’ll encounter some more enemies to defeat, as well as a large ice block being harvested. Take out the enemies before looting the room.
There isan enemy in this room with a flamethrower. If you take him out,you’ll complete the ‘Eliminate the ringleader’ segment of the execution orderyou picked up outside the testing station.
On the eastern wall at the top of the metal platform, you’ll finda purple identification band. Pick this up before looting the rest of the room.
Then,head northeast to the purple door, which is now unlocked.
Up The Stairs
Once you’re through the purple door,open the glowing chest on the right side of the room to find some bonus treasure, including some Softstep Boots and Spice-Infused Iron Dust.
There are also chests in this roomcontaining Advanced Servoks, Medkits, and Particle Capacitors:
From there,head north to the hallwaywith the stairs.There’s another audio recordingin this hallway to play.
Head up the stairsto head to the final section of the testing station.
Exiting The Testing Station
Head up the stairs, whereyou’ll find a handful of enemiesto contend with. Take them out using your long-range weapon.
In the southwestsegment of this chamber,there is a circular room. Inside,there isa chest with more Servoks and Capacitors.
Follow the path northeastfrom here. You’ll see a large chamber, where you’ll face off against your last set of enemies, take them out using various slow-blade attacks.
Before leaving,head to the northeastcorner of the room, whereyou’ll find a chest with more Servoks.
Finally, head southeast, and you’ll find yourself in the red hologram room you saw at the entrance. Return the Film Records to Derek, and you’ll have completed Imperial Testing Station 197.
