Starting Your Journey to the Softstep Boots
If you're looking to explore Arrakis in stealth mode, one of the coolest upgrades you can grab early on is the Softstep Boots. These unique boots let you walk across sand more quietly, making it harder to attract that terrifying giant Sandworm. This guide walks you through exactly where to find them, how to get there, and what to expect once you're inside the facility.
You’re going to be heading toward Imperial Testing Station 197, located in the Western Vermilius Gap. So, get your gear ready—and most importantly—bring your Sandbike or speeder to make the travel easier.
Getting to Imperial Testing Station 197
First thing’s first—you’ll need a reliable way to cross the desert. If you don’t already have a Sandbike, check out our dedicated Sandbike guide to get one quickly. It’s pretty much essential for reaching remote zones like this.
Once you’ve got your ride, head over to the Western Vermilius Gap. That’s where Testing Station 197 is located. It’s buried within a rocky area, so be prepared for a little bit of navigation and some light parkour to get down to the actual entrance.
Entering the Facility
When you finally reach Testing Station 197, you’ll notice you can technically head straight into the facility—but hold up. Instead of going forward, hang a right and follow the long path downward. That’s the proper route to begin this particular loot run.
This route is crawling with enemies, so don’t rush. Equip your best gear, and take your time. Clearing them out is important, not just for safety, but because you don’t want to miss anything along the way.
Dealing with Enemy Resistance
Enemies here aren’t too overwhelming, but they do swarm in groups. Use AoE weapons or traps to handle the packs more efficiently. It took me about 30 minutes to clear out everything, but I was also exploring for loot and trying different tactics. Go at your own pace and don’t feel rushed—this part is more about survival than speed.
Remember to use cover and manage your stamina. These enemies are aggressive but manageable if you keep your cool.
Exploring Deeper into the Station
Once you’ve cleared the upper levels, keep heading down into the deeper sections of the testing facility. Eventually, you’ll come across a branching path. Stick to the right again and continue moving downward.
At the bottom, you’ll find a room that stands out. This is where the big rewards start to show up. Inside, you’ll discover some loot containers, enemies guarding resources, and environmental clues that you’re close to the schematic drop.
The Shield and Other Loot
Before reaching the final loot room, you’ll come across an energy shield that can be equipped. Grab it—it’s a nice bonus. You’ll also find several containers with iron dust, spice, and random mats that could be useful for upgrades or crafting.
This isn’t the main reward, but it’s definitely worth picking up whatever you can carry. Keep in mind that the better your current loadout, the more efficiently you can run through this area again later.
Finding the Softstep Boots Schematic
Now for the main event: the Softstep Boots. In the final chamber of the testing station, open the last large chest. This is where the schematic for Softstep Boots usually drops.
Alongside it, you might find Crab Boots or other rare gear, but the Softstep schematic is what you're really here for. Once you’ve picked it up, it’ll be added to your collection and can be crafted later when you're back at your base.
Why Softstep Boots Matter
Softstep Boots aren’t just a cosmetic win—they offer real gameplay benefits. When worn, they reduce your noise level on sand, which means you’re less likely to attract Sandworms. That’s a huge perk if you’re farming in high-risk zones or running long distances across open sand.
They also come with lightweight stats, making them a good choice for scout builds or stealth-focused players. If you’re looking to play smart and avoid unnecessary combat, these boots are a must-have.
Tips for Farming the Softstep Boots Efficiently
If you’re planning to farm the Softstep Boots more than once, consider running Testing Station 197 in a group. Even though the item drop is instanced, having teammates can speed up enemy clears and give you backup if things get messy. Some players report slightly better drop rates when clearing the room multiple times, so it might be worth running the route more than once if you're farming materials too.
Also, make sure your inventory is nearly empty before entering. You’ll be picking up a lot of items—schematics, materials, and maybe even other rare gear drops. Don’t let a full backpack ruin your loot run.
Can the Softstep Boots Be Traded?
Currently, the Softstep Boots schematic and crafted boots appear to be account-bound, meaning you won’t be able to trade or sell them to other players. That makes them even more valuable, since you’ll have to earn them yourself through gameplay.
This also means crafting a few extra pairs is smart. You never know when you’ll lose a set in PvP or during a dangerous farming mission.
What You Need to Craft the Softstep Boots
Once you get the schematic, you’ll need a few specific materials to actually craft the boots:
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Refined fabric
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Spice dust
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Iron dust
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Synthetic parts
The exact quantities may vary depending on your crafting skill and base upgrades. Make sure to stockpile these ahead of time, especially iron dust and spice, which are also found in the same testing station.
Other Useful Items Found in the Area
In addition to the Softstep Boots, players have reported finding:
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Crab Boots
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Shield modules
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Combat gear
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Crafting resources
Though the Softstep schematic is the key prize, everything else you pick up adds value to the trip. If you’re building up a gear collection or just love finding rare items, this location is a goldmine.
Final Thoughts on the Softstep Boots Run
This Softstep Boots route is one of the better solo adventures in Dune: Awakening. It combines challenging combat, environmental exploration, and a high-value reward at the end. Whether you're new to the game or already deep into crafting, adding these boots to your loadout is a smart move—especially if you're trying to survive longer in worm-heavy areas.
Keep running the route occasionally. Sometimes loot gets refreshed or adjusted, and you might discover new items along the way.
Conclusion
Unlocking the Softstep Boots in Dune: Awakening gives you a major survival advantage when traveling across open sand. By reducing your footstep noise, these boots make it much easier to avoid unwanted Sandworm encounters. The journey through Imperial Testing Station 197 is challenging, but it’s worth every second for the unique gear and materials you can pick up along the way.
With the right loadout, patience, and a few repeated runs, you’ll not only add this rare item to your arsenal but also farm up enough crafting components to enhance your overall gear setup. Make it a regular part of your loot route, especially if you're into stealth or long-distance travel in Arrakis.
FAQs
Q: Where do I find the Softstep Boots in Dune: Awakening?
A: Head to Imperial Testing Station 197 in the Western Vermilius Gap. You'll find them in the final chest after clearing the area.
Q: Do the Softstep Boots help avoid Sandworms?
A: Yes. They reduce your movement noise on sand, making it less likely you'll attract a Sandworm.
Q: Can I trade the Softstep Boots or schematic with other players?
A: No, they appear to be account-bound and must be acquired and crafted by you directly.
Q: What materials do I need to craft the Softstep Boots?
A: You’ll need refined fabric, spice dust, iron dust, and synthetic parts to craft them.
Q: What other items drop at the Testing Station?
A: Players have reported drops like Crab Boots, shields, crafting materials, and combat gear.
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