The Vermillius Gap, split into east and west sectors, is a rugged, high-conflict region in Dune Awakening Items for Sale and home to two of the most lucrative Imperial Testing Stations: Station 197 (west) and Station 10 (east). Though not as isolated as their Deep Desert counterparts, these stations are heavily contested for their access to high-value unique schematics—weapons, armor sets, and vehicle mods unavailable elsewhere.

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into how to reach these stations, what gear to bring, and what unique rewards await those who brave their defenses.

📍 Station No. 197 – Western Vermillius Gap

🧭 Location:

Nestled just south of the Wreck of the Pallas, this station is partially hidden by canyons and cliffs. It’s easy to overlook if you’re not actively scanning your minimap for thermal signatures.

🔓 Access Requirements:

• Green or purple ID band (purple highly recommended)

• Moderate PvE gear

• Vehicle suggested for faster extraction—preferably a Night Rider or Mendia Scout Buggy

⚔️ Enemies & Hazards:

• Patrol drones and auto-turrets

• Station guards with long-range rifles

• Proximity mines near entrance

💎 Unique Loot Highlights:

• Olef’s Quickcutter: A legendary one-handed blade with high stagger

• Softstep Boots: Stealth-enhancing light armor boots

• Mid-tier mobility schematics

This station is ideal for stealth or mobility-focused builds. The gear here enhances dodge speed, fall reduction, and sneak detection—making it a great farming target for assassins and rogues.

🔄 Strategy:

Bring EMP grenades to disable automated defenses. You can also sneak past much of the outer patrol by approaching from the south ridge, climbing down instead of fighting uphill.

📍 Station No. 10 – Eastern Vermillius Gap

🧭 Location:

Southeast of the Anvil Tradepost and near the ruins of a spice harvesting rig. Unlike Station 197, this one is partially above ground, making it easier to spot—but also more exposed to PvP ambushes.

🔓 Access Requirements:

• Purple ID band required for elite schematic vaults

• Bring heat protection for day runs; the sun exposure here is severe

• Strong AoE weapons recommended (scattergun, pulse rifle)

⚔️ Enemies & Hazards:

• Cloaked defenders with plasma blades

• Flame turrets guarding the entrance

• Interior trap rooms that reset every 15 minutes

💎 Unique Loot Highlights:

• Pseudo-Pulse Sword: A fast-charging energy blade with area slash

• Mendia Armor Set (chest/legs): Boosts stamina regen and evasion

• Night Rider Buggy Mods: Paint jobs, heat-reducing tires, acceleration chip

This station is a goldmine for PvE and PvP builds alike. The sword is excellent for crowd control, while the armor supports stamina-hungry builds like melee tanks or resource haulers.

🔄 Strategy:

Unlike Station 197, Station 10 cannot be cleared solo unless you are very overgeared. Bring at least one partner or drone support. Use terrain to your advantage—enemies here are fast but fragile.

🧭 Tactical Travel & Rotation Tips

Since both stations are in the Vermillius Gap, you can run them back-to-back in a single expedition. Here’s how:

1. Start at Wreck of the Pallas, hit Station 197 early.

2. Head east through the valley path to avoid PvP zones.

3. Rest at a nearby encampment to refill supplies.

4. Hit Station 10 just before nightfall to avoid heatstroke risk.

Bring a buggy or worm sign caller to minimize time between zones. If you're in a group, alternate ID bands so each member can open a chest on rotation.

💡 Bonus Tips:

• ID Band Management: Purple bands drop from elite smugglers and certain boss mobs. Save them for Station 10 runs if you're soloing 197.

• Factional Interference: The Atreides and Harkonnen often send AI patrols near Station 10—watch for unexpected engagements.

• Station Respawn Timers: Once cleared, stations take ~2 in-game hours to reset. Use this downtime to harvest spice, raid smaller camps, or craft.

🎯 Final Verdict

If you’re targeting high-performance gear and mobility-enhancing schematics, Stations 10 and 197 are absolute priorities. They strike the balance between accessibility and reward, offering PvE-only challenges in a dynamic open-world region.

Whether you’re looking for rare sword tech, elite armor, or stylish vehicle mods, the Vermillius Gap Testing Stations are your gateway to endgame domination on Buy Items Arrakis.