diff --git a/images/scripts/lib/bootc.Containerfile b/images/scripts/lib/bootc.Containerfile
index c3b04f4b02..4db5d3da61 100644
--- a/images/scripts/lib/bootc.Containerfile
+++ b/images/scripts/lib/bootc.Containerfile
@@ -2,9 +2,11 @@ ARG base_image
 FROM $base_image
 
 # pre-install the distro version, which is useful for testing extensions and manual experiments
+# also pre-install ws and test dependencies
 RUN \
     dnf update -y --exclude='kernel*' && \
     dnf install -y --setopt install_weak_deps=False cockpit-system cockpit-networkmanager && \
+    dnf install -y dnsmasq pcp python3-pcp rsync sscg strace wireguard-tools && \
     dnf clean all
 
 ADD lib/mcast1.nmconnection /usr/lib/NetworkManager/system-connections/