diff --git a/tests/validation/multigrid/test_refinement_followup.py b/tests/validation/multigrid/test_refinement_followup.py
index f6f9c0d..4dcdc48 100644
--- a/tests/validation/multigrid/test_refinement_followup.py
+++ b/tests/validation/multigrid/test_refinement_followup.py
@@ -107,6 +107,8 @@ class FaultGuardsCPU(unittest.TestCase):
     def fake_backend(self):
         backend = PeriodicPatchStepper.__new__(PeriodicPatchStepper)
         backend._layouts = [None, None]  # dense storage on both levels
+        backend._ddf_shifting = False  # unshifted on every level, as _check_storage expects
+        backend._level_cfgs = [LBMConfig(nx=16, ny=16, viscosity=.1)] * 2  # ddf_shifting off
         backend.ctx = Mock(activate=nullcontext)
         backend._lock = RLock()
         backend._status = "ready"