Starfield is practically overflowing with alien lifeforms, incredible flora & fauna, and countless mysteries that beg to be examined. From the moment the player steps foot on the Frontier and begins their journey with Constellation, there will be a non-stop barrage of points of interest, all of which can be explored at the players leisure. However, with so much to explore, the player may wonder how on earth they are supposed to know and remember what everything is. Starfield solves this issue by introducing one of the game's key mechanics: the scanner.
The scanner will serve as the player's unofficial guide through every world and every encounter. Working in tandem with the player, the scanner will become more helpful the more it is used, even providing a small yet reliable source of income. This guide will explain precisely how the scanner can be used to truly enhance the journey through Starfield.
How to Use the Scanner in Starfield
The scanner is more than just a tool in Starfield, it is an entire mode of gameplay that fundamentally alters the information received. The simple answer to the question "How do I use the Scanner?" Is to simply press the LB button (or equivalent) to enter what is essentially 'Scanner Mode.' This will change the HUD, replacing the clear field of view with a circular scanning window.
This window has the ability to relay a significant amount of information to the player. Some of the key uses of the scanner are as follows:
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Reveal basic information about the current planet the player is on: This is displayed on the left of the screen in the form of a survey box. This box will list the flora, fauna, and resources available on a planet. Some barren locations, such as Earth's moon, will have minimal entries.
- The scanner will also give information about the individual objects or lifeforms. Often, these will have to be scanned multiple times to reveal all information.
- The scanner also works on a planet-wide basis, which is accessed from the Starmap. To do this, enter the planetary view and hold LB, the results will be displayed in an information box on the left side of the screen.
- Reveal new points of interest: While on foot, the scanner will display the icons for nearby points of interest. Hover over them and press A to scan, revealing the location type.
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Fast-Travel while outdoors: With the scanner open, highlighting the ship or previously visited icons will allow the player the option to fast-travel. Unfortunately this does not work when inside buildings or interiors that required a loading screen to enter.
- When on foot, the player can also access the surface map through the scanner as well. Press RB to open.
- Highlight NPCs, Enemies, and Collectible Objects: Exploring with the scanner open will highlight all objects that can be picked up or looted. This is a great way to find chests and safes that would otherwise be easy to miss.
- Highlight the best path forward: When the scanner is open, a series of arrows will light up to reveal the best path to the selected objective.
How to Upgrade the Scanner in Starfield
When players use the scanner early in the game, there will be several types of materials it will be incapable of recognizing. To expand its capabilities, the player can upgrade the scanner through the Science skill tree. Use the following skills:
- Surveying: The final option in the first tier of the Science skill tree, this skill will increase the range and zoom distance of the hand scanner.
- Scanning: Upgrading this skill will allow for the detection of increasingly rare inorganic materials.
- Astrophysics: This skill will upgrade the ship's scanner, allowing for a wider range of information to be discovered.
These skills will make the process of scanning and surveying considerably easier.
Where to Sell Survey Slates in Starfield
Whenever a planet survey is completely finished, the player will receive a slate (digital information holder) that can be sold to various vendors around the systems. The value of these slates is determined by the complexity of the planet it represents. A simple planet like Neptune will be worth very little compared to planets with a large amount of organic and inorganic resources.
The slates can be sold at Trade Authority Kiosks, but playing through the game will reveal various vendors that may offer a better price. Eventually the player will meet Vladimir at the Eye, a floating space station above Jemison. He cannot be missed if following the main quests, and is encountered early on. Speaking with him will reveal that he is not only interested in the data, but will offer the best prices.
Starfield is available now on Xbox Series X/S and PC.