Ever wondered how to get Warframe scanner tools and actually put them to good use? Whether someone is a brand-new Tenno or a seasoned veteran, knowing how to get Warframe scanner equipment is essential for filling out the Codex and unlocking hidden lore. Much like choosing the right TWAIN scanner for digitizing documents, picking the right in-game scanner depends on goals, budget, and playstyle. This guide breaks down every scanner option available, explains how each one works, and offers practical tips for getting the most out of scanning sessions in Warframe.
Warframe offers two main scanner types: the Codex Scanner and the Synthesis Scanner. Each serves a different purpose, and understanding those differences early saves time and in-game currency. Think of it like comparing a basic point-and-shoot camera with a full-featured DSLR — both capture images, but one offers far more control and lasting value.
The scanning mechanic in Warframe is straightforward on the surface but surprisingly deep once upgrades and strategies come into play. From cataloging enemies for the Codex to completing Simaris synthesis targets for standing rewards, scanners touch multiple game systems. Below is everything needed to start scanning effectively.
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Learning how to get Warframe scanner gear starts with understanding which scanner fits a player's current needs. There are two distinct options, and each one is acquired from a different source within the game.
The Codex Scanner is the entry-level option. It can be purchased from the Market console on any player's Orbiter (the ship). Each purchase buys a bundle of 25 charges, and each scan consumes one charge. At a cost of 500 Credits per pack, it is affordable even for new players. Simply open the Market, search for "Codex Scanner," and buy as many packs as needed.
This scanner does the job for basic Codex entries. Point it at an enemy, hold the scan button until the circle fills, and the data gets logged. It is simple and effective for anyone just getting started.
The Synthesis Scanner is the advanced option and represents a significant upgrade. It is sold by Cephalon Simaris, an NPC found in any Relay station on the second floor. Each pack costs 5,000 Credits for 25 charges. While that sounds expensive, the Synthesis Scanner can do everything the Codex Scanner does — and more. It also earns Simaris Standing when used on synthesis targets, opening up a currency system with valuable rewards.
Pro Tip: Skip the Codex Scanner entirely and go straight to the Synthesis Scanner. It does everything the basic version does, plus it earns Simaris Standing and supports powerful upgrade widgets.
For players who care about photography and scanning techniques in any context, the Synthesis Scanner is the equivalent of investing in professional-grade equipment from the start.
Scanners in Warframe serve more purposes than most players realize. Understanding these use cases helps justify the investment and makes scanning feel less like a chore.
The Codex is Warframe's built-in encyclopedia. Every enemy, item, and object has an entry that gets populated through scanning. Completing a full entry usually requires multiple scans of the same target (often three to five). A complete Codex entry reveals enemy weaknesses, drop tables, and lore details — information that directly improves gameplay decisions.
Rare targets like Reinforced Glass on certain tilesets or hidden Kuria sculptures can only be discovered through scanning. Players who skip the scanner miss these entirely.
Cephalon Simaris assigns daily synthesis targets. Scanning these marked enemies with the Synthesis Scanner earns standing that can be spent on exclusive items: weapon blueprints, Warframe ability augments, and scanner upgrade widgets. Some of these items cannot be obtained any other way, making Simaris Standing genuinely valuable.
Synthesis targets appear highlighted in orange during missions. Scanning all four weak points on a synthesis target before it dies awards full standing. Partial scans still count, but completing the full process is far more rewarding.
Scanning efficiently means getting more data per mission without slowing down the squad. A few habits make a big difference.
The best time to scan is at the start of a mission, before enemies become alerted. Unalerted enemies stand still, making them easy targets. The scanner works like a camera viewfinder — hold it up, center the reticle on the target, and hold the action button. A clean scan takes about two seconds on a stationary enemy.
Moving targets are harder. The scan progress resets if the reticle drifts off the enemy for too long. For fast-moving targets, using a Warframe with crowd-control abilities (like Rhino's Stomp or Nova's Molecular Prime) freezes enemies in place, making scans trivial. It is the in-game equivalent of using a tripod for long-exposure photo editing work — stability changes everything.
Stealth scans award double Simaris Standing. If an enemy is unaware of the player when scanned, the standing reward doubles. This makes stealth-focused Warframes like Ivara and Loki particularly effective for scanning runs. Players specifically farming Simaris Standing should consider building a dedicated stealth loadout.
The Exterminate mission type on low-level nodes works well for stealth scanning. Enemies spawn in small groups and patrol predictable paths, giving plenty of time to scan before engaging.
Warning: Scanning a synthesis target does not count as a stealth kill for affinity purposes. The stealth bonus only applies to the standing earned, not experience points.
Choosing between the two scanners comes down to priorities. The table below lays out the key differences side by side.
| Feature | Codex Scanner | Synthesis Scanner |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per 25 charges | 500 Credits | 5,000 Credits |
| Purchased from | Market (Orbiter) | Cephalon Simaris (Relay) |
| Fills Codex entries | Yes | Yes |
| Earns Simaris Standing | No | Yes |
| Supports upgrade widgets | No | Yes |
| Infinite charges (Sol-Battery) | Not available | Available |
| Highlights rare targets | No | Yes (with widget) |
| Best for | New players on a tight budget | Everyone else |
As the table shows, the Synthesis Scanner outperforms the Codex Scanner in every meaningful way. The only advantage the Codex Scanner holds is its lower price per pack, which matters only in the earliest hours of gameplay. Once a player has a few thousand credits to spare, switching to the Synthesis Scanner is the clear move. Similar to how upgrading from a basic flatbed to a dedicated book scanner transforms a workflow, the Synthesis Scanner opens up capabilities the basic version simply cannot match.
Misinformation about scanners circulates in Warframe communities regularly. Here are the most persistent myths — and the reality behind each one.
Some players argue that credits spent on scanners would be better used elsewhere. In practice, the Synthesis Scanner pays for itself. The Simaris Standing it earns unlocks items worth far more than the credit investment. Additionally, once the Sol-Battery Widget is purchased (more on that below), scanner charges become infinite and the recurring cost drops to zero permanently.
This depends entirely on approach. A dedicated scanning run is its own activity, separate from a speed-clearing mission. Trying to scan everything during a fast Void Fissure run will absolutely slow things down. But running a low-level Exterminate mission specifically for scanning takes just a few minutes and does not interfere with other objectives. The key is treating scanning as a focused activity rather than something bolted onto every mission.
Another common misconception is that both scanner types need to be carried simultaneously. They do not. The Synthesis Scanner handles all scanning needs on its own. Carrying both wastes a gear wheel slot.
The Synthesis Scanner supports upgrade widgets purchased from Cephalon Simaris using standing. These widgets permanently modify how the scanner behaves and represent some of the best investments in the game.
This is the single most important scanner upgrade. The Sol-Battery Widget costs 50,000 Simaris Standing and gives the Synthesis Scanner infinite charges. Once purchased, there is never a need to buy scanner charges again. It converts the scanner from a consumable into a permanent tool.
Earning 50,000 standing takes time, especially with daily caps. But the payoff is enormous. Prioritize this widget above all other Simaris purchases.
Two additional widgets enhance the scanning experience:
Both widgets are worth acquiring eventually, but the Sol-Battery should always come first. Think of it as investing in core equipment before accessories — much like securing reliable storage (a solid SSD for video editing) before worrying about peripherals.
Even experienced players occasionally run into scanner issues. Most problems have simple solutions.
If the scanner does not appear when activated from the gear wheel, check two things. First, confirm that charges remain (unless the Sol-Battery Widget is installed). Running out of charges is the most common cause. Second, verify the scanner is actually equipped in the gear wheel. Opening the Arsenal, navigating to the Gear section, and dragging the scanner into an open slot resolves this.
On rare occasions, a mission host migration can cause gear items to become temporarily inaccessible. Switching to the operator and back, or performing a melee attack, usually resets the gear wheel.
Sometimes a scan appears to complete but no Codex entry updates. This typically happens when the target dies before the scan finishes — the progress bar must fill completely while the target is alive. For synthesis targets specifically, all four glowing weak points must be scanned while the target lives. Using crowd-control abilities to keep targets alive during scanning is the most reliable fix.
Network lag can also cause scan results to delay. If an entry does not appear immediately, checking the Codex after returning to the Orbiter usually shows the scan registered correctly.
The Codex Scanner is available from the Market console aboard the Orbiter. Search for "Codex Scanner" and purchase a pack of 25 charges for 500 Credits. It is accessible from the very start of the game.
Yes. The Synthesis Scanner does everything the Codex Scanner does while also earning Simaris Standing and supporting upgrade widgets like the Sol-Battery for infinite charges. The only trade-off is a higher per-pack cost of 5,000 Credits.
The Sol-Battery Widget is a one-time purchase from Cephalon Simaris for 50,000 standing. Once installed, the Synthesis Scanner never runs out of charges. It effectively makes the scanner a permanent, infinite-use tool with no further credit cost.
Yes. Scanners work in every mission type in Warframe. However, some missions are better suited for scanning than others. Low-level Exterminate missions provide calm environments where enemies can be scanned without heavy combat pressure.
Stealth scans double the Simaris Standing earned per scan. For players actively farming standing, this bonus adds up significantly. Using stealth Warframes like Ivara or Loki on low-level missions is the most efficient way to maximize standing gains per session.
About James W.
A contributing writer at DigiLabsPro covering photography gear reviews, buying guides, and camera comparisons. Specializes in evaluating cameras, lenses, and accessories for photographers at the intermediate and enthusiast level looking to upgrade their kit.
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