Warframe Scanner Showdown: Synthesis Scanner vs. Codex Scanner – Which Tool is Right for You?

Warframe, the constantly evolving free-to-play action RPG, offers players a vast universe to explore, filled with strange creatures, valuable resources, and intriguing lore. A crucial part of the Warframe experience involves scanning these elements, uncovering secrets hidden within the Codex and furthering your understanding of the game’s intricate world. To accomplish this, Tenno have access to two primary scanning tools: the Synthesis Scanner and the Codex Scanner, or as it is now referred to after update thirty-six, the Cephalon Simaris Scanner.

These scanners, while sharing a similar function, possess distinct characteristics that make them suitable for different tasks. This article aims to dissect the intricacies of both the Synthesis Scanner and the Codex Scanner, comparing their features, advantages, and disadvantages, ultimately helping you, the Warframe player, determine which scanner best suits your needs in various situations. Understanding the nuances of each scanner will enhance your Warframe journey and optimize your exploration of the Origin System. The question we aim to answer is, which scanner reigns supreme in the Warframe universe?

The Cephalon Simaris Scanner

The Cephalon Simaris Scanner, originally known as the Codex Scanner, serves as the foundational tool for any aspiring Warframe explorer. This scanner is essentially your data collection device, used for documenting enemies, plants, and other objects within the Warframe universe. While players initially received a default Codex Scanner upon starting their Warframe journey, it is now acquired from Cephalon Simaris, found in his Sanctuary, a place for preservation of life and learning.

Acquiring the Cephalon Simaris Scanner

The Codex Scanner, or Simaris Scanner, is no longer a default item. Players looking to use this invaluable tool must now visit Cephalon Simaris in his Sanctuary on any Relay. Upon speaking to Simaris, players can purchase the Cephalon Simaris Scanner for a relatively small amount of credits. This accessibility makes it a staple for any Warframe player, regardless of their level or progress in the game.

Uses of the Cephalon Simaris Scanner

The primary function of the Cephalon Simaris Scanner is to scan targets and add them to your Codex. Scanning an enemy multiple times (usually three to five) completely unlocks their entry, providing valuable information about their strengths, weaknesses, abilities, and lore. This is essential for understanding enemy behaviors and optimizing your combat strategies. Additionally, the Cephalon Simaris Scanner, when equipped with specific widgets, can reveal hidden containers scattered throughout missions, often containing valuable resources and mods. Finding these containers can significantly boost your resource acquisition efforts.

Advantages of the Cephalon Simaris Scanner

The most significant advantage of the Cephalon Simaris Scanner is its unlimited use. Unlike the Synthesis Scanner, the Codex Scanner does not require charges to operate, meaning you can scan to your heart’s content without worrying about running out. This makes it incredibly convenient for general exploration and Codex completion. Its easy acquisition, bought from Simaris for only credits, further solidifies its accessibility. Perhaps the greatest benefit of this scanner is that it’s integral to basic Codex completion, meaning a player needs this item to fully understand the enemies in Warframe.

Disadvantages of the Cephalon Simaris Scanner

While the Codex Scanner is a reliable tool, it’s not without its drawbacks. Compared to the Synthesis Scanner, its base scan speed is noticeably slower (unless modified by a widget), which can be frustrating when trying to scan quickly moving targets. The Codex Scanner also lacks the specialized functions of the Synthesis Scanner, limiting its usefulness beyond basic Codex completion and resource hunting.

The Synthesis Scanner

The Synthesis Scanner is a specialized tool designed primarily for aiding Cephalon Simaris in his research and preservation efforts. This unique scanner plays a critical role in Simaris’s Synthesis missions, which involve tracking down and scanning specific targets scattered throughout the Origin System. Its design is quite different from the Codex Scanner, instantly recognizable due to its distinct aesthetic.

Acquiring the Synthesis Scanner

Obtaining the Synthesis Scanner requires a visit to Cephalon Simaris in his Sanctuary. Unlike the Codex Scanner, the Synthesis Scanner cannot be purchased with credits. Instead, you must earn standing with Simaris by completing his daily Synthesis missions. Once you have accumulated sufficient standing, you can purchase the Synthesis Scanner directly from Simaris. This process requires dedication and consistent engagement with Simaris’s activities.

Uses of the Synthesis Scanner

The primary use of the Synthesis Scanner is for completing Cephalon Simaris’s Synthesis missions. These missions require you to track down specific targets and scan them a certain number of times. Successfully completing these missions earns you standing with Simaris, allowing you to purchase valuable blueprints, mods, and other items. Furthermore, the Synthesis Scanner is required to scan rare creatures that appear in specific locations. Scanning these creatures unlocks their entries in the Codex and contributes to your overall knowledge of the Warframe universe.

Advantages of the Synthesis Scanner

The Synthesis Scanner offers several distinct advantages. The most notable is its faster scan speed, especially when equipped with relevant widgets. This is crucial for scanning fast-moving Synthesis targets or creatures that are difficult to approach. The Synthesis Scanner is also essential for gaining standing with Cephalon Simaris, opening up access to a variety of valuable rewards. Finally, the Synthesis Scanner is needed for certain scans that the standard Codex Scanner simply cannot accomplish, allowing players to fully complete their codex.

Disadvantages of the Synthesis Scanner

The biggest disadvantage of the Synthesis Scanner is its limited charges. Unlike the unlimited Codex Scanner, the Synthesis Scanner requires charges to operate, and once those charges are depleted, you’ll need to replenish them using Synthesis Scanner charges (bought with standing) or equip widgets that add charges. This can make it less convenient for general exploration. The Synthesis Scanner is also less versatile than the Codex Scanner outside of Synthesis missions and Simaris-related activities.

Widget Comparison

Both the Codex Scanner and the Synthesis Scanner can be augmented with widgets to enhance their functionality. Understanding these widgets is key to optimizing your scanning experience.

Codex Scanner Widgets

• Data-Loom: Improves scan speed and reduces scan time, making the Codex Scanner more efficient.
• Cross-Matrix Widget: Increases the chance of a double scan, accelerating Codex completion.
• Sol-Battery Widget: Reduces scan camera shake, improving scan accuracy.
• Range Finder Widget: Increases scanner distance, helping to locate hidden containers easier.

Synthesis Scanner Widgets

• Data-Loom: Improves scan speed and reduces scan time, essential for rapid scanning.
• Capacity Widget: Increases the maximum number of charges the scanner can hold, extending its usability.
• Motion Sensor Widget: Detects nearby Synthesis targets, guiding you towards your objectives.
• Optical Potential Widget: Increases the chance of a double scan, accelerating Codex completion.

Comparative Widget Analysis

The Data-Loom is a universally beneficial widget, enhancing the scan speed of both scanners. For the Codex Scanner, the Cross-Matrix Widget is a must-have for efficient Codex completion. For the Synthesis Scanner, the Capacity Widget is crucial for minimizing downtime and maximizing scan opportunities. The Motion Sensor Widget is indispensable for quickly locating Synthesis targets, while the Optical Potential can also help with Codex completion.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Key Differences

• Speed: The Synthesis Scanner is generally faster, especially with the Data-Loom widget.
• Utility: The Codex Scanner offers more versatility for general exploration and resource gathering.
• Cost/Maintenance: The Codex Scanner is more economical in the long run due to its unlimited charges.
• Codex Completion: Both scanners contribute to Codex completion, but the Codex Scanner is primarily designed for this purpose.
• Simaris Standing: The Synthesis Scanner is essential for ranking up with Cephalon Simaris.

Scenarios: When to Use Each Scanner

• Filling out the Codex: Use the Codex Scanner, especially with the Cross-Matrix Widget.
• Synthesis Missions: Use the Synthesis Scanner, equipped with the Motion Sensor and Data-Loom widgets.
• Quickly Scanning for a Mission: The Synthesis Scanner is ideal for rapid scanning due to its speed.
• Resource Gathering: The Codex Scanner is preferable for its unlimited charges and ability to reveal hidden containers.
• Looking for Secret Containers: The Codex Scanner is the only option, especially with the Range Finder widget.

Conclusion

In the Warframe universe, the choice between the Synthesis Scanner and the Codex Scanner is not a matter of one being definitively “better” than the other. Each scanner serves a distinct purpose and excels in specific scenarios. The Codex Scanner, with its unlimited charges and Codex-focused functionality, is the ideal tool for general exploration, resource gathering, and completing Codex entries. On the other hand, the Synthesis Scanner is essential for Synthesis missions, gaining standing with Cephalon Simaris, and quickly scanning targets.

Ideally, every Warframe player should strive to have both scanners readily available. The ability to switch between them based on the task at hand significantly enhances your efficiency and overall enjoyment of the game. So, whether you’re delving into the lore of the Warframe universe or striving to rank up with Cephalon Simaris, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each scanner is crucial for maximizing your Warframe experience. Experiment with different widgets and find the combinations that best suit your playstyle. As Warframe continues to evolve, keep an eye out for potential updates or changes to these scanners, ensuring you remain equipped with the best tools for the job.