Warframe Scanners: Synthesis Scanner vs. Codex Scanner – Which is Best?

Introduction

In the vast and dynamic world of Warframe, knowledge truly is power. The Tenno, ancient warriors awakened to fight against oppressive forces, rely on information to survive and thrive. Gathering data on enemies, flora, and the environment is not merely an academic exercise; it’s a crucial element of progression, resource acquisition, and unlocking the rich lore that permeates the game. This vital process is primarily accomplished through the use of scanners, handheld devices that record information into the Codex, a repository of all things Warframe.

While several tools exist for extracting information, two scanners stand out as the primary choices for most Tenno: the Codex Scanner and the Synthesis Scanner. Both serve the fundamental purpose of scanning, but they differ significantly in their functionality, cost, and overall utility. Understanding these differences is essential for optimizing your gameplay and making the most of your time exploring the Origin System.

This article delves into a comprehensive comparison of the Codex Scanner and the Synthesis Scanner, examining their individual strengths and weaknesses. We will explore how to acquire each scanner, their distinct functionalities, and the advantages each offers. Ultimately, we aim to determine which scanner reigns supreme for various playstyles and objectives, providing you with the knowledge to make an informed decision for your Warframe journey. While the Codex Scanner provides a readily accessible starting point, the Synthesis Scanner’s unique features offer greater long-term benefits for players dedicated to scanning for the Codex and beyond.

Codex Scanner: The Basics

Every Tenno begins their journey equipped with the Codex Scanner. It is not acquired through crafting or purchase, but automatically available. The Codex Scanner, visually simplistic and unassuming, is a tool designed for one primary purpose: filling the Codex. By aiming the scanner at enemies, plants, or environmental objects and holding down the activation key, players can record detailed information about these subjects. Once a sufficient number of scans have been completed, the entry for that subject is unlocked in the Codex, revealing valuable data such as weaknesses, resistances, drop rates, and lore tidbits.

However, the Codex Scanner is not without its limitations. Perhaps the most significant drawback is its consumable nature. Each scan consumes one charge of the Codex Scanner. When charges are depleted, further scanning is impossible until additional scanners are purchased from the in-game market. This necessitates a constant expenditure of credits, a resource often needed for crafting and upgrades, just to maintain the ability to scan. The market price for a bundle of Codex Scanners, while not exorbitant, adds up over time, making it a recurring expense.

The User Interface is simple, providing a focus and a progress bar, but otherwise does not provide much information while using it.

Despite its drawbacks, the Codex Scanner offers the undeniable advantage of accessibility. Available to all players from the very beginning, it requires no prior effort or investment to acquire. Its simplicity makes it easy to use, providing a straightforward scanning process suitable for new players learning the ropes of Warframe.

Synthesis Scanner: Unlocking Potential

While the Codex Scanner serves as a basic scanning tool, the Synthesis Scanner represents a significant upgrade in terms of functionality and long-term value. Unlike its counterpart, acquiring the Synthesis Scanner requires a specific commitment to the enigmatic Cephalon Simaris, a unique character found in relays who seeks to archive and understand the universe.

To obtain the Synthesis Scanner, players must first interact with Cephalon Simaris. By completing daily Synthesis targets assigned by Simaris, players earn standing, a reputation currency specific to his faction. After accumulating a sufficient amount of standing, the Synthesis Scanner can be purchased from Simaris in exchange for both standing and credits. This initial investment might seem daunting to new players, but the benefits it unlocks far outweigh the effort required.

The Synthesis Scanner performs similarly to the Codex Scanner in filling Codex entries, but is also integral to many tasks set by Simaris.

The most significant advantage of the Synthesis Scanner is its unlimited use. Once purchased, the Synthesis Scanner requires no additional charges. Players can scan to their hearts’ content without ever needing to replenish their supplies. This single feature drastically reduces the credit expenditure associated with scanning, allowing players to allocate their resources elsewhere.

Furthermore, the Synthesis Scanner is visually distinct from the Codex Scanner, featuring a unique design and a different energy color. More importantly, the Synthesis Scanner can be upgraded via widgets that are purchased with Simaris standing. These widgets enhance the scanning process in several ways. Scan speed widgets drastically reduce the time required to complete a scan, making the process more efficient, especially when dealing with fast-moving targets. The Failsafe widget reduces the chance of alerting enemies during the scanning process, facilitating stealth scanning. The Sol-Battery widget enhances the affinity gained from scans.

With its unlimited use and customizable widgets, the Synthesis Scanner offers an unparalleled level of scanning efficiency. Its close ties to Cephalon Simaris and Sanctuary Onslaught provide added incentive for players who engage with Simaris’s unique content, giving it even more usefulness.

Detailed Comparison: Synthesis Scanner vs. Codex Scanner

To fully appreciate the differences between these two scanners, a detailed comparison is essential.

Scanning Speed

The Synthesis Scanner, even without any upgrades, boasts a noticeably faster scanning speed compared to the Codex Scanner. This difference becomes even more pronounced when equipped with scan speed widgets. The faster scanning speed reduces the vulnerability time when scanning enemies in combat and allows you to finish the scan before it is interrupted.

Cost and Availability

The Codex Scanner is readily available to all players from the start. However, it consumes charges that require credit costs over the long run. The Synthesis Scanner requires an initial investment of standing and credits, but it has no ongoing cost due to its unlimited use.

Upgrades

The Codex Scanner lacks any upgrade capability. The Synthesis Scanner can be upgraded with widgets improving stealth, speed and affinity gain. This gives the Synthesis Scanner considerable flexibility.

Stealth Scanning

The Synthesis Scanner is much better for stealth scanning, especially if you equip the stealth widgets. The Codex Scanner alerts nearby enemies more quickly, particularly when you scan them.

Utility

Both scanners serve to fill the Codex. The Synthesis Scanner also facilitates completion of content related to Cephalon Simaris.

Scanning Range

Both scanners have the same scanning range; it is moderate.

Visual Clarity

The Synthesis Scanner provides clearer audio and visual indication of a completed scan.

The following table sumarizes the points:

| Feature: | Codex Scanner | Synthesis Scanner |

| :————- | :——————————— | :————————————————– |

| Use: | Fill Codex | Simaris/Codex |

| Cost: | Credits per scan | Simaris Standing + initial credit cost |

| Speed: | Standard | Faster, Customizable |

| Unlimited Use: | No | Yes |

| Widgets: | No | Yes |

Situational Use Cases

The choice between the Codex Scanner and the Synthesis Scanner depends heavily on the individual player’s situation and goals.

New Players

For players just starting Warframe, the Codex Scanner is the most practical choice. It is readily available and allows them to immediately begin filling the Codex and learning about the game’s enemies and environments. The credit cost is not a major burden in the early game, and the convenience of having a scanner readily available outweighs the long-term cost.

Dedicated Completionists

Players focused on completing the Codex and maximizing their scanning efficiency should absolutely invest in the Synthesis Scanner. The unlimited use and customizable widgets make it the superior choice for dedicated scanning.

Simaris Enthusiasts

For players actively participating in Cephalon Simaris’ quests and Sanctuary Onslaught, the Synthesis Scanner is essential. Many of Simaris’ objectives require the use of the Synthesis Scanner, and its unlimited use and specialized widgets are invaluable for completing these tasks efficiently.

Resource Gathering

The Synthesis scanner can be used to scan resource nodes. While the Codex Scanner can do the same, the Synthesis Scanner makes the task far more convenient.

Tips and Tricks for Scanning

Effective scanning requires more than just pointing and clicking. Here are some tips and tricks to maximize your scanning potential:

Stealth Scanning

To scan enemies without alerting them, approach them cautiously and use stealth tactics. Crouch, move slowly, and avoid direct line of sight. Warframes with stealth abilities, such as Loki’s Invisibility or Ivara’s Prowl, are particularly well-suited for stealth scanning. Installing the stealth widget is also critical.

Using Warframe Abilities

Some Warframe abilities can aid in scanning. For example, Vauban’s Bastille can immobilize enemies, making them easy targets to scan. Frost’s Snow Globe can provide cover while scanning.

Location Strategies

Certain locations are ideal for scanning specific targets. Open-world environments, such as the Plains of Eidolon or the Orb Vallis, are teeming with wildlife that can be scanned. Defense missions are excellent for scanning large numbers of enemies.

Scanning Priority

Prioritize scanning targets that are rare or difficult to find. Focus on completing Codex entries for enemies that drop valuable resources or blueprints.

Conclusion

In the ongoing debate of Synthesis Scanner versus Codex Scanner, the Synthesis Scanner comes out ahead. While the Codex Scanner serves as a useful introductory tool, the Synthesis Scanner offers greater long-term value and efficiency due to its unlimited use, customizable widgets, and synergy with Cephalon Simaris.

For new players just starting their Warframe journey, the Codex Scanner serves as a readily available introduction to the mechanics of scanning. As players become more invested in the game and aim for complete Codex entries, the advantages of the Synthesis Scanner become more pronounced. Dedicated players focused on completing Simaris’ tasks or maximizing their scanning efficiency will find the Synthesis Scanner to be an indispensable tool.

Ultimately, the choice between the two scanners depends on your playstyle and objectives. However, if you are serious about scanning in Warframe, investing in the Synthesis Scanner is a worthwhile investment that will significantly enhance your experience and save you credits in the long run. Embrace the role of a Tenno scholar, armed with knowledge and the right tools to uncover the secrets of the Origin System.