How to Follow Scanner Distortions in Starfield

There comes a point in the main story of Starfield where you have to locate some distortions using your trusty scanner. The only problem is the game doesn’t explain how to do this well, and it is a finicky process to deal with during “Into the Unknown.” Fortunately, I have your back when it comes to these Starfield scanner distortions.

How to Locate Scanner Distortions and Anomalies in Starfield

During the main story mission in Starfield “Into the Unknown,” players encounter their first scanner distortion and anomaly. The game tells you to find the distortion’s origin, but doesn’t offer much help on how to do this.

What you want to do is first visit the planet where the distortion is found and land near its marker. While on the ground, pull up your scanner (LB for controller players), stand still, and then start rotating around in a circle slowly.

Pay close attention to the large white circle reticle near the middle of your screen. It has a thin white border but this border will distort and turn red in some parts when you are looking in the direction of a distortion, which is what we want to do here.

The goal is to slowly rotate around until you find one of these distortions. Hone in on the general direction it is in and then start heading in that direction. It is easy to veer off of the intended path so always move your scanner around if you stop seeing the distorted lines on the border of your scanner.

Keep your scanner up while you do this and continue following the path until the game notifies you that are you near the source of the disturbance. This is usually in the form of a temple, such as the one you encounter in the Into the Unknown main story quest.

Starfield is available for the Xbox Series X and PC.