How to Use the Hand Scanner

The Hand Scanner is a tool in Starfield that allows players to scan flora, fauna, and resources in order to survey a planet. Read on to learn how to scan, how to make survey progress, and how to get the hand scanner!

What Is The Hand Scanner?

A Surveying Tool

The scanner is a tool that grants access to an “alternate view” wherein players can view details about flora, fauna, and resources they're facing towards.

In this viewing mode, players can see details such as the flora or fauna's resources, temperament, genetics, reproduction, biomes, and even their health!

Players will also be able to use the scanner as a measure of how many more species they need to scan in order to 100% survey a planet and receive corresponding rewards.

Resource Tracker

The tracking icons above appear to be waypoints, but we imagine the resource tracking mechanic to be somewhat similar.

The Hand Scanner can also be used as a resource tracker if the player has invested skill points into the Scavenging skill tree.

This allows the scanner to highlight any resources you have selected, making farming and gathering materials much more convenient.

Scavenging Skill Rank Up Guide

Shows a Breadcrumb Trail If a Mission is Active

If you have an active mission, you can use the Hand Scanner to show you a breadcrumb trail that leads you to the location of the objective. This comes in handy if you get stuck during a mission or if you need to fast travel without having to open the map menu.

What to Do If You Get Stuck

How to Scan Plants and Creatures

Hand Scanner Controls

Hand Scanner Button Controls
F Key	Left Bumper
PC Controls	XBOX Controls

These are are the speculated default key bindings for activating the Hand Scanner.

Scan Flora, Fauna, and Resources

With the Hand Scanner activated, aim your reticle at the subject that you are attempting to scan and press the designated scan button to begin scanning the target.

Remember that some flora and fauna will take multiple scans before becoming 100% scanned, so both dilligence and persistence is required whenever attempting to 100% survey planets.

How to Get the Hand Scanner

After Landing at Kreet Research Base

You can gain access to the Hand Scanner once you land at the Kreet Research Base during the One Small Step main quest.

One Small Step Walkthrough and Rewards

Starfield Related Guides

Tips and Tricks

All Tips and Tricks