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How to follow Scanner Distortions in the Into the Unknown quest in Starfield

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By Joel Franey last updated 31 March 2026

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Starfield scanner distortions
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Following the scanner distortions in Starfield for the Into the Unknown quest will eventually lead you to a mysterious temple. I say 'eventually' as it's a pretty unclear objective that doesn't really explain the subtle distortions that you're looking for. Once you do know, this task becomes much easier, but is still pretty tedious as you wander, following wherever the pulsing scanner interface is trying to lead you. After this intial mission the mechanic pops up a lot throughout Starfield too, so here's how to follow the distortions on the scanner in Starfield to find what you're looking for.

How to follow scanner distortions in Starfield

Starfield scanner distortions

(Image credit: Bethesda)

To follow scanner distortions in Starfield you need to equip the scanner (LB) and then sweep it in a circle around you. As you do you'll see distortions where the outer ring of the scanner breaks up a bit like static. You can see an example in the image above.

More Starfield guides

Starfield FOV
Starfield persuasion
Starfield XP farm
Starfield outposts
Starfield survey data

When this happens you'll want to zero your scanner in on the direction where the distortions are strongest, and then start walking in that direction. As you move the distortion might weaken, in which case you'll want to look around and find the strongest signal again. Eventually this will lead you to what you're actually looking for - a temple made from black stone, with ringed alien designs that match the Artifacts you've found. Once you get close enough the game will register the temple as your objective, placing a marker on the door.

Article continues below
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Remember this process, as there are other hidden Temples found in the same way - following a gravitational distortion to a planet's surface, then using scanner distortions to home in on the Temple itself. Once you get inside a temple, you need to complete the Starfield temple puzzle within to unlock its reward.

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Joel Franey is a writer, journalist, podcaster and Very Tired Man with a BA from Brunel University, a Masters from Sussex University and a decade working in games journalism, often focused on guides coverage but also in reviews, features and news. His love of games is strongest when it comes to groundbreaking narratives like Disco Elysium, UnderTale and Baldur's Gate 3, as well as innovative or refined gameplay experiences like XCOM, Sifu, Arkham Asylum or Slay the Spire. He is a firm believer that the vast majority of games would be improved by adding a grappling hook, and if they already have one, they should probably add another just to be safe. You can find old work of his at Eurogamer, Gfinity, USgamer, SFX Magazine, RPS, Dicebreaker, VG247, and more.

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