NieR Automata: Scanner - how to use it? NieR Automata guide, tips

Last update: 09 August 2021

On this page of the NieR Automata game guide you will learn how to unlock the scanner, how to set the scanner as an active gadget and how to use the scanner correctly to find unique hidden loot.

The scanner is a very useful gadget in NieR Automata that is used to locate hidden loot, which may contain some unique items. This gadget is not available from the beginning of the game. You must reach Chapter 8 in Route A before you can encounter Popola and Devola back in the Resistance Camp and ask the women to hand over the scanner.

The good news is that, for the remainder of the campaign, the scanner will remain in the character's equipment. Even if you, for example, progress to Route B, you will be able to use it from the very first chapter.

The scanner is a pod program called A170: Scanner. This means that you must set it as an active program (special ability) for one of the pods you own - go to the Skills menu and then select Pod Programs.

It is a good idea to have more than one unlocked pod so that you still have the option to use offensive programs. We described the locations of the remaining pods on the All pods - how to unlock? page. Optimally, you should have 1 pod with the Scanner program installed and 2 other pods with different active programs in order to be able to switch between them quickly (by pressing the left and right directional buttons).

You will need to hold down the L1 button to use the scanner (i.e. the button that activates the pod program) and it works like a sonar - it scans the surrounding area using ultrasonic waves and the sounds it makes will increase in frequency when near some hidden treasure. You should react to these signals and search the nearby area.

Once you're close enough to the treasure, a sort of cone will appear and the treasure will be unveiled. Don't let go of the L1 button or the treasure may disappear again. Press the interact button to investigate the object you found.

Hidden treasures can contain both regular loot and unique items, which can't be found during normal exploration. Once you have acquired the scanner, you can re-explore all the locations you have already discovered or leave this for later or until you begin Route B, since during this path, the location of hidden treasures will not change.

The scanner is also required to complete certain quest objectives. In Chapter 8, you will need to use it to, for example, scan several characters.