During the main story mission Into the Unknown in Starfield, players encounter a unique and somewhat cryptic objective that tasks them with tracking down anomalies. The game requests that you track gravitational anomalies using your hand-held equipment, but it offers very little initial direction on how to read the interface. Master this mechanic early because it will become a recurring theme as you explore the vast galaxy and hunt for hidden cosmic secrets.
How to Read Scanner Anomalies
To begin your search, land at the designated mission marker on the planet surface and equip your standard scanning tool. Stand in an open area and slowly rotate your character in a full circle while watching the outer ring of the targeting reticle. You are looking for subtle visual glitching, static, or flickering lines that appear on the UI border when facing a specific compass point.
When the distortion effect becomes prominent, align your view directly toward the strongest signal and start moving forward. If you notice the interface returning to normal, stop walking and adjust your camera to find the jittery feedback once again. Consistent tracking ensures you stay on the correct path without getting lost in the barren wilderness.
Locating the Mysterious Black Stone Temple
As you follow the erratic signal across the terrain, you will eventually notice a massive structure rising on the horizon. This specialized building is constructed from distinctive black stone and features prominent rotating alien rings near its perimeter. Once you get sufficiently close to the massive structure, your active objective log will automatically update to reveal the precise entryway.
Many players mistake small localized anomalies for the ultimate destination, which can lead to unnecessary wandering. Always prioritize the primary structure since entering the facility is mandatory for progressing the main narrative. Finding the threshold marks the final phase of your terrestrial tracking journey.
Troubleshooting Common Tracking Bugs
Some players report instances where the scanner fails to show any static feedback despite being in the correct landing zone. If this hitch occurs, returning to your ship, flying into orbit, and selecting the distinct landing point again usually resets the environment. Disembarking from the ship after a clean reload typically forces the visual anomalies to render correctly.
Another reliable fix involves unassigning your current companions from the crew menu before setting foot on the planet surface. Removing active followers temporarily eliminates scripting conflicts that sometimes halt quest progress entirely. Taking these quick precautionary steps saves hours of aimless exploration on bugged worlds.
Completing the Internal Gravity Puzzle
Once you step inside the dark chamber, the local gravity will shift completely, allowing your character to float freely through the air. Look around the center of the room to spot small, concentrated clusters of spinning ambient light that manifest briefly before moving. You must quickly navigate your character directly through these glowing pockets to trigger the ancient mechanism.
Each successful collection increases the speed of the massive metallic rings spinning in the center of the chamber. Continue targeting the lights rapidly before they dissipate into the surrounding shadows. When the portal stabilizes completely, fly directly into the center ring to claim your cosmic reward and finish the quest.
