How to scan objects quickly
Equip the Scanner, approach the target until the prompt is stable, hold the scan input, and stop if oxygen, predators, or route visibility turn bad. Scan value is highest when it unlocks a tool, base piece, vehicle recipe, biomod, facility clue, or clear creature entry.
What to scan first
Prioritize tools, Habitat Builder objects, vehicle fragments, terminals, recipe data cards, black box locations, useful fauna, and obvious flora/resources. Cosmetic or lore scans can wait until the route is safe.
Common mistakes
Do not chase a moving creature beyond your return line. Do not scan every decoration while carrying rare materials. In co-op, call out the scan target before everyone swims toward the same point.