In Warframe, the Simulacrum is a powerful testing ground that allows players to experiment with weapons, Warframe builds, and enemy interactions in a controlled environment. Many Tenno are eager to unlock this feature, especially as they begin to engage more deeply with game mechanics and optimization. Unlocking the Simulacrum is not automatic, and some players are unsure how to gain access to this important tool. If you’re looking to test your builds against high-level enemies or experiment with new mods without risking failure in actual missions, unlocking the Simulacrum is a must.
What Is the Simulacrum in Warframe?
An Overview of the Simulacrum
The Simulacrum is a virtual testing arena accessible through Cephalon Simaris. It allows players to spawn scanned enemies, simulate battles, and experiment with different loadouts. This tool is invaluable for both new and veteran players who want to understand how their weapons or Warframe abilities perform under various conditions.
Benefits of Using the Simulacrum
- Test damage builds without mission failure risk
- Analyze enemy weaknesses and resistances
- Train with new weapons or Warframes
- Compare mod setups side-by-side
- Use slow-motion or pause for deeper analysis
Step-by-Step Guide to Unlocking the Simulacrum
Step 1: Visit Cephalon Simaris
Cephalon Simaris is located in any Relay on the Star Chart. To begin your journey toward unlocking the Simulacrum, you need to visit the Sanctuary, which can be accessed through a portal inside a Relay.
- Enter a Relay via the Star Chart (such as Larunda on Mercury or Kronia on Saturn)
- Head to the back of the Relay and enter the Sanctuary portal
- Approach Cephalon Simaris at the terminal
Step 2: Accumulate Standing with Cephalon Simaris
The Simulacrum is not free you must purchase the Simulacrum Access Key from Simaris using Standing, the currency earned by scanning enemies for the Syndicate. Standing can only be earned while actively affiliated with Cephalon Simaris, and there is a daily cap depending on your Mastery Rank.
How to Earn Simaris Standing:
- Equip the Synthesis Scanner (purchased from Simaris)
- Scan enemies during missions using the Scanner
- Complete daily Synthesis tasks assigned by Simaris
- Avoid killing enemies before scanning them for maximum efficiency
Accumulating around 50,000 Standing is typically enough to afford the Simulacrum Key. Be sure to check the exact cost in the offerings section of Simaris’ menu.
Step 3: Purchase the Simulacrum Access Key
Once you’ve earned enough Standing, navigate to the Offerings menu in Simaris’s interface. Here you will find various items, including weapon blueprints, mods, and the Simulacrum Access Key. Purchase the key to gain permanent access to the testing zone.
- Open Simaris menu
- Select Offerings
- Scroll to find Simulacrum Access Key
- Spend the required Standing to unlock it
After purchase, the key is automatically added to your account, and you can access the Simulacrum at any time by returning to any Relay and entering the Sanctuary.
Step 4: Scan Enemies for Use in Simulacrum
Unlocking the Simulacrum is only the beginning. You also need to scan enemies to be able to spawn them within the arena. This makes your Synthesis Scanner even more important.
Important Notes:
- You must scan enemies with the Synthesis Scanner (not the regular Codex Scanner)
- Enemies must be scanned until their scan meter is full
- Scanned enemies will appear in your Simulacrum spawn menu
Each enemy type must be scanned individually. For example, scanning a Lancer will not unlock the Elite Lancer or Eximus versions. Build a diverse enemy roster to maximize your testing capabilities.
Advanced Features of the Simulacrum
Customizing the Test Environment
Once inside the Simulacrum, players can choose how many enemies to spawn, their level, and whether they respawn after defeat. This makes the Simulacrum ideal for experimenting with crowd control tactics, AOE damage, or high-level scaling.
- Select enemy type from your scanned list
- Set enemy level from 1 to 190+
- Choose how many enemies to spawn
- Toggle enemy AI on or off
Testing Weapon Builds
The Simulacrum is especially useful for evaluating weapon performance with different mod combinations. You can freely change your loadout and observe how elemental mods, crit builds, or status effects impact enemy health.
Using Warframe Abilities
Want to know if a Warframe’s crowd control scales with enemy level? The Simulacrum is the perfect place to find out. You can cast abilities repeatedly and test various augment mods without mission interruptions.
Tips for Efficient Use of the Simulacrum
Scan As You Play
Always bring your Synthesis Scanner when farming or running regular missions. Building up your enemy catalog will gradually increase the Simulacrum’s utility. Focus on enemies you face frequently or those with unusual resistances.
Test Before You Forma
Before applying Forma to weapons or Warframes, test the build in the Simulacrum. This helps you avoid wasting resources on setups that don’t work as expected.
Compare Different Warframes
If you’re unsure which Warframe to invest in next, test their base kits in the Simulacrum. This gives you a feel for their playstyle and effectiveness without entering a full mission.
Common Issues and Solutions
Simulacrum Access Key Not Showing Up
If you can’t find the Simulacrum key in Simaris’s offerings, double-check that you have the correct amount of Standing. If it still doesn’t appear, make sure the game is updated and that you’re accessing the offerings from a Relay Sanctuary.
Enemies Not Appearing in the Simulacrum
If some enemies are missing from your Simulacrum list, it’s likely because you haven’t fully scanned them with a Synthesis Scanner. Remember, partial scans or scans with the Codex Scanner do not count.
Standing Cap Reached
If you’re unable to earn more Standing, you’ve hit your daily cap. This cap increases with your Mastery Rank, so leveling up will allow you to farm Standing more efficiently in the future.
The Simulacrum in Warframe is an essential tool for players who want to push their builds to the limit, experiment freely, and understand the intricacies of combat mechanics. Unlocking it requires interacting with Cephalon Simaris, scanning enemies, and accumulating Standing but the reward is a permanent, customizable testing ground. Once unlocked, the Simulacrum becomes an invaluable part of your Warframe experience, helping you refine your loadouts, improve your combat knowledge, and enjoy the game at a deeper level.