In Warframe, the Simulacrum is a powerful testing environment that allows players to experiment with weapons, Warframes, builds, and enemies in a controlled setting. It’s particularly useful for min-maxing damage output, testing mod synergies, and practicing against high-level foes. However, for newer players or even intermediate ones, figuring out how to access the Simulacrum can be a bit confusing. Unlocking this tool involves more than just progressing through the star chart it requires a specific item and a visit to a particular faction hub. Understanding how to get into the Simulacrum can save you time and enhance your gameplay knowledge.
What Is the Simulacrum in Warframe?
Overview and Purpose
The Simulacrum is a virtual simulation room where Tenno can summon almost any enemy they’ve scanned during their gameplay. This space is mainly used for:
- Testing Warframe builds and ability synergy
- Checking weapon damage output under various conditions
- Practicing strategies against specific enemies
- Comparing mods and damage types in real time
It’s an invaluable feature for anyone who wants to dive deeper into the mechanics of Warframe, optimize builds, or simply experiment without the stress of real missions.
Requirements to Access the Simulacrum
Purchase the Simulacrum Access Key
Before you can enter the Simulacrum, you need a special item: the Simulacrum Access Key. This key can be obtained from a specific Syndicate called Cephalon Simaris. To buy it, you must:
- Visit a Relay station (any Relay on the star chart)
- Find Cephalon Simaris, usually located near the Sanctuary area of the Relay
- Use standing earned with Simaris to purchase the Simulacrum Access Key
The key costs 50,000 standing, which may seem like a lot for newer players. However, standing can be earned steadily by completing daily targets for Simaris and scanning enemies during missions.
Join Cephalon Simaris
If you haven’t already interacted with Cephalon Simaris, you need to initiate that connection. Just speak to him at a Relay and accept his introductory quest. After this, you’ll start building standing with him and can access his offerings.
How to Earn Simaris Standing
Daily Synthesis Targets
The primary way to earn Simaris standing is through daily synthesis tasks. Cephalon Simaris will assign you a specific enemy to scan and synthesize. To do this, you’ll need a Synthesis Scanner (also purchased from Simaris) and special Synthesis Beacons. Once you complete the scan, you’ll earn a significant chunk of standing.
Scanning Enemies
Outside of daily targets, you can also earn standing by scanning regular enemies using the Synthesis Scanner. Make sure to scan enemies that haven’t been scanned before or that provide higher standing value. This helps you build up enough standing to purchase the Simulacrum key more quickly.
Using the Simulacrum Access Key
Where to Enter the Simulacrum
Once you’ve bought the Simulacrum Access Key, it will appear in your Equipment >Keys & Drones section. However, you don’t need to equip it like traditional mission keys. To enter the Simulacrum:
- Head back to any Relay station
- Go to the Sanctuary, where Cephalon Simaris is located
- Look for a glowing panel next to Simaris’ area labeled Access Simulacrum
- Interact with the panel to teleport into the Simulacrum room
From here, you can begin spawning enemies and testing out your gear immediately.
How to Spawn Enemies
In the Simulacrum, you can summon enemies that you have scanned at least once. The more scans you’ve completed of a given enemy type, the more likely they are to appear in your list. To spawn enemies:
- Open the enemy spawn menu
- Select the enemy type you want
- Choose the level range, up to level 190
- Spawn them on the simulation field
You can also toggle behavior settings like enemy AI (aggressive or passive), invincibility (on/off for testing survivability), and more.
Tips for Using the Simulacrum Effectively
Test Mods and Weapon Builds
Use this opportunity to try out different mod combinations without risk. Whether you’re adjusting elemental damage or changing your critical build, the Simulacrum offers instant results with zero penalty.
Practice New Warframes
If you’ve recently acquired a new Warframe and are unfamiliar with their abilities, the Simulacrum is the perfect place to learn without the pressure of a real mission.
Compare Weapon DPS
Want to know which of your weapons hits harder? Spawn high-level enemies and compare time-to-kill under consistent conditions. This is especially helpful when choosing between similar weapon types.
Check Status Effects
The Simulacrum also lets you observe how status effects like viral, heat, corrosive, or slash apply over time, helping you make informed decisions about mod setups and elemental combinations.
Limitations of the Simulacrum
Enemy AI and Behavior
While you can toggle enemy AI on or off, the Simulacrum does not perfectly replicate mission conditions. For example, enemies don’t behave as dynamically as they would in open-world or mobile defense missions. Still, it offers a useful approximation.
Not All Enemies Are Available
You can only summon enemies you have scanned at least once. If you haven’t scanned a specific boss or rare unit, they won’t appear in your Simulacrum spawn list. To expand your testing possibilities, keep scanning enemies during your missions.
No Resource or Affinity Gain
The Simulacrum is strictly a testing ground. You won’t gain any loot, affinity (XP), or standing while fighting in this environment. Use it only for testing purposes, not farming.
Benefits of the Simulacrum for Advanced Players
Build Theorycrafting
High-level players often use the Simulacrum to theorycraft endgame builds. They experiment with Prime mods, Arcanes, and faction bonuses to find the most efficient damage output for Steel Path or Eidolon hunts.
Testing Companion and Sentinel Setups
Players can also test companion damage, healing abilities, and sentinel utility without the hassle of deploying into multiple missions.
Experimenting With Helminth Abilities
When experimenting with Helminth-infused abilities, the Simulacrum gives you a risk-free way to gauge the performance of mixed abilities on any Warframe.
Accessing the Simulacrum in Warframe is a milestone for any player looking to master the game’s deeper mechanics. By purchasing the Simulacrum Access Key from Cephalon Simaris and utilizing the simulation room effectively, players gain the ability to test weapons, builds, and Warframe abilities in a safe, customizable environment. Whether you’re just curious or planning for high-level content, the Simulacrum remains one of the most useful tools Warframe has to offer. Keep scanning, keep experimenting, and use this powerful feature to enhance your performance across every mission in the Origin System.