"Atomfall: How to Obtain a Free Metal Detector Early"

In the challenging world of *Atomfall*, securing essential tools like the Metal Detector early on can significantly enhance your survival and exploration experience. This guide will walk you through obtaining a free Metal Detector in the initial stages of your gameplay, ensuring you have a valuable asset to locate hidden caches filled with useful items.

How the Metal Detector Works in Atomfall

Metal Detector indication in Atomfall

Screenshot by The Escapist

The Metal Detector in *Atomfall* is an indispensable tool that you'll want to keep in your inventory at all times. It helps you detect metal caches scattered throughout the game's expansive world. As you navigate the environment, you'll receive a ping from the Metal Detector, indicated by an icon in the bottom left corner of your screen, signaling that a cache is nearby. To use it, press the hotkey to equip the Metal Detector.

The device features a row of lights that guide you towards the cache. If the lights sway to the left, adjust your path to the left; if they sway to the right, move right. Your goal is to follow the center light until the dial reaches its peak frequency of 10. When all the lights blink simultaneously, you've pinpointed the cache's location. Use the 'Dig' option to uncover the cache and then 'Search' it to collect the items inside.

Metal Detector cache in Atomfall

Screenshot by The Escapist

Where to Find a Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall

Corpse with free Metal Detector in Atomfall

Screenshot by The Escapist

During your early exploration in *Atomfall*, you'll encounter various trader NPCs offering items for barter. One such trader, Reg Stansfield, located in the Slate Mine Caves in Slatten Dale, has a Metal Detector available from the start. However, purchasing it might be beyond your means at this stage of the game.

Instead, head east from Slatten Dale, staying close to the mountainside and avoiding the 'Water Wheels' compound, which is teeming with Outlaws. Your aim is to minimize early combat encounters.

Free Metal Detector location in Atomfall

Screenshot by The Escapist

Continue your journey eastward and then south until you reach a large, shallow pond at the coordinates **(29.1E, 73.9N)**. In the center of this pond, you'll find an Outlaw corpse on a rocky outcrop. Be cautious of the carnivorous leeches in the water, as they can be hazardous.

Approach the corpse and use the 'Search' option to claim a free Metal Detector. This early acquisition not only grants you the **‘Detectorist’ trophy/achievement** but also gives you a significant advantage in gathering free healing items, ammunition, and other valuable loot for bartering. Additionally, using the Metal Detector can help you unlock other achievements like **‘Where there’s much there’s brass’** (Find 10 metal detector caches) and **‘Packed lunch’** (Find 5 buried lunchboxes).

With this guide, you're now equipped to obtain a free Metal Detector early in *Atomfall*, enhancing your ability to explore and thrive in this post-apocalyptic world.