How to Get Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall

In *Atomfall*, having the right tools early on can significantly boost your survival and exploration efforts. One essential tool you'll want to acquire as soon as possible is the Metal Detector, which helps you locate valuable caches scattered throughout the game's world. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to obtain a Metal Detector for free early in your playthrough.

How Metal Detector Works in Atomfall

The Metal Detector is an indispensable tool in *Atomfall* that you'll want to keep in your inventory at all times. As you explore the vast open world, the Metal Detector will alert you to nearby metal caches filled with useful items.

When you're close to a cache, your Metal Detector will ping, indicated by an icon in the bottom left corner of your screen. If it's safe, use the designated hotkey to activate your Metal Detector. The row of lights on the device will guide you towards the cache. If the lights sway to the left, you should turn left; if they sway to the right, turn right.

Follow the center light until the dial beneath it reaches its peak frequency (10). When all the lights blink simultaneously, you've pinpointed the exact location of the cache. Use the 'Dig' option to unearth it, then 'Search' to claim the items inside.

Where to Find a Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall

Early in *Atomfall*, you'll encounter trader NPCs willing to barter. For instance, Reg Stansfield in the Slate Mine Caves in Slatten Dale offers a Metal Detector, but the cost might be prohibitive at the start of the game.

Instead, head east from Slatten Dale, keeping close to the mountainside and avoiding the 'Water Wheels' compound, which is teeming with Outlaws. Minimizing combat early on is key.

Continue east and then south until you reach a large, shallow pond at coordinates **(29.1E, 73.9N)**. In the middle of the pond, on a rocky outcrop, you'll find an Outlaw corpse. Be cautious of the carnivorous leeches in the water.

Search the corpse to find a working Metal Detector, which you can take for free. This early acquisition not only earns you the **'Detectorist' trophy/achievement** but also gives you a significant advantage in collecting healing items, ammo, and other loot useful 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).

This guide covers how to secure a free Metal Detector early in *Atomfall*, setting you up for a more successful and rewarding gameplay experience.