"Early Atomfall Guide: Obtain Free Metal Detector"

In the post-apocalyptic world of *Atomfall*, securing essential tools early on can significantly enhance your survival and exploration efforts. Among these tools, the Metal Detector stands out as a crucial asset for uncovering valuable items scattered throughout the game's expansive environment. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to acquire a free Metal Detector early in your journey.

How Metal Detector Works in Atomfall

Screenshot by The Escapist

The Metal Detector is an indispensable tool in *Atomfall* that you'll want to hold onto throughout your adventure. When equipped in your inventory, it actively scans for metal caches hidden across the game's open world.

As you navigate the terrain, keep an eye on the bottom left corner of your screen for the Metal Detector's ping, indicated by a tool icon. This signal alerts you to the proximity of a nearby cache. When it's safe, activate your Metal Detector using the designated hotkey.

The device features a row of lights that guide you toward the cache. A light swaying to the left indicates you should turn left, while a right sway means you should turn right. Your goal is to follow the center light until the dial beneath it reaches its peak frequency at 10.

Screenshot by The Escapist

When all the lights blink simultaneously, you've pinpointed the cache's location. Use the 'Dig' option to unearth the cache, then 'Search' it to claim the items inside.

Where to Find Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall

Screenshot by The Escapist

During the initial hours of exploring *Atomfall*, you'll encounter various trader NPCs willing to barter. One such trader, Reg Stansfield, located in the Slate Mine Caves in Slatten Dale, offers a Metal Detector. However, the price might be too steep for early-game resources.

Instead, head east from Slatten Dale, sticking close to the mountainside and bypassing the 'Water Wheels' compound, which is overrun with Outlaws. Minimizing early combat encounters will keep you safer and more focused on your goal.

Screenshot by The Escapist

Continue eastward and then southward until you reach a large, shallow pond at coordinates **(29.1E, 73.9N)**. In the center of this pond, you'll find an Outlaw corpse resting on a rocky outcrop. Be cautious of the carnivorous leeches in the water; they can pose a threat if you stay too long.

Approach the corpse and use the 'Search' option to retrieve a functional Metal Detector. This early acquisition not only grants you the **'Detectorist' trophy/achievement** but also provides a significant advantage in collecting free healing items, ammunition, and other loot useful for bartering.

Additionally, using the Metal Detector can help you unlock other achievements, such as **'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 find a free Metal Detector early in *Atomfall*, enhancing your chances of survival and success in the game's challenging world.