In *Atomfall*, securing the right tools early can significantly enhance your survival and exploration experience. The Metal Detector is a prime example, enabling you to uncover valuable items that can be used or traded. Here's your guide to obtaining a free Metal Detector early in the game.
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 journey. It alerts you to metal caches brimming with useful items scattered across the expansive game world.
While exploring, keep an eye on the bottom left corner of your screen for the Metal Detector's ping, indicated by a tool icon. When you receive a ping, and if the area is safe, equip the Metal Detector using the designated hotkey.
The device features a row of lights that guide you toward the hidden cache. A sway to the left means you should turn left, and a sway to the right indicates a right turn. Your goal is to follow the center light until the dial reaches its peak frequency of 10.
Screenshot by The Escapist
When all the lights blink simultaneously, you've pinpointed the cache's location. Use the 'Dig' option to unearth it, followed by 'Search' to collect the items inside.
Where to Find Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall
Screenshot by The Escapist
In the initial stages of *Atomfall*, you'll encounter trader NPCs willing to barter items. Reg Stansfield in the Slate Mine Caves of Slatten Dale offers a Metal Detector, but its price might be beyond your early-game budget.
Instead, head east from Slatten Dale, staying close to the mountainside and bypassing the 'Water Wheels' compound, which is teeming with Outlaws. Avoiding combat early on is advisable.
Screenshot by The Escapist
Continue east and then south to reach a large, shallow pond at coordinates **(29.1E, 73.9N)**. Look for an Outlaw corpse on a rocky outcrop in the pond's center, but beware of the carnivorous leeches that inhabit the water.
Approach the corpse and 'Search' it to claim your free Metal Detector. This early acquisition not only earns you the **'Detectorist' trophy/achievement** but also gives you a significant advantage in gathering free healing items, ammo, and other loot for bartering.
Additionally, using the Metal Detector can help you unlock other in-game achievements like **'Where there's much there's brass'** (Find 10 metal detector caches) and **'Packed lunch'** (Find 5 buried lunchboxes).
That wraps up your guide on securing a free Metal Detector early in *Atomfall*. Equipped with this tool, you're set to explore and thrive in the game's challenging environment.
