"Atomfall: Get Free Metal Detector Early - Guide"

When embarking on your journey in *Atomfall*, securing the best tools early can significantly enhance your survival and exploration experience. One of the most valuable tools you'll want to get your hands on as soon as possible is the Metal Detector. This guide will walk you through how to obtain a free Metal Detector early in your playthrough, helping you uncover valuable items to use and trade.

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 roam the expansive open world, this device will alert you to nearby metal caches brimming with useful items.

While exploring, keep an eye on the bottom left corner of your screen for the Metal Detector icon, signaling a ping. When it appears, if the area is safe, quickly equip your Metal Detector using the designated hotkey. The row of lights on the detector will guide you toward the hidden cache. If the lights sway to the left, adjust your direction to the left; if they sway to the right, turn right.

Your goal is to follow the center light until the dial beneath the lights hits its peak frequency at 10. 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 collect the items inside.

Where to Find Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall

In your initial hours of exploring *Atomfall*, you'll encounter various trader NPCs willing to barter. Reg Stansfield in the Slate Mine Caves in Slatten Dale has a Metal Detector available early on, but the cost might be prohibitive for a new player.

Instead, head east from Slatten Dale, hugging the mountainside and avoiding the 'Water Wheels' compound, which is overrun with Outlaws. Minimize combat to stay safe and conserve resources.

Continue your journey east and then south until you reach a large, shallow pond at coordinates **(29.1E, 73.9N)**. You'll find an Outlaw corpse on a rocky outcrop in the middle of the pond. Be cautious of the carnivorous leeches in the water that can harm you if you stay too long.

Approach the corpse and 'Search' it to claim a working Metal Detector at no cost. This early acquisition will earn you the **‘Detectorist’ trophy/achievement**. Having a Metal Detector at this stage in the game gives you a significant edge in gathering free healing items, ammo, and other loot that's great for bartering.

Additionally, using the Metal Detector can help you unlock other trophies/achievements such as **‘Where there’s much there’s brass’** (Find 10 metal detector caches) and **‘Packed lunch’** (Find 5 buried lunchboxes).

That wraps up our guide on how to obtain a free Metal Detector early in *Atomfall*. Equip yourself with this essential tool and start uncovering the game's hidden treasures!