In the post-apocalyptic world of *Atomfall*, securing the right tools early on can make all the difference in your survival and exploration efforts. One indispensable tool 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 journey, maximizing your chances of finding valuable items to use and trade.
How the Metal Detector Works in Atomfall
Screenshot by The Escapist
The Metal Detector is a crucial tool in *Atomfall* that you'll want to keep in your inventory at all times. It's designed to detect metal caches filled with valuable items scattered throughout the game's expansive open world.
As you explore, you'll receive a ping from your Metal Detector, indicated by a tool icon in the bottom left corner of your screen. This signal means a cache is nearby. When it's safe, activate your Metal Detector using the designated hotkey.
The row of lights on the detector guides you towards the hidden cache. If the light sways to the left, you should turn left; if it sways to the right, turn right. Your goal is to follow the center light until the dial beneath the lights 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 the cache, then 'Search' it to claim the items inside.
Where to Find a Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall
Screenshot by The Escapist
In the initial stages of *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, but the cost might be prohibitive early in the game.
Instead, head east from Slatten Dale, staying close to the mountainside and avoiding the 'Water Wheels' compound, which is teeming with Outlaws. Minimizing early combat is key.
Screenshot by The Escapist
Continue east and then south until you reach a large, shallow pond at the 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 that can attack if you stay too long.
Approach the corpse and 'Search' it to find a working Metal Detector, yours for free. This early acquisition not only earns you the **'Detectorist' trophy/achievement** but also gives you a significant advantage in collecting free healing items, ammo, and other loot useful 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's how you can secure a free Metal Detector early in *Atomfall*, setting you up for a more successful and rewarding gameplay experience.
