How to Get Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall

In *Atomfall*, mastering the art of exploration and survival hinges on acquiring the best tools early on. One indispensable tool is the Metal Detector, which can significantly boost your ability to find valuable items for personal use or barter. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to secure a free Metal Detector early in your adventure.

How the Metal Detector Works in Atomfall

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 navigate the landscape, your Metal Detector will occasionally ping, indicated by an icon in the bottom left corner of your screen. This signal means a cache is nearby. When it's safe, quickly access your Metal Detector using the designated hotkey.

The detector features a row of lights that guide you toward the hidden cache. If the light leans to the left, you should turn left. Conversely, if it leans to the right, steer right. Your goal is to follow the center light until the dial beneath the lights hits its peak frequency (10).

Once all the lights blink simultaneously, you've pinpointed the cache's location. Use the 'Dig' option to uncover the cache and then 'Search' it to collect the items inside.

Where to Find a Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall

During your initial hours in *Atomfall*, you'll encounter various trader NPCs willing to barter. Reg Stansfield, located in the Slate Mine Caves in Slatten Dale, has a Metal Detector in his inventory from the game's outset. However, the cost might be prohibitive at this early stage.

Instead, head east from Slatten Dale, staying 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 center of this pond, on a rocky outcrop, you'll find an Outlaw corpse. Be cautious, as the pond is home to aggressive leeches.

Approach the corpse and 'Search' it to claim a functional Metal Detector at no cost. This early acquisition not only grants you the **'Detectorist' trophy/achievement** but also gives you a significant edge in gathering free healing items, ammo, and other loot for bartering.

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

This guide wraps up how to obtain a free Metal Detector early in *Atomfall*, setting you on the path to a more rewarding gameplay experience.