"Atomfall: Get Your Free Metal Detector Early"

When it comes to exploring and surviving in *Atomfall*, securing the best tools early on can give you a significant edge. One such tool is the Metal Detector, which can help you uncover valuable items for use and trade. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to obtain a free Metal Detector early in your gameplay.

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 useful items scattered throughout the game's vast open world. When you're exploring, you'll receive a ping from your Metal Detector, indicated by the tool icon in the bottom left corner of your screen. This signal means a cache is nearby. If it's safe, use the hotkey to activate your Metal Detector.

The device features a row of lights that guide you toward the hidden cache. If the lights sway to the left, you should turn left; if they sway to the right, turn right. Your goal is to follow the center light until the dial beneath the lights hits the highest frequency (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 a Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall

In the initial stages of *Atomfall*, you'll encounter several trader NPCs willing to barter. Reg Stansfield in the Slate Mine Caves in Slatten Dale offers a Metal Detector, but trading for it might be too costly at the start of your journey.

Instead, head east from Slatten Dale, staying close to the mountainside to avoid the Outlaw-infested 'Water Wheels' compound. Minimizing early combat encounters is key. Continue east then south until you reach a large, shallow pond at coordinates **(29.1E, 73.9N)**. In the middle of this pond, on a rocky outcrop, you'll find an Outlaw corpse. Beware of the carnivorous leeches in the water; they can be a nuisance.

Approach the corpse and 'Search' it to claim a free Metal Detector. This early acquisition not only earns you the **‘Detectorist’ trophy/achievement** but also significantly boosts your ability to gather free healing items, ammo, and other loot for bartering. Additionally, using the Metal Detector can help unlock other trophies/achievements like **‘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 survival and exploration experience.