How to Get Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall

In the immersive world of *Atomfall*, securing the best tools early on can make a significant difference in your survival and exploration efforts. One of the most valuable tools you can acquire is the Metal Detector, which helps you locate hidden caches filled with useful items for bartering and personal use. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to obtain a free Metal Detector early in your gameplay.

How Metal Detector Works in Atomfall

The Metal Detector is an indispensable tool in *Atomfall* that you'll want to hold onto throughout your journey. When equipped in your inventory, it actively scans for metal caches scattered across the game's expansive world.

While exploring, 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. To proceed, safely take out your Metal Detector using the designated hotkey.

The device features a row of lights that guide you toward the 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 it reaches its peak frequency (10).

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

Where to Find Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall

In your initial hours in *Atomfall*, you'll encounter various trader NPCs with whom you can barter. Reg Stansfield, located in the Slate Mine Caves in Slatten Dale, offers a Metal Detector, but it's likely too expensive for you at the start of the game.

Instead, head east from Slatten Dale, staying close to the mountainside to avoid the 'Water Wheels' compound, which is overrun with Outlaws. Minimizing early combat is key to your survival.

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

Approach the corpse and 'Search' it to claim a fully functional Metal Detector at no cost. This early acquisition will earn you the **'Detectorist' trophy/achievement**. With the Metal Detector in your possession from the beginning, you gain a significant advantage in collecting free healing items, ammo, and other loot, which are crucial 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).

This guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining a free Metal Detector early in *Atomfall*, setting you up for a more successful and rewarding gameplay experience.