"Unlock Free Metal Detector in Atomfall Early"

When it comes to exploring and surviving in *Atomfall*, getting your hands on the best tools early can make a significant difference. One of the most essential tools you'll want to acquire is the Metal Detector, which can uncover valuable items scattered throughout the game's world. Here's a detailed guide on how to snag a free Metal Detector early in your *Atomfall* adventure.

How the Metal Detector Works in Atomfall

Screenshot by The Escapist

The Metal Detector is an invaluable tool in *Atomfall* that you'll want to hold onto tightly. Once it's in your inventory, it actively scans for metal caches filled with useful items spread across the game's expansive open world.

As you roam the landscape, keep an eye on the bottom left corner of your screen for the tool icon, which signals that your Metal Detector has picked up a nearby cache. When it's safe, access the Metal Detector using its designated hotkey.

The device features a row of lights that guide you toward the cache. If the lights sway left, you should turn left; if they sway right, turn right. Your goal is to follow the center light until the dial beneath it hits the highest frequency (10).

Screenshot by The Escapist

When all the lights blink simultaneously, you've reached the cache's exact location. Use the 'Dig' option to unearth it, followed by 'Search' to claim the items within.

Where to Find a Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall

Screenshot by The Escapist

In your initial hours of exploration in *Atomfall*, you'll encounter various trader NPCs who are keen on bartering. Reg Stansfield at the Slate Mine Caves in Slatten Dale has a Metal Detector available early on, but the price tag might be too high for your early-game budget.

Instead, push eastward along the right side of Slatten Dale, carefully avoiding the 'Water Wheels' compound, which is teeming with Outlaws. Minimizing early combat encounters is crucial for your survival.

Screenshot by The Escapist

Continue heading east and then south until you reach a large, shallow pond at coordinates **(29.1E, 73.9N)**. Look for an Outlaw corpse on a rocky outcrop in the middle of the pond. Beware of the carnivorous leeches in the water, as they can be hazardous if you stay too long.

Approach the corpse and 'Search' it to find a functional Metal Detector waiting for you. Not only will you secure this essential tool for free, but you'll also earn the **'Detectorist' trophy/achievement**. Having the Metal Detector this early in the game provides a significant advantage, allowing you to collect free healing items, ammo, and other loot that can be used 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 how to obtain a free Metal Detector early in *Atomfall*. Equip yourself with this tool and start uncovering the game's hidden treasures to enhance your survival and exploration experience.