"Unlock Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall: Guide"

In *Atomfall*, securing the right tools early can significantly enhance your exploration and survival chances. One essential tool you'll want to acquire as soon as possible is the Metal Detector, which can lead you to valuable caches filled with items perfect for use or barter. Here’s your guide on snagging a free Metal Detector early in your gameplay.

How the Metal Detector Works in Atomfall

The Metal Detector is a game-changer in *Atomfall*, a tool you'll want to keep in your inventory at all times. It's designed to detect metal caches scattered throughout the expansive world of the game, filled with useful items.

While exploring, you'll receive a ping from your Metal Detector, indicated by an icon in the bottom left corner of your screen. This signals that a cache is nearby. When it's safe, equip your Metal Detector using the designated hotkey.

The detector features a row of lights that guide you towards the cache. If the lights sway left, you should turn left. If they sway right, turn right. Aim to follow the center light until the dial reaches its peak frequency at 10.

When all the lights blink simultaneously, you've pinpointed the cache's exact location. Use the 'Dig' option to unearth 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 trader NPCs willing to barter. Reg Stansfield in the Slate Mine Caves in Slatten Dale has a Metal Detector for sale right from the start, but the price might be beyond your early-game budget.

Instead, head east from Slatten Dale, keeping close to the mountainside and bypassing the 'Water Wheels' compound, which is teeming with Outlaws. Avoiding early combat is key to staying alive and progressing.

Continue eastward and then south until you reach a large, shallow pond at the coordinates **(29.1E, 73.9N)**. In the center, on a rocky outcrop, you'll find an Outlaw corpse. Be wary of the carnivorous leeches in the water that can harm you if you stay too long.

Approach the corpse and 'Search' it to claim your free Metal Detector. This early acquisition not only earns you the **‘Detectorist’ trophy/achievement** but also gives you a significant advantage in gathering free healing items, ammo, and other loot useful for trading.

Moreover, having a Metal Detector early can help you unlock additional trophies/achievements like **‘Where there’s much there’s brass’** (Find 10 metal detector caches) and **‘Packed lunch’** (Find 5 buried lunchboxes).

That wraps up your guide on how to obtain a free Metal Detector early in *Atomfall*. Equip yourself and start exploring with confidence!