Free Metal Detector Guide: Early Access in Atomfall

In the post-apocalyptic world of *Atomfall*, securing the best tools early can significantly boost your survival chances. One essential tool you'll want to get your hands on is the Metal Detector, which helps you uncover valuable items for use and trade. Here’s your comprehensive guide on how to obtain a free Metal Detector at the beginning of your journey.

How Metal Detector Works in Atomfall

The Metal Detector is an invaluable asset in *Atomfall* that you'll want to keep with you at all times. As you roam the expansive open world, this tool will alert you to the presence of metal caches brimming with useful items.

When you're exploring, keep an eye on the bottom left corner of your screen for the tool icon, which signals a nearby cache. When you see the ping, if it's safe, quickly access your Metal Detector using the designated hotkey.

The row of lights on the detector acts as your guide, indicating the direction to the hidden cache. If the lights move to the left, you should turn left; if they move to the right, turn right. Your goal is to align with the center light until the dial beneath it reaches its peak frequency of 10.

Once all the lights blink simultaneously, you've pinpointed the cache's exact location. Use the 'Dig' command to unearth it, followed by 'Search' to collect the items within.

Where to Find a Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall

During your initial exploration in *Atomfall*, you'll encounter various trader NPCs ready to barter. Reg Stansfield in the Slate Mine Caves of Slatten Dale offers a Metal Detector, but the early-game cost might be prohibitive.

Instead, head east from Slatten Dale, keeping close to the mountainside and bypassing the 'Water Wheels' compound filled with Outlaws. Avoiding early combat is key to conserving your resources.

Continue eastward and then southward until you reach a shallow pond at coordinates **(29.1E, 73.9N)**. Look for an Outlaw corpse on a rocky outcrop in the middle of the pond. Be wary of the carnivorous leeches in the water that can slow you down.

Approach the corpse and use the 'Search' option to claim your free Metal Detector. 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 valuable for bartering.

Furthermore, having a Metal Detector early on can aid in unlocking 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 securing a free Metal Detector early in *Atomfall*. With this tool in your arsenal, you're well on your way to maximizing your survival and exploration efforts.