"Unlock Free Metal Detector in Atomfall Early: Guide"

In the post-apocalyptic world of *Atomfall*, securing essential tools early on can significantly enhance your survival and exploration experience. Among these tools, the Metal Detector stands out as a must-have for uncovering valuable items that can be used or traded. Here’s how you can obtain a free Metal Detector early in your journey.

How Metal Detector Works in Atomfall

Screenshot by The Escapist

The Metal Detector is an invaluable asset in *Atomfall*, one you'll want to keep in your inventory at all times. It alerts you to the presence of metal caches filled with useful items scattered throughout the game's expansive world. When you're exploring, keep an eye on the bottom left corner of your screen for the Metal Detector icon, signaling that a cache is nearby. If it's safe, equip your Metal Detector using the designated hotkey.

The device features a row of lights that guide you to the cache. If the light leans left, adjust your path to the left; if it leans right, go right. Your goal is to follow the center light until the dial below reaches its peak frequency of 10. When all lights flash simultaneously, you've pinpointed the cache's location. Use the 'Dig' and then 'Search' options to uncover and claim the items within.

Screenshot by The Escapist

Where to Find Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall

Screenshot by The Escapist

In the initial stages of *Atomfall*, you'll encounter various trader NPCs with whom you can barter. One such trader, Reg Stansfield, located in the Slate Mine Caves in Slatten Dale, offers a Metal Detector. However, the cost might be prohibitive at this early stage.

Instead, head east from Slatten Dale, keeping close to the mountainside and bypassing the 'Water Wheels' compound teeming with Outlaws to minimize early combat. Continue east and then south until you reach a large, shallow pond at the coordinates **(29.1E, 73.9N)**. In the middle of this pond, on a rocky outcrop, you'll find an Outlaw corpse.

Screenshot by The Escapist

Approach the corpse with caution, as the pond is home to aggressive leeches. Once you reach the body, use the 'Search' option to retrieve a functional Metal Detector. This early acquisition not only grants you the **'Detectorist' trophy/achievement** but also gives you a significant advantage in gathering free healing items, ammo, and other loot for bartering.

Additionally, using the Metal Detector can help you unlock other achievements like **'Where there's much there's brass'** (Find 10 metal detector caches) and **'Packed lunch'** (Find 5 buried lunchboxes).

This guide should help you secure a free Metal Detector early in *Atomfall*, setting you up for a more rewarding exploration and survival experience.