"Unlock Free Metal Detector in Atomfall Early: Guide"

In the immersive world of *Atomfall*, mastering the art of survival and exploration hinges on acquiring the right tools early on. One indispensable tool is the Metal Detector, which can significantly enhance your ability to locate valuable items for personal use and bartering. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to secure a free Metal Detector early in your gameplay.

How the Metal Detector Works in Atomfall

Metal Detector indication in Atomfall

Screenshot by The Escapist

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

As you venture through the landscape, your Metal Detector will occasionally ping, indicated by a tool icon in the bottom left corner of your screen. This signal means a cache is nearby. When it's safe, activate 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 the lights reaches its peak frequency of 10.

Metal Detector cache in Atomfall

Screenshot by The Escapist

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

Where to Find a Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall

Corpse with free Metal Detector in Atomfall

Screenshot by The Escapist

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

Instead, head east from Slatten Dale, staying close to the mountainside and avoiding the 'Water Wheels' compound, which is teeming with Outlaws. Minimizing early combat is key.

Free Metal Detector location in Atomfall

Screenshot by The Escapist

Continue eastward and then south until you reach a large, shallow pond at coordinates **(29.1E, 73.9N)**. In the middle of this pond, on a rocky outcrop, you'll find an Outlaw corpse. Be cautious of the carnivorous leeches in the water.

Approach the corpse and 'Search' it to obtain a functional Metal Detector at no cost. 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 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 wraps up how to secure a free Metal Detector early in *Atomfall*, setting you on the path to a more rewarding and efficient gameplay experience.