If you're diving into the world of *Atomfall*, securing the best tools early on can make a huge difference in your survival and exploration efforts. One crucial tool is the Metal Detector, which can unearth valuable items for your use and bartering. Here's a comprehensive guide to snagging a free one early in your playthrough.
How Metal Detector Works in Atomfall
Screenshot by The Escapist
The Metal Detector is an essential tool in *Atomfall* that you'll want to keep close at hand. It's designed to detect metal caches filled with useful items scattered throughout the game's expansive open world. As you venture through the environment, you'll receive a ping from your Metal Detector, indicated by a tool icon in the bottom left corner of your screen. This signal alerts you to the proximity of a cache. When it's safe, access your Metal Detector using the designated hotkey.
The row of lights on the detector guides you towards the hidden cache. If the light sways to the left, you should move left; if it sways to the right, turn right. Keep following the center light until the dial beneath the lights hits the highest frequency (10). When all the lights blink simultaneously, you've pinpointed the exact location of the cache. Use the 'Dig' option to unearth it, followed by 'Search' to claim the items within.
Screenshot by The Escapist
Where to Find Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall
Screenshot by The Escapist
In your initial hours in *Atomfall*, you'll encounter various trader NPCs willing to barter. Reg Stansfield in the Slate Mine Caves at Slatten Dale has a Metal Detector available early on, but its cost might be prohibitive at this stage of the game.
A better strategy is to head east along the right side of Slatten Dale. Avoid the 'Water Wheels' compound, which is teeming with Outlaws, to minimize early combat encounters. Keep moving east and then south until you reach a large, shallow pond at the coordinates **(29.1E, 73.9N)** on your map.
Screenshot by The Escapist
In the middle of this pond, on a rocky outcrop, you'll find an Outlaw corpse. Be wary of the carnivorous leeches in the water that can attack if you stay too long. Approach the corpse and use the 'Search' option to acquire a working Metal Detector at no cost. This early acquisition not only grants you the **'Detectorist' trophy/achievement** but also significantly boosts your ability to find free healing items, ammo, and other loot valuable for bartering.
Moreover, having a Metal Detector early can aid in unlocking other achievements like **'Where there's much there's brass'** (Find 10 metal detector caches) and **'Packed lunch'** (Find 5 buried lunchboxes).
That's how you can secure a free Metal Detector early in *Atomfall*, enhancing your gameplay experience from the get-go.
