"Get Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall: Tips and Tricks"

In *Atomfall*, securing the best tools early can significantly enhance your exploration and survival capabilities. One of the most valuable tools you can acquire is the Metal Detector, which helps you locate precious items for use and trade. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to obtain a free Metal Detector early in your gameplay.

How Metal Detector Works in Atomfall

The Metal Detector is an essential tool in *Atomfall* that you’ll want to keep in your inventory at all times. It helps you detect hidden metal caches filled with valuable items throughout the game’s expansive world.

While exploring, you'll receive a ping from your Metal Detector, indicated by an 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 row of lights on the detector guides you toward the cache. If the light sways left, turn left; if it sways right, turn right. Your goal is to follow the center light until the dial beneath reaches its peak frequency (10).

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

Where to Find a Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall

In the initial stages of *Atomfall*, you'll encounter trader NPCs who are willing to barter. Reg Stansfield, found in the Slate Mine Caves in Slatten Dale, offers a Metal Detector in his inventory from the start. However, the price might be beyond your means at this early stage.

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

Continue eastward and then south until you arrive at a large, shallow pond located at coordinates **(29.1E, 73.9N)**. In the middle of this pond, you'll find an Outlaw corpse on a rocky outcrop. Be cautious, as the pond is home to aggressive leeches.

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 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 covers everything you need to know about obtaining a free Metal Detector early in *Atomfall*, setting you up for a successful adventure.