Free Metal Detector: Early Access Guide in Atomfall

In the post-apocalyptic world of *Atomfall*, securing the right tools early can significantly enhance your survival and exploration experience. One essential tool to get your hands on is the Metal Detector, which helps you locate valuable items that can be used or bartered. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to acquire a Metal Detector for free early in your gameplay.

How the Metal Detector Works in Atomfall

The Metal Detector is an indispensable tool in *Atomfall* that you'll want to keep with you throughout your journey. It helps you detect metal caches filled with valuable items scattered across the game's expansive world.

While exploring, your Metal Detector will alert you with a ping, signaled by an icon in the bottom left corner of your screen. When you receive this signal, it's time to take out your Metal Detector using the designated hotkey, assuming it's safe to do so.

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 reaches its peak frequency of 10.

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

Where to Find a Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall

During your initial hours in *Atomfall*, you'll encounter various trader NPCs who are keen to barter. 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 of the game.

Instead, head east from Slatten Dale, keeping close to the mountainside and bypassing the 'Water Wheels' compound, which is teeming with Outlaws. Avoiding combat early on can be beneficial.

Continue east and then south until you reach a large, shallow pond at coordinates **(29.1E, 73.9N)**. You'll find an Outlaw corpse on a rocky outcrop in the middle of the pond. Beware of the carnivorous leeches in the water, as they can be hazardous if you stay too long.

Approach the corpse and 'Search' it to discover a fully functional Metal Detector, which you can claim for free. This early acquisition not only earns you the **'Detectorist' trophy/achievement** but also gives you a significant advantage in collecting free healing items, ammo, and other useful loot for bartering.

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

That wraps up our guide on how to get a free Metal Detector early in *Atomfall*. Equip yourself with this tool to enhance your survival and exploration in the game's challenging environment.