When embarking on your adventure in *Atomfall*, securing the right tools early can make all the difference in your survival and exploration efforts. One crucial tool you'll want to snag as soon as possible is the Metal Detector, which will guide you to valuable caches filled with items you can use or trade. Here's your step-by-step guide on how to acquire a free Metal Detector right at the beginning of your journey.
How the Metal Detector Works in Atomfall
Screenshot by The Escapist
The Metal Detector is an invaluable asset in *Atomfall* that you'll want to keep in your inventory at all times. It's designed to detect metal caches scattered throughout the game's expansive world. As you venture out, you'll receive a ping from your Metal Detector, signaled by an icon in the bottom left corner of your screen, indicating that a cache is nearby. When it's safe, use the designated hotkey to activate your Metal Detector.
The detector features a row of lights that guide you toward the hidden cache. If the lights sway left, you should turn left; if they sway right, turn right. Your goal is to follow the center light until the dial reaches its peak frequency at 10. When all the lights blink simultaneously, you've pinpointed the cache's location. Simply select the 'Dig' option to unearth the cache, then 'Search' it to collect the items inside.
Screenshot by The Escapist
Where to Find a Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall
Screenshot by The Escapist
In your initial hours exploring *Atomfall*, you'll encounter various trader NPCs willing to barter. One such trader, Reg Stansfield, located in the Slate Mine Caves in Slatten Dale, offers a Metal Detector. However, trading for it might be beyond your budget early on.
Instead, head east from Slatten Dale, keeping close to the mountainside and avoiding the 'Water Wheels' compound, which is teeming with Outlaws. Continue east and then south until you reach a large, shallow pond at the coordinates **(29.1E, 73.9N)**. In the middle of the pond, on a rocky outcrop, you'll find an Outlaw corpse. Be cautious of the carnivorous leeches in the water.
Screenshot by The Escapist
Approach the corpse and select 'Search' to claim your free Metal Detector. This early acquisition not only grants you the **'Detectorist' trophy/achievement** but also gives you a significant edge in gathering essential items like healing supplies, ammunition, and other loot for bartering. Using the Metal Detector can also help you unlock additional trophies/achievements, such as **'Where there's much there's brass'** (Find 10 metal detector caches) and **'Packed lunch'** (Find 5 buried lunchboxes).
That's everything you need to know about obtaining a free Metal Detector early in *Atomfall*. With this tool in your arsenal, you're well on your way to mastering the game's challenges and uncovering its secrets.
