In *Atomfall*, mastering the art of exploration and survival hinges on equipping yourself with the best tools early on. One indispensable tool is the Metal Detector, which can significantly enhance your ability to locate valuable items for use and trade. Here's a comprehensive guide on securing a free Metal Detector at the beginning of your journey.
How the Metal Detector Works in Atomfall
Screenshot by The Escapist
The Metal Detector stands out as one of the most valuable tools in *Atomfall*, one you'll want to keep in your inventory at all costs. While equipped, it scans the environment, alerting you to nearby metal caches brimming with useful items scattered across the game's expansive world.
As you venture through the landscape, your Metal Detector will occasionally emit a ping, signaled by an icon in the bottom left corner of your screen. This indicates that 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 towards the cache. A sway to the left means you should turn left, while a sway to the right indicates a right turn. Your goal is to follow the center light until the dial beneath it reaches its peak frequency at 10.
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 collect the items within.
Where to Find a Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall
Screenshot by The Escapist
During your initial hours in *Atomfall*, you'll encounter various trader NPCs willing to barter. Reg Stansfield, located in the Slate Mine Caves in Slatten Dale, has a Metal Detector available right from the start. However, the price might be beyond your early-game budget.
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 crucial.
Screenshot by The Escapist
Continue east and then south until you arrive at a large, shallow pond at coordinates **(29.1E, 73.9N)**. In the middle of this pond, on a rocky outcrop, lies an Outlaw corpse. Be wary of the carnivorous leeches that inhabit the water; avoid staying too long.
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 collecting free healing items, ammo, and other loot perfect for bartering.
Moreover, using the Metal Detector early can help unlock additional trophies/achievements like **'Where there’s much there’s brass'** (Find 10 metal detector caches) and **'Packed lunch'** (Find 5 buried lunchboxes).
This guide concludes your path to obtaining a free Metal Detector early in *Atomfall*, setting you up for a successful and rewarding playthrough.
