"Unlock Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall: A Guide"

In the post-apocalyptic world of *Atomfall*, getting your hands on the best tools early can significantly enhance your survival and exploration efforts. One of the most valuable tools you'll want to acquire is the Metal Detector, which allows you to uncover hidden caches filled with useful items for your journey. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to obtain a free Metal Detector early in your *Atomfall* playthrough.

How Metal Detector Works in Atomfall

The Metal Detector is an indispensable tool in *Atomfall* that you'll want to keep in your inventory at all times. As you traverse the game's expansive open world, the Metal Detector will alert you to nearby metal caches by displaying a tool icon in the bottom left corner of your screen. When you receive this signal, it's time to pull out your Metal Detector using the designated hotkey.

The device features a row of lights that guide you toward the hidden 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 the lights reaches its peak frequency of 10. Once all the lights blink simultaneously, you've pinpointed the cache's location. Use the 'Dig' option to unearth the cache, followed by 'Search' to claim the valuable items inside.

Where to Find Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall

During your initial hours in *Atomfall*, you'll encounter various trader NPCs willing to barter items. One such trader, Reg Stansfield, located in the Slate Mine Caves in Slatten Dale, offers a Metal Detector for sale right from the start. However, the high cost makes it impractical to purchase early on.

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

Continue eastward and then southward until you reach a large, shallow pond at coordinates **(29.1E, 73.9N)**. In the center of this pond, on a rocky outcrop, lies an Outlaw corpse. Be cautious, as the pond is home to carnivorous leeches that can harm you if you stay too long.

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

Additionally, having the Metal Detector early helps you unlock other in-game achievements, such as **'Where there's much there's brass'** (Find 10 metal detector caches) and **'Packed lunch'** (Find 5 buried lunchboxes).

This guide outlines the steps to securing a free Metal Detector early in *Atomfall*, setting you up for a more rewarding and successful adventure.