"Get Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall: Guide"

In the immersive world of *Atomfall*, securing the best tools early can significantly enhance your survival and exploration experience. One indispensable tool is the Metal Detector, which not only helps in uncovering valuable items but also adds a strategic edge to your gameplay. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to obtain a free Metal Detector early in your adventure.

How Metal Detector Works in Atomfall

Screenshot by The Escapist

The Metal Detector is a crucial asset in *Atomfall*, one that you'll want to keep in your inventory at all times. As you traverse the game's expansive world, the Metal Detector alerts you to nearby metal caches brimming with useful items. When the tool icon in the bottom left corner of your screen starts to ping, it's a sign that a cache is within reach. At this point, activate your Metal Detector using the designated hotkey.

The device features a row of lights that guide you towards the cache. If the lights lean to the left, adjust your direction leftward; if they sway to the right, turn right. Your goal is to align with the center light until the dial under the lights reaches its peak frequency of 10. When all lights blink simultaneously, you've pinpointed the cache's location. Use the 'Dig' command to unearth the cache, followed by 'Search' to claim the items inside.

Screenshot by The Escapist

Where to Find Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall

Screenshot by The Escapist

In the initial stages of *Atomfall*, you'll encounter various trader NPCs offering items for barter. One such trader, Reg Stansfield, located in the Slate Mine Caves in Slatten Dale, has a Metal Detector in his inventory from the start. However, trading for it early on might be beyond your budget.

A more cost-effective approach is to head east from Slatten Dale, steering clear of the 'Water Wheels' compound to avoid early confrontations with Outlaws. Continue eastward and then southward until you arrive at a large, shallow pond at the coordinates **(29.1E, 73.9N)**.

Screenshot by The Escapist

In the middle of this pond, you'll find an Outlaw corpse resting on a rocky outcrop. Be cautious, as the water is teeming with carnivorous leeches that can quickly deplete your health. Navigate to the corpse and use the 'Search' option to retrieve the Metal Detector, which is yours to keep without any cost. By doing so, you'll also unlock the **‘Detectorist’ trophy/achievement**.

Having a Metal Detector at this early stage provides a significant advantage, allowing you to gather free healing items, ammunition, and other loot that can be used for bartering. It also aids in achieving other in-game trophies/achievements like **‘Where there’s much there’s brass’** (Find 10 metal detector caches) and **‘Packed lunch’** (Find 5 buried lunchboxes).

This guide should help you secure a free Metal Detector early in *Atomfall*, enhancing your gameplay and survival chances in this challenging world.