In the post-apocalyptic world of *Atomfall*, securing the right tools early on can significantly enhance your survival and exploration experience. One of the most crucial tools you'll want to get your hands on quickly is the Metal Detector. This handy device can lead you to valuable metal caches scattered throughout the game's expansive open world, offering a range of items that can be used or traded. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to obtain a free Metal Detector early in your *Atomfall* journey.

How the Metal Detector Works in Atomfall

The Metal Detector is an indispensable tool in *Atomfall*, one that you'll want to hold onto throughout your playthrough. When equipped in your inventory, it alerts you to nearby metal caches containing various items. As you traverse the game world, keep an eye on the bottom left corner of your screen for a ping from the Metal Detector, indicated by a tool icon.

When you receive a ping, use the designated hotkey to activate the Metal Detector. 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 it 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, then 'Search' it to claim the items inside.

Where to Find a Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall

During your initial exploration of *Atomfall*, you'll encounter several trader NPCs with 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, the cost to acquire it may be prohibitive early in the game.

A more cost-effective approach is to head east from Slatten Dale, following the mountainside past the 'Water Wheels' compound, which is teeming with Outlaws. Minimize combat encounters to stay safe.

Continue east and then south until you reach a large, shallow pond at the coordinates **(29.1E, 73.9N)** on your map. Look for an Outlaw corpse on a rocky outcrop in the middle of the pond. Be cautious, as the water is infested with carnivorous leeches that can harm you.

Approach the corpse and use the 'Search' option to retrieve a working Metal Detector, free of charge. This discovery also earns you the **'Detectorist' trophy/achievement**. Obtaining a Metal Detector early in *Atomfall* provides a significant advantage, allowing you to gather free healing items, ammo, and other loot that can be used for bartering.

Additionally, using the Metal Detector can help you unlock other 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 all you need to know about securing a free Metal Detector early in *Atomfall*. Happy hunting!