In the vast and unpredictable world of *Atomfall*, securing the right tools early can be the difference between thriving and merely surviving. Among these essential tools, the Metal Detector stands out as a must-have for any player looking to enhance their scavenging capabilities and barter effectively. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to snag a Metal Detector for free early in 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 hold onto throughout your adventure. It's designed to locate metal caches brimming with useful items scattered across the game's expansive open world. As you traverse the landscape, keep an eye on the bottom left corner of your screen for the tool icon, which signals that a cache is nearby. When it's safe, access your Metal Detector using the designated hotkey.
The device features a row of lights that guide you to the hidden treasure. If the lights sway to the left, you should turn left; if they sway to the right, you should turn right. Your goal is to follow the center light until the dial beneath the lights hits the maximum frequency of 10. When all lights blink simultaneously, you're right on top of the cache. Use the 'Dig' and then 'Search' options to uncover and claim the items inside.
Screenshot by The Escapist
Where to Find a Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall
Screenshot by The Escapist
Early in your *Atomfall* journey, you'll encounter various trader NPCs, including Reg Stansfield in the Slate Mine Caves in Slatten Dale, who sells a Metal Detector. However, the price may be beyond your reach at the start. To bypass this, head east from Slatten Dale, staying close to the mountainside and avoiding the 'Water Wheels' compound, which is teeming with Outlaws.
Screenshot by The Escapist
Continue eastward and then south until you reach a large, shallow pond at coordinates **(29.1E, 73.9N)**. In the middle of this pond, you'll find an Outlaw corpse on a rocky outcrop. Beware of the carnivorous leeches in the water, as they can be a nuisance. Approach the corpse and use the 'Search' option 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 for bartering.
Additionally, using the Metal Detector early on can help you unlock other 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*, setting you up for a more successful and rewarding experience in the game.
