"Unlock Free Metal Detector in Atomfall Early: Guide"

In the expansive world of *Atomfall*, getting your hands on the best tools early can significantly enhance your survival and exploration experience. One such essential tool is the Metal Detector, which allows you to uncover valuable items scattered throughout the game. Here's a detailed guide on how to acquire a Metal Detector for free early in your journey.

How the 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. It's designed to detect metal caches filled with useful items spread across the game's open world.

As you venture through the landscape, your Metal Detector will occasionally ping, indicated by a tool icon in the bottom left corner of your screen. This signal alerts you to a nearby cache. When safe, access your Metal Detector using the designated hotkey.

The detector features a row of lights that guide you towards the cache. If the light leans to the left, you should turn left; if it leans to the right, turn right. Your goal is to follow the center light until the dial beneath the lights reaches its peak frequency (10).

When 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 its contents.

Where to Find a Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall

In the initial stages of *Atomfall*, you'll encounter various trader NPCs willing to barter. One such trader, Reg Stansfield, located in the Slate Mine Caves in Slatten Dale, offers a Metal Detector. However, the cost might be prohibitive early on.

A better strategy is to head east from Slatten Dale, staying close to the mountainside and avoiding the 'Water Wheels' compound, which is rife with Outlaws. Minimizing combat early in the game is advisable.

Continue your journey east then south until you arrive at a large, shallow pond at coordinates **(29.1E, 73.9N)**. Look for an Outlaw corpse on a rocky outcrop in the middle of the pond. Be cautious of the carnivorous leeches in the water, as they can pose a threat if you stay too long.

Approach the corpse and 'Search' it to find a fully functional Metal Detector. Not only is it free, but you'll also unlock the **'Detectorist' trophy/achievement**. Having a Metal Detector early in *Atomfall* gives you a significant advantage, enabling you to collect free healing items, ammunition, and other loot useful for bartering.

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

With this guide, you're now equipped to find a free Metal Detector early in *Atomfall*, enhancing your gameplay and survival chances.