"Atomfall: Early Access to Free Metal Detector"

In the post-apocalyptic world of *Atomfall*, getting your hands on the right tools can make all the difference in your survival and exploration. One such crucial tool is the Metal Detector, which can uncover valuable items scattered throughout the game's vast open world. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to secure a free Metal Detector early in your playthrough, boosting your chances of finding essential loot and achieving game milestones.

How the Metal Detector Works in Atomfall

Screenshot by The Escapist

The Metal Detector is an indispensable asset in *Atomfall*. Once you have it in your inventory, it will alert you to the presence of metal caches filled with useful items. When you're exploring, keep an eye on the bottom left corner of your screen for the tool icon, indicating a nearby cache. Use the designated hotkey to activate your Metal Detector.

The device features a row of lights that guide you towards the cache. If the light sways to the left, you should turn left; if it sways to the right, turn right. Your goal is to follow the center light until the dial beneath reaches its peak frequency at 10. When all the lights blink simultaneously, you've pinpointed the cache's exact location. Use the 'Dig' option to uncover the cache, then 'Search' it to 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 trader NPCs willing to barter. For instance, Reg Stansfield in the Slate Mine Caves in Slatten Dale offers a Metal Detector, but the price might be too steep for your early-game budget.

To get a free Metal Detector, head east from Slatten Dale, staying close to the mountainside and avoiding the 'Water Wheels' compound, which is teeming with Outlaws. Continue east then south until you reach a large, shallow pond at coordinates **(29.1E, 73.9N)**. Here, amidst the dangers of carnivorous leeches, you'll find an Outlaw corpse on a rocky outcrop in the pond's center.

Screenshot by The Escapist

Approach the corpse and 'Search' it to claim your free Metal Detector. This early acquisition not only aids in collecting healing items, ammo, and other loot but also earns you the **'Detectorist' trophy/achievement**. Utilizing the Metal Detector can also help unlock additional achievements like **'Where there's much there's brass'** (Find 10 metal detector caches) and **'Packed lunch'** (Find 5 buried lunchboxes).

Securing a Metal Detector early in *Atomfall* equips you with a significant advantage, enhancing your exploration and survival capabilities in this challenging environment.