"Unlock Free Metal Detector in Atomfall Early: Guide"

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 valuable tools you can acquire is the Metal Detector, which helps you locate hidden caches filled with essential items for bartering and survival. 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* that you'll want to keep in your inventory at all times. As you traverse the game's expansive open world, the Metal Detector will alert you to nearby metal caches by displaying a tool icon in the bottom left corner of your screen. When you receive this ping, it's time to equip your Metal Detector using the designated hotkey.

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 the lights reaches its peak frequency of 10. When all the lights blink simultaneously, you've pinpointed the cache's location. Use the 'Dig' option to unearth the cache and then 'Search' it to claim the valuable items inside.

Where to Find a Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall

During your initial exploration 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 in the game.

Instead, head east from Slatten Dale, staying close to the mountainside and avoiding the 'Water Wheels' compound, which is teeming with Outlaws. Minimizing combat early on is crucial for your survival.

Continue your journey east and then south until you reach a large, shallow pond at the coordinates **(29.1E, 73.9N)**. In the middle of this pond, on a rocky outcrop, you'll find an Outlaw corpse. Be cautious, as the water is home to aggressive leeches that can harm you if you stay too long.

Approach the corpse and use the 'Search' option to retrieve a functional Metal Detector. This early acquisition not only grants you the **'Detectorist' trophy/achievement** but also gives you a significant advantage in gathering free healing items, ammunition, and other loot useful for bartering.

Additionally, using 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).

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