"Unlock Free Metal Detector in Atomfall Early: Guide"

In the post-apocalyptic world of *Atomfall*, securing the best tools early can significantly enhance your survival and exploration experience. One indispensable tool is the Metal Detector, which helps you locate valuable caches scattered across the game's vast landscape. 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 essential tool in *Atomfall* that you'll want to keep with you throughout your adventure. When equipped in your inventory, it alerts you to the presence of metal caches containing useful items as you explore the open world.

As you traverse the environment, your Metal Detector will occasionally ping, indicated by an icon in the bottom left corner of your screen. This signal means a cache is nearby. If it's safe, activate 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 it, then 'Search' to collect the items inside.

Where to Find a Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall

During your initial hours in *Atomfall*, you'll encounter various trader NPCs willing to barter. Reg Stansfield in the Slate Mine Caves at Slatten Dale offers a Metal Detector, but the cost might be prohibitive early on.

Instead, head east from Slatten Dale, staying close to the mountainside and avoiding the 'Water Wheels' area, which is teeming with Outlaws. Minimizing early combat is key.

Continue east and then south until you reach a large, shallow pond at coordinates **(29.1E, 73.9N)**. An Outlaw corpse lies on a rocky outcrop in the pond's center. Be cautious of the carnivorous leeches in the water.

Approach the corpse and 'Search' it to find a functional Metal Detector, available for free. This early acquisition not only grants you the **'Detectorist' trophy/achievement** but also gives you a significant advantage in gathering free healing items, ammo, and other valuable loot for bartering.

Using the Metal Detector can also help you unlock additional trophies/achievements like **'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 secure a free Metal Detector early in *Atomfall*, setting you up for a more rewarding exploration experience.