"Unlock Free Metal Detector in Atomfall Early"

In the immersive world of *Atomfall*, equipping yourself with the right tools can make all the difference in your survival and exploration journey. One of the most crucial tools you'll want to acquire early on is the Metal Detector, which can uncover valuable items scattered throughout the game's expansive open world. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to obtain a Metal Detector for free early in your playthrough.

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 as you explore the game's vast landscape.

As you traverse the world, your Metal Detector will periodically emit a ping, indicated by a tool icon in the bottom left corner of your screen. This signal means a cache is nearby. When it's safe, use the designated hotkey to equip your Metal Detector.

The device features a row of lights that guide you towards the hidden 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 collect the items inside.

Where to Find a Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall

Early in your *Atomfall* journey, you'll encounter various trader NPCs with whom you can barter items. 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, sticking close to the mountainside and avoiding the 'Water Wheels' compound, which is teeming with Outlaws. Minimizing combat early on is advisable.

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. Be cautious, as the water is home to aggressive leeches.

Approach the corpse and use the 'Search' option to claim a functional Metal Detector at no cost. This early acquisition not only earns you the **'Detectorist' trophy/achievement** but also significantly boosts your ability to gather free healing items, ammo, and other loot for bartering.

Having a Metal Detector early in the game can also 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).

That wraps up our guide on how to secure a free Metal Detector early in *Atomfall*. With this tool in your arsenal, you're well-equipped to enhance your survival and exploration experience in the game.