"Unlock Free Metal Detector in Atomfall Early"

When diving into the world of *Atomfall*, getting your hands on top-notch tools early on can significantly boost your survival chances. Among these, the Metal Detector stands out as a crucial asset, enabling you to unearth valuable items perfect for personal use or bartering. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to acquire a free Metal Detector early in your adventure.

How the Metal Detector Works in Atomfall

The Metal Detector in *Atomfall* is an indispensable tool you'll want to keep close at hand. As you roam the expansive open world, this device will alert you to nearby metal caches packed with goodies. When your Metal Detector pings, signaled by an icon in the bottom left corner of your screen, it's time to take it out using the designated hotkey.

The detector features a row of lights that guide you toward your treasure. If the lights lean left, steer left; if they lean right, go right. Your goal is to follow the center light until the dial below hits its peak at 10. When all the lights flash simultaneously, you've pinpointed the cache's location. Simply choose 'Dig' to unearth it, then 'Search' to claim your loot.

Where to Find a Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall

In your initial hours of exploring *Atomfall*, you'll encounter various trader NPCs ready to barter. Reg Stansfield, located in the Slate Mine Caves of Slatten Dale, offers a Metal Detector right from the start. However, its price might be beyond your early-game budget.

To snag a free one, head east from Slatten Dale, sticking close to the mountainside and bypassing the 'Water Wheels' compound filled with Outlaws. Minimizing early combat is key to your survival.

Keep moving east then south until you hit a large, shallow pond at coordinates **(29.1E, 73.9N)**. In the middle, on a rocky outcrop, you'll find an Outlaw's corpse. Be wary of the carnivorous leeches in the water; they can quickly become a nuisance.

Approach the corpse and 'Search' it to claim your free Metal Detector. Not only does this give you a major advantage in scavenging for healing items, ammo, and other loot for bartering, but it also earns you the **'Detectorist' trophy/achievement**. With the Metal Detector in hand early on, you're well on your way to unlocking other achievements like **'Where there's much there's brass'** (Find 10 metal detector caches) and **'Packed lunch'** (Find 5 buried lunchboxes).

This wraps up your guide on securing a free Metal Detector early in *Atomfall*. Equip yourself wisely and thrive in the post-apocalyptic world!