In the world of *Atomfall*, survival hinges on your ability to acquire the best tools quickly. Among these, the Metal Detector stands out as a crucial piece of equipment for finding valuable items to use or trade. Here's a comprehensive guide on securing a free Metal Detector early in your journey.

How the Metal Detector Works in Atomfall

Screenshot by The Escapist

The Metal Detector in *Atomfall* is an invaluable tool that you'll want to keep in your inventory at all times. It helps you locate metal caches filled with useful items scattered across the game's expansive world.

As you venture through the landscape, your Metal Detector will occasionally ping, signaled by an icon in the bottom left corner of your screen. When this happens, it's a sign that a cache is nearby. If it's safe, use the hotkey to activate your Metal Detector.

The device features a row of lights that guide you towards 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 it reaches its peak frequency of 10.

Screenshot by The Escapist

When all the lights blink simultaneously, you've pinpointed the cache's location. Use the 'Dig' option to unearth it, followed by 'Search' to claim the items inside.

Where to Find a Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall

Screenshot by The Escapist

In the initial stages of *Atomfall*, you'll encounter trader NPCs who are keen on bartering. Reg Stansfield in the Slate Mine Caves in Slatten Dale offers a Metal Detector, but its price might be prohibitive early on.

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

Screenshot by The Escapist

Continue east and then south until you reach a large, shallow pond at coordinates **(29.1E, 73.9N)**. In the middle of the pond, on a rocky outcrop, you'll find an Outlaw corpse. Be cautious of the carnivorous leeches in the water that can slow you down.

Approach the corpse and 'Search' it to claim your free Metal Detector. This early acquisition not only earns you the **'Detectorist' trophy/achievement** but also gives you a significant advantage in gathering free healing items, ammo, and other loot for trading.

Additionally, using the Metal Detector can help unlock other achievements, such as **'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 find a free Metal Detector early in *Atomfall* and enhance your gameplay experience.