In the post-apocalyptic world of *Atomfall*, securing the best tools early can significantly enhance your survival and exploration efforts. Among these, the Metal Detector stands out as an essential tool for uncovering valuable items that can be used or bartered. Here's a detailed guide on how to obtain a free Metal Detector at the start of your journey.
Screenshot by The Escapist
The Metal Detector is a crucial tool in *Atomfall* that you'll want to keep in your inventory at all times. It alerts you to the presence of metal caches filled with valuable items scattered throughout the game's expansive world.
While exploring, you'll receive a ping from your Metal Detector, indicated by a tool icon in the bottom left corner of your screen. This signal means a cache is nearby. When 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, 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, then 'Search' to claim the items inside.
Screenshot by The Escapist
In the initial stages of *Atomfall*, you'll encounter trader NPCs who offer various items for barter. Reg Stansfield in the Slate Mine Caves in Slatten Dale has a Metal Detector available early on, but trading for it might be beyond your means at this point.
Instead, head east from Slatten Dale, staying close to the mountainside to avoid the Outlaws at the 'Water Wheels' compound. Minimizing early combat encounters is key.
Screenshot by The Escapist
Continue eastward and then south until you reach a large, shallow pond at coordinates **(29.1E, 73.9N)**. Look for an Outlaw corpse on a rocky outcrop in the middle of the pond. Be cautious of the carnivorous leeches in the water that can attack if you stay too long.
Approach the corpse and 'Search' it to find 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, ammo, and other loot useful for bartering.
Additionally, having a Metal Detector early can help you unlock other 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*, enhancing your gameplay experience significantly.
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