In the world of *Atomfall*, getting your hands on the best tools early can significantly enhance your survival and exploration. The Metal Detector is one such essential tool that helps you locate valuable items scattered across the game's vast landscape. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to secure a free Metal Detector at the start of your journey.

How the Metal Detector Works in Atomfall

Screenshot by The Escapist

The Metal Detector is a crucial tool in *Atomfall* that you'll want to hold onto throughout your adventure. When equipped in your inventory, it alerts you to nearby metal caches by displaying a tool icon in the bottom left corner of your screen. When you receive this ping, safely bring out your Metal Detector using the designated hotkey.

The device features a row of lights that guide you toward the hidden cache. If the light sways to the left, you should move left; if it sways to the right, turn right. Your goal is to follow the center light until the dial beneath it reaches its peak frequency at 10. When all the lights blink simultaneously, you've pinpointed the cache's exact location. Use the 'Dig' option to unearth the cache and then 'Search' it to claim the items within.

Screenshot by The Escapist

Where to Find a Free Metal Detector Early in Atomfall

Screenshot by The Escapist

As you begin exploring *Atomfall*, you'll encounter various trader NPCs, including Reg Stansfield in the Slate Mine Caves of Slatten Dale, who has a Metal Detector available for trade. However, early in the game, the cost might be beyond your reach.

To obtain a free Metal Detector, head east from Slatten Dale, staying close to the mountainside to avoid the Outlaws at the 'Water Wheels' compound. Continue eastward and then southward until you reach a shallow pond at the coordinates **(29.1E, 73.9N)**. In the middle of this pond, you'll find an Outlaw corpse on a rocky outcrop. Be cautious of the carnivorous leeches in the water.

Screenshot by The Escapist

Approach the corpse and use the 'Search' option to retrieve a fully functional Metal Detector. This acquisition not only gives you a significant advantage early on but also earns you the **‘Detectorist’ trophy/achievement**. With the Metal Detector in your arsenal, you can gather free healing items, ammo, and other loot for bartering, helping you unlock additional achievements like **‘Where there’s much there’s brass’** (Find 10 metal detector caches) and **‘Packed lunch’** (Find 5 buried lunchboxes).

This guide should help you secure a free Metal Detector early in *Atomfall*, boosting your chances of survival and success in the game's challenging environment.