In the post-apocalyptic world of *Atomfall*, securing the right tools early on can significantly enhance your survival and exploration experience. One of the most valuable tools you can acquire is the Metal Detector, which helps you locate hidden caches filled with essential items for bartering and survival. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to obtain a free Metal Detector early in your gameplay.

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 alerts you to the presence of metal caches scattered throughout the game's expansive world. When you're exploring, you'll receive a ping from the Metal Detector, indicated by a tool icon in the bottom left corner of your screen. This signal means a cache is nearby. To locate it, equip the 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, 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

During your initial hours in *Atomfall*, you'll encounter various trader NPCs willing to 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, staying close to the mountainside and avoiding the 'Water Wheels' compound, which is teeming with Outlaws. Minimizing early combat is key to your survival.

Continue your journey east and then south until you reach a large, shallow pond at the coordinates **(29.1E, 73.9N)**. In the middle of this pond, on a rocky outcrop, you'll find an Outlaw corpse. Be cautious, as the water is home to aggressive leeches that can harm you if you stay too long.

Approach the corpse and use the 'Search' option to claim 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, ammunition, and other valuable loot for bartering.

Additionally, using the Metal Detector can 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).

This guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining a free Metal Detector early in *Atomfall*, setting you up for a more successful and rewarding gameplay experience.