Unlocking the Metal Detector in Atomfall: A Quick Guide

The Atomfall Metal Detector is an essential gadget that can significantly enhance your gameplay, as it reveals the locations of hidden treasures buried underground. By excavating these secret caches, you can gather valuable resources and collectible items. More importantly, the detector is also crucial for finding critical clues needed to advance your investigations. Without it, you might miss out on useful supplies. Fortunately, you can find this tool early on for free. Here’s a guide on where to find the Metal Detector in Atomfall and tips on how to use it effectively once it’s in your possession.

Where to find the Atomfall Metal Detector

The map above marks the critical spots and the path you need to take to locate the Atomfall Metal Detector, which is situated close to the starting bunker in Slatten Dale. After deciding whether to assist the Scientist in Atomfall and stepping out into the open world, turn right and head uphill toward the bridge. Pass beneath the bridge and make your way to the helicopter crash site. You can sneak up on a lone Outlaw here by crouching in the grass and perform a Takedown before continuing past the helicopter and entering the Slate Mine Caves.

As you navigate through the cave, be prepared to deal with a swarm of bats that pose the only threat, as they will persistently chip away at your health until you defeat them. Continue onward, and you’ll encounter a friendly trader named Reg Stansfield. For now, ignore him and look to your left where you will find a doorway flanked by signs reading “Bugger Off” and similar expressions.

Upon going through that door, you’ll emerge back into Slatten Dale, but further north. Several Outlaws will be present to your right, so head left instead where you’ll find a stream flowing into a large pool of water. Follow the left bank of the water, and on an outcrop of rocks, you will discover the body of an Outlaw along with the Atomfall Metal Detector. Make sure to grab it quickly, as a swarm of mutated fish—or perhaps leeches—will attack if you linger near the water for too long. This is the easiest way to acquire the Metal Detector since it is close to the beginning and is free.

There are alternative methods to obtain the Metal Detector in Atomfall. If you recall the trader Reg Stansfield from earlier in the Slate Mine Caves, you can negotiate with him to buy the Metal Detector after deciding not to follow the free option. However, doing this requires you to trade other items, which isn’t ideal when a free option is readily available.

If bargaining with Reg Stansfield is not for you, there’s also the extreme option of eliminating him and then looting his body for the Metal Detector and any other useful items. While this do-it-yourself approach is free, killing Reg means losing him as a trader for the rest of your game, meaning you won’t have access to his future items. For these reasons, I would advise against this method, so it’s best to leave him unharmed!

How to use the Atomfall Metal Detector

Once the Atomfall Metal Detector is in your inventory, you won’t have to equip it; simply keep an eye on the bottom left corner of the screen for an icon that signals a nearby buried cache. When you see it, follow the prompt to bring out the Metal Detector. Aim it toward the red lights on top—these will guide you to the hidden cache. Rotate until the middle light turns on, then move forward while keeping it lit. As you get closer, the needle will rise on the dial, eventually maxing out with all five red lights flashing to signal you’ve found your target. At this point, follow the Dig prompt to uncover your prize.