In Atomfall, tools are a unique category of items that provide essential abilities for surviving in the chaotic landscape of post-apocalyptic Britain. The Torch (or flashlight) is likely your first acquisition, enhancing your visibility in the game’s many dark environments. Following that, you’ll probably find the Metal Detector, which helps you uncover hidden caches brimming with valuable loot. During the early stages, when resources are tight, this tool is incredibly beneficial.
The Metal Detector is easy to obtain; all you need is to know its location and avoid some aggressive piranhas. Once you get your hands on it, you’re set for numerous opportunities to gather loot. The earlier you secure the Metal Detector, the more rewards you can collect over time, which is especially helpful when you’re still trying to gather basic supplies. If you’re lucky, you might even uncover some crafting recipes along the way.
It’s Closer Than You Think
You can pick up the Metal Detector right after you exit the starting Bunker. Once outdoors in Slatten Dale, head northeast to the pond located at coordinates 29.1E 73.9N. You’ll find a corpse in the middle of the pond with the Metal Detector next to it. Just be cautious of the piranhas; it’s best to avoid the water while approaching. You can loot the body, but there’s nothing particularly noteworthy there.
No Need To Equip It, Thankfully
The Metal Detector is quite user-friendly because it doesn’t require you to equip it to detect nearby treasures. You can explore freely, and if you stumble upon anything significant, an icon for the Metal Detector will appear in the lower left of your screen. When that happens, equip the tool and continue walking in the direction that keeps the middle red light blinking. If the left or right indicators light up, you need to move in that respective direction.

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Once you reach the cache’s location, start unearthing it. Inside, you can find ammunition and various other useful items. Since ammo is extremely limited in Atomfall, you’ll want to maximize any opportunities you have to stock up. While you can rely on melee combat as an alternative, firearms offer a safer option, making the Metal Detector an invaluable tool for your journey.