Do this first in Atomfall to make the early game easy

The first few hours of Atomfall can be tough, and even a little confusing, but these tips will make the early game an absolute breeze.

You’re presented with a lot of questions when you first emerge from the bunker in Atomfall. Where am I? Who is that creepy voice on the telephone? But most of all, where do I go first?

Unlike other open-world titles where you’re given clear objective markers showing you the golden path, you’ll need to use your own detective skills to navigate the quarantine zone. But with the freedom to go anywhere and only a few vague leads to follow, it can be tough to know where to start.

Don’t worry, though, there are a couple of easy things to tick off to make sure you don’t struggle early on.

Find the Metal Detector

The Metal Detector is one of the most important tools in Atomfall, allowing you to scavenge for hidden caches full of supplies and even collectible Lunchboxes. However, it’s easy to miss if you just follow the main road.

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To get hold of it, go immediately left out of the bunker until you find the broken house where Nat Buckshaw is staying. From there, rather than following the road forward, head over the bridge to your right and follow the narrow path.

Eventually, you’ll come to a small lake. If you look to the right you’ll see a dead body lying on a rock, with the Metal Detector next to it. Search the body to add it to your inventory permanently, just watch out for the fish that want to nibble on you.

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Once you’ve got the detector, it will ping to let you know whenever a supply cache is nearby. They often contain valuable ammo and remedies that will be vital to your survival early on.

Pick up a Shotgun

Combat in Atomfall is tough, so when waving a hatchet around isn’t cutting it, you’re going to need something more powerful. Luckily, you can get a Leamington 12 Gauge Shotgun right away if you know where to look.

Just opposite Nat Buckshaw’s house, there’s another abandoned building that’s ripe for exploring. At first glance, there doesn’t seem to be much in there, but if you head inside and go to the back room, there’s a small gap you can squeeze through.

In here, there are a few extra supplies to help you on your way and a dead body propped against the wall. Search him and you’ll get a free Shotgun that’ll let you fight off any outlaws that get too close.

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Find a Rifle

The Shotgun can devastate enemies at close range, but it’s better to take them out from a distance before they can whittle away your health bar. For that, you’ll need something with a little more range and you can get your hands on a Terrier .22 Rifle just minutes after leaving the bunker.

First, follow the main path until you reach the Waterwheels. You’ll see and hear outlaws walking around outside, which might put you off since at this point you’re undersupplied and vulnerable, but it’s well worth sneaking inside.

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Head to the large building on the south side of the location and go inside. You’ll spot the Rifle leaning against a stool in the corner of the room, which you’re free to pick up.

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Combat isn’t always recommended in Atomfall, as ammo is scarce and it’s easy to get overwhelmed if you’re not careful. However, while you’re learning the ropes, having a couple of firearms to call upon if you accidentally start a fight is essential.

You’ll find better guns that aren’t caked in rust in later areas, but these are more than strong enough to deal with the enemies in Slatten Dale.

Atomfall is shaping up to be one of the breakout games of the year, so check out the other titles coming later in 2025.