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PC versionConsole versionMobile versionOld Chinese versiontModLoader versiontModLoader 1
PC/Console/Mobile/Old Chinese/tModLoader/tModLoader 1.3-Legacy-Only Content: This information applies only to the PC, Console, Mobile, Old Chinese, tModLoader, and tModLoader Legacy versions of Terraria.
Metal Detector
  • Metal Detector item sprite
Stack digit 1
Statistics
Type
TooltipDisplays the most valuable ore around you
RarityRarity level: 1
Sell1
Research1 required
Obtained from Obtained from
Classic mode icon Classic
Expert mode icon Expert
Master mode icon Master
EntityQty.Rate
Lost GirlLost GirlLost Girl150%100%
NymphNymphNymph150%100%

The Metal Detector is an informational accessory which informs the player about valuable objects, such as ores, chests, or Life Crystals, in their vicinity. It has a 50% (100%) chance to be dropped by the Nymph, a rare cavern enemy.

The Metal Detector displays the specific type of what was detected, for instance, "Chlorophyte detected nearby!" When multiple valuables are detected, only the one with the highest value is noted. Like most informational accessories, it does not reveal the location or direction of the detected object.

Crafting[]

Used in[]

ResultIngredientsCrafting station
Goblin TechGoblin Tech
Tinkerer's WorkshopTinkerer's Workshop

Object value[]

Only the following tiles are detected. The name of the most valuable tile present will be shown by the Metal Detector.[1]

PC version PC version, Console version Console version, Mobile version Mobile version, and tModLoader version tModLoader version
Tile Value
PotPot(any) 100
Sturdy FossilSturdy Fossil 150
Desert FossilDesert Fossil 150
Copper OreCopper Ore 200
Tin OreTin Ore 210
Iron OreIron Ore 220
Lead OreLead Ore 230
Silver OreSilver Ore 240
Tungsten OreTungsten Ore 250
Gold OreGold Ore 260
Platinum OrePlatinum Ore 270
Demonite OreDemonite Ore 300
Crimtane OreCrimtane Ore 310
MeteoriteMeteorite 400
ChestChest(any) 500
Dead Man's ChestDead Man's Chest 500
Trapped ChestTrapped Chest(any) 500
Life CrystalLife Crystal 550
Repaired Life CrystalRepaired Life Crystal 550
Repaired Mana CrystalRepaired Mana Crystal 550
Cobalt OreCobalt Ore 600
Palladium OrePalladium Ore 610
Mythril OreMythril Ore 620
Orichalcum OreOrichalcum Ore 630
Adamantite OreAdamantite Ore 640
Titanium OreTitanium Ore 650
Gelatin CrystalGelatin Crystal 675
Chlorophyte OreChlorophyte Ore 700
Strange PlantStrange Plant 750
Glow TulipGlow Tulip 760
Life FruitLife Fruit 810
Old Chinese version Old Chinese version and tModLoader 1 tModLoader 1.3-Legacy version
Tile Value
PotPot(any) 100
Copper OreCopper Ore 200
Tin OreTin Ore 210
Iron OreIron Ore 220
Lead OreLead Ore 230
Silver OreSilver Ore 240
Tungsten OreTungsten Ore 250
MeteoriteMeteorite 300
Demonite OreDemonite Ore 310
Crimtane OreCrimtane Ore 320
Sturdy FossilSturdy Fossil 350
Gold OreGold Ore 400
Platinum OrePlatinum Ore 410
ChestChest(any) 500
Cobalt OreCobalt Ore 600
Palladium OrePalladium Ore 610
Mythril OreMythril Ore 620
Orichalcum OreOrichalcum Ore 630
Adamantite OreAdamantite Ore 640
Titanium OreTitanium Ore 650
Chlorophyte OreChlorophyte Ore 700
Life CrystalLife Crystal 800
Life FruitLife Fruit 810

Notes[]

  • Unlike most accessories, informational accessories such as the Metal Detector do not need to be equipped in an accessory slot. The Metal Detector may be carried in the player's inventory without loss of functionality, unless equipped to a social slot. Additionally, the info it provides will be shared with nearby players of the same team in multiplayer. Keep in mind modifiers will no longer apply to the player when not equipped.
  • It has a detection radius of 85 blocks (170 feet) horizontally and 60 blocks (120 feet) vertically, with distance being calculated from the player’s feet.
  • Both vertical and horizontal distance are calculated independently.
  • Even though Hellstone is the most powerful ore in Pre-Hardmode, it will not be detected.
  • It does not display the specific type of detected chest.

Tips[]

  • Spelunker Potion and Magic Lantern pair well with the Metal Detector, as they will also reveal the item location.
    • Additionally, they reveal items the Metal Detector cannot detect, such as gems, and display lower-tier ores when higher tier ores are masking their detection from the Metal Detector.
  • Since Life Crystals and Life Fruit are prioritized over ores, it may be preferable to continue collecting them even if they are no longer needed. This prevents them from blocking the display of other valuable items.
  • If you are having trouble finding an uncommon ore or other item, such as Adamantite Ore or a Strange Plant, you can try a simple trick to narrow down its location. Maintaining the same vertical position, go left or right until it no longer detects the item you are trying to find, and mark the position where it changes. Do the same in the opposite direction. Stand about halfway between those two points, and search the vertical area above and below where you're standing. You will likely find what you are looking for.
    • This is easier with a Compass or a Depth Meter, for when you're at the edge of the metal detector's range, you can calculate either the exact depth or the exact latitude of it.
      • For example, if you're at 1618 feet east, and the most valuable nearby object is an ore, but at 1622" east, it says there's a chest nearby, you know that the chest is 100 (170) feet east of you, or at latitude 1720 (1790) east, meaning you can go there and know that it's either directly above or directly below you, be significantly reducing the area you need to search
    • Another easier trick if you're playing at 1080p, is to zoom out and use either Binoculars, Sniper Rifle, or Rifle Scope and its variants paired with Spelunker Potions.
      • For example, if you're searching for Life Fruits, move around until it says "Life Fruit detected nearby". Then, use those items and search every part you can possibly see using said items. This can significantly decrease the time to search for Life Fruits.

Trivia[]

  • Though they are all detected by the Metal Detector, Life Fruit, Sturdy Fossils, Strange Plants, and pots are not metallic.
  • Despite the tooltip, it also detects objects other than ores.

History[]

  • Desktop 1.4.0.1:
    • Meteorite, Crimtane, and Demonite now have higher Metal Detector priority than Gold/Platinum.
    • Sturdy and Desert Fossils have a smaller value.
    • Trapped Chests and Strange Plants are now detected.

References[]

  1. Information taken from the PC version PC 1.4.4.9 source code, method SetTileValue() in Terraria.Main.cs.
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