Metal Detector

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Desktop versionConsole versionMobile version
Desktop/Console/Mobile-Only Content: This information applies only to the Desktop, Console, and Mobile versions of Terraria.
Metal Detector
  • Metal Detector item sprite
Stack digit 1.png
Statistics
Type
TooltipDisplays the most valuable ore around you
RarityRarity level: 1
Sell1 GC
Research1 required
  • Internal Item ID: 3102 (Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)
Toggle icons for the
Metal Detector
Desktop version
Metal Detector toggle.png
Mobile version
Metal Detector toggle (mobile).png
Obtained from Obtained from
Classic mode icon.png Classic
Expert mode icon.png Expert
Master mode icon.png Master
EntityQty.Rate
Lost GirlLost Girl.pngLost Girl150%100%
NymphNymph.gifNymph150%100%

The Metal Detector is an informational accessory that detects valuable objects, including ores, chests, Life Crystals, and Life Fruit, within a rectangular area of 170×125[1] tiles centered on the player. The Metal Detector has a 1/2 (50%) / 100% chance of being dropped by Nymphs, 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 directly reveal the location or direction of the detected object.

The Metal Detector is one of the three parts necessary to make the Goblin Tech, with the others being the Stopwatch and the DPS Meter, and as such is a required ingredient in crafting the Shellphone.

Crafting

Used in

ResultIngredientsCrafting station
Goblin TechGoblin Tech(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions)Tinkerer's WorkshopTinkerer's Workshop

Object value

Only the following tiles are detected. The name of the tile with the highest value present will be shown by the Metal Detector.

Tile Value[2]
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
Life Crystal BoulderLife Crystal Boulder 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

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 players of the same team in multiplayer that are within 50 tiles. Keep in mind modifiers will no longer apply to the player when not equipped.
  • It does not display the specific type of detected Chest.

Tips

  • The Spelunker Potion and Magic Lantern pair well with the Metal Detector, as they will also reveal the item's 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 Fruit and Life Crystals are prioritized over ores, it may be preferable to continue collecting them even if they are no longer needed, to prevent them from blocking the display of other valuable items.
  • There is a trick to help narrow down the location of uncommon ore or other items, such as Adamantite Ore or Strange Plants. Maintaining the same vertical position, mark the points to the left and right in which the Metal Detector no longer detects the item. The item will likely be above or below the midpoint. Alternatively, this can also be done by maintaining the same horizontal position and marking the points above and below. In this case, the item will likely be to the left or right of the midpoint.

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.
  • Even though Hellstone is the most powerful ore in pre-Hardmode, it will not be detected. Other valuable items like gems are not detected either.

History

  • Desktop 1.4.4:
    • Gelatin Crystals are now detected.
    • Reduced the value of Life Crystals from 800 to 550.
  • Desktop 1.4.0.1:
    • Desert Fossils, Trapped Chests, and Strange Plants are now detected.
    • Increased the value of Meteorite from 300 to 400.
    • Reduced the value of Demonite and Crimtane Ore from 310/320 to 300/310.
    • Reduced the value of Gold and Platinum Ore from 400/410 to 260/270.
    • Reduced the value of Sturdy Fossils from 350 to 150.

References

  1. Information taken from the Desktop version Desktop 1.4.4.9 source code, method ScanAndExportToMain() in Terraria.SceneMetrics.cs.
  2. Information taken from the Desktop version Desktop 1.4.4.6 source code, method SetTileValue() in Terraria.Main.cs. There may be inaccuracies, as the current Desktop version Desktop version is 1.4.4.9.