Does the Meltan Mystery Box Require Walking in Pokémon GO?
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No, the Meltan Mystery Box in Pokémon GO does not require walking. The spawn rate of Meltan is the same whether you are moving or stationary during the 60-minute activation period. So, feel free to kick back and relax while you catch as many of these Mythical Pokémon as possible!
Meltan Mystery Box: A Deep Dive into This Elusive Mechanic
The Meltan Mystery Box is a unique and somewhat elusive item in Pokémon GO, and it’s the only way to encounter and catch Meltan in the game. Unlike many other aspects of Pokémon GO that incentivize exploration and physical activity, the Meltan Mystery Box operates independently of your movement. Let’s unpack everything you need to know about maximizing your Meltan catching potential.
How to Obtain and Activate the Meltan Mystery Box
To get your hands on a Meltan Mystery Box, you’ll need to connect your Pokémon GO account to either Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! on the Nintendo Switch, or transfer a Pokémon to Pokémon HOME. Sending a Pokémon to either of these services will reward you with the ability to open the Mystery Box in Pokémon GO.
Once activated, the Mystery Box will spawn Meltan around you for 60 minutes. As the article states, it spawns on average of one Meltan every 1.5 minutes. The beauty of this system is that you don’t need to wander around. You can stay in one place, and Meltan will still appear. This is particularly useful for players with mobility issues or those who prefer playing from the comfort of their homes.
Optimizing Your Meltan Catching Strategy
Even though walking isn’t a factor, there are still ways to optimize your Meltan catching experience:
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Stock up on Poké Balls: With Meltan spawning frequently, you’ll want to ensure you have a healthy supply of Poké Balls, Great Balls, and Ultra Balls. Running out of balls mid-session is a surefire way to miss out on potential catches.
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Use Berries: Applying Razz Berries, Nanab Berries, or Pinap Berries can significantly improve your catch rate or increase the amount of Candy you receive. If you’re hunting for a Shiny Meltan, prioritize using berries to ensure you don’t miss your chance. Pinap Berries are exceptionally valuable for accumulating Meltan Candy, which is essential for evolving Meltan into Melmetal.
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Maximize Catch Time: Since the box lasts for 60 minutes, it’s crucial to catch as many Meltan as possible. Being prepared with enough resources will greatly increase your chances of being successful.
Shiny Meltan and Special Events
The opportunity to catch a Shiny Meltan is not always available. Niantic periodically hosts events where Shiny Meltan can appear from the Mystery Box. These events are highly anticipated and provide the best chance to add this rare variant to your collection.
For example, during the March 2023 event, Shiny Meltan was available. Keep an eye on Pokémon GO news and announcements to stay informed about future Shiny Meltan events. Activating the Mystery Box during these events and catching every Meltan that appears is the best strategy for obtaining a Shiny Meltan.
Recharging Your Mystery Box
After using the Mystery Box, there’s a three-day cooldown period. To reactivate it, you must send another Pokémon to Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!, or Pokémon HOME. This requirement ensures a continuous connection between Pokémon GO and the Nintendo Switch or Pokémon HOME ecosystem.
Debunking Common Myths about the Mystery Box
There are some common misconceptions about the Meltan Mystery Box. One of the most prevalent is the belief that walking or moving increases the spawn rate. As stated previously, this is simply not true. The frequency of Meltan spawns remains constant regardless of your movement. Also, do not use an incense during this time because it does not work.
Another myth revolves around the idea that the type of Pokémon you transfer affects the chances of getting a Shiny Meltan. This is also false. The appearance of a Shiny Meltan is determined by Niantic’s event settings and your luck during the event.
The Educational Value of Pokémon GO
While seemingly just a fun game, Pokémon GO and the games it connects with, like the Pokémon: Let’s Go series, can even be used for educational purposes, as shown by organizations like the Games Learning Society. This organization studies the intersection of games and education. You can learn more about their mission on their website: GamesLearningSociety.org.
Does Meltan Mystery Box Require Walking? A Final Thought
While the Meltan Mystery Box doesn’t require you to trek across town, it does encourage engagement with the broader Pokémon ecosystem. Remember that you can stay put while activating the Mystery Box and still catch Meltan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I get a Meltan Mystery Box?
You can obtain a Meltan Mystery Box by transferring a Pokémon from Pokémon GO to either Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!, or Pokémon HOME.
2. How long does the Meltan Mystery Box last?
Once activated, the Meltan Mystery Box spawns Meltan for 60 minutes.
3. How often can I open the Meltan Mystery Box?
You can open the Meltan Mystery Box every three days, provided you transfer another Pokémon to Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!, or Pokémon HOME after the cooldown period.
4. Does walking affect the spawn rate of Meltan from the Mystery Box?
No, walking does not affect the spawn rate. Meltan spawns at the same frequency whether you’re moving or stationary.
5. Can Meltan from the Mystery Box be shiny?
Yes, Shiny Meltan can appear from the Mystery Box during special events. Keep an eye on Pokémon GO news for announcements.
6. Is there a guaranteed way to get a Shiny Meltan?
No, there is no guaranteed way. Your best bet is to open the Mystery Box multiple times during a Shiny Meltan event and catch every Meltan that appears.
7. Do Incense or Lure Modules affect Meltan spawns from the Mystery Box?
No, Incense and Lure Modules do not affect Meltan spawns from the Mystery Box. The Mystery Box has its own independent spawn mechanism.
8. What’s the best way to prepare for using the Mystery Box?
Stock up on Poké Balls, Great Balls, and Ultra Balls. Also, gather Razz Berries or Pinap Berries to increase your catch rate or Meltan Candy acquisition.
9. Is Meltan a Legendary or Mythical Pokémon?
Meltan is classified as a Mythical Pokémon.
10. Can Meltan run away during the Mystery Box event?
No, Meltan cannot run away once it has spawned.
11. Does the type of Pokémon I transfer affect the Shiny Meltan rate?
No, the type of Pokémon you transfer has no impact on the Shiny Meltan rate. The rate is determined by Niantic during special events.
12. Can I use the Meltan Mystery Box with a friend?
No, the Meltan Mystery Box is for individual use only. Each player needs to obtain their own Mystery Box by transferring Pokémon.
13. What happens if I run out of Poké Balls during the Mystery Box duration?
If you run out of Poké Balls, you’ll be unable to catch Meltan. It’s essential to be well-prepared before activating the box. You may purchase more using PokeCoins.
14. Are there any location restrictions for using the Mystery Box?
No, there are no specific location restrictions. As long as you have a stable internet connection, you can use the Mystery Box anywhere.
15. Will Shiny Meltan events return in the future?
While there is no guarantee, Niantic has held Shiny Meltan events in the past. It’s likely they will return in the future, so stay updated on Pokémon GO news and announcements.