Is Meltan in Pokémon Sword and Shield? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, Meltan is indeed obtainable in Pokémon Sword and Shield, but its journey to the Galar region is a bit more involved than simply encountering it in the wild. This Mythical Pokémon, known for its unique metallic body, requires a specific process to transfer it from its original habitat in Pokémon GO. This article will explain the complete process of acquiring Meltan and its evolution, Melmetal, in Pokémon Sword and Shield, along with answers to common questions about these elusive Pokémon.
How to Obtain Meltan in Sword and Shield
Meltan’s presence in the Galar region is tied directly to its appearance in Pokémon GO. You cannot find a wild Meltan roaming the fields of Sword and Shield. The process is multi-staged and requires that you connect to multiple Pokémon games. Here’s the breakdown:
- Catch Meltan in Pokémon GO: Meltan appears exclusively when a Mystery Box is opened in Pokémon GO. This box is acquired by transferring Pokémon to either a Nintendo Switch game (either Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Let’s Go, Eevee!) or to a friend’s Switch game. Once activated, Meltan will spawn around you for 60 minutes, giving you the opportunity to catch as many as possible. Remember that the Mystery Box can be obtained by transferring to a Nintendo Switch game or another player. You can only get one box at a time.
- Transfer to Pokémon: Let’s Go: You can send the Meltan you caught from Pokémon GO to either Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Let’s Go, Eevee! using the game’s Bluetooth connectivity. However, before doing so, you need to reach Fuchsia City and access the GO Park in these games. This transfer is one-way; once the Pokémon is moved to Let’s Go, it cannot be transferred back to Pokémon Go.
- Transfer to Pokémon HOME: After your Meltan is in Pokémon: Let’s Go, you can then transfer it to Pokémon HOME, the cloud-based storage service for Pokémon games.
- Transfer to Pokémon Sword and Shield: With Meltan now in Pokémon HOME, you can finally transfer it to your copy of Pokémon Sword or Shield through the Nintendo Switch version of the application, and add it to your team!
How to Obtain Melmetal in Sword and Shield
Melmetal, Meltan’s evolution, is similarly obtainable, but with an added step within Pokémon GO.
- Evolve Meltan in Pokémon GO: Meltan must be evolved within Pokémon GO before it can become Melmetal in your Pokémon storage. To evolve Meltan, you need to collect 400 Meltan Candies by catching Meltan or by having it as your buddy, by sending Meltan to Professor Willow, etc.
- Transfer Melmetal to Pokémon HOME: After evolving Meltan into Melmetal, you must transfer it into Pokémon HOME via the same methods as described with Meltan.
- Transfer Melmetal to Pokémon Sword and Shield: Finally you can transfer your Melmetal from Pokémon HOME into Sword and Shield on the Nintendo Switch.
Additionally, a special Gigantamax Melmetal was made available via a Mystery Gift in Pokémon HOME’s mobile version. This Melmetal can then be transferred to Pokémon Sword or Shield, making it the first time this form has been made available. Keep an eye out for these distribution events!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I find Meltan in the wild in Pokémon Sword or Shield?
No, Meltan cannot be found in the wild in Pokémon Sword and Shield. It can only be obtained through a series of transfers originating from Pokémon GO, and must be initially caught by opening Mystery Boxes.
2. Can Meltan evolve in Pokémon Sword and Shield?
No, Meltan cannot evolve directly in Pokémon Sword and Shield. It must be evolved into Melmetal in Pokémon GO using 400 Meltan Candies before it can be transferred into the Galar region.
3. Can I transfer Pokémon back from Let’s Go to Pokémon Go?
No, you cannot transfer Pokémon back from Let’s Go to Pokémon Go. The transfer is a one-way process. Be sure to keep the Meltan and Melmetal you desire in Pokémon GO before the transfer!
4. Is Meltan a Legendary or Mythical Pokémon?
Meltan is a Mythical Pokémon, not a Legendary Pokémon. Mythical Pokémon are usually only obtainable through special events and have unique characteristics.
5. Is Melmetal a Legendary or Mythical Pokémon?
Like Meltan, Melmetal is also a Mythical Pokémon. It retains the Mythical status of its pre-evolution.
6. Can I breed Meltan or Melmetal in Pokémon Sword and Shield?
No, you cannot breed Meltan or Melmetal in Pokémon Sword and Shield. As Mythical Pokémon, they belong to the Undiscovered Egg Group and therefore cannot produce eggs.
7. How do I get the Mystery Box in Pokémon GO?
The Mystery Box is obtained in Pokémon GO by transferring Pokémon to Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Let’s Go, Eevee! on a Nintendo Switch or to another user’s Let’s Go game, which then allows Meltan to appear in Pokémon Go for a set time.
8. Can I get a Shiny Meltan or Melmetal in Pokémon GO?
Yes, Shiny Meltan and Melmetal have been available during special events in Pokémon GO. Keep an eye out for these events, as they are the only way to get a shiny version of these Pokémon.
9. Can I Gigantamax Melmetal in Pokémon Sword and Shield?
Yes, a special Gigantamax Melmetal was distributed as a Mystery Gift in Pokémon HOME’s mobile version. This version can be transferred to Sword and Shield, but you need the gift form of the Pokémon to access the Gigantamax version.
10. Is Meltan rare in Pokémon Sword and Shield?
Yes, Meltan is considered rare in Pokémon Sword and Shield due to the specific transfer process required. Obtaining it is not as simple as finding it in the wild, requiring you to engage with both Pokémon GO and another main series game on the Switch.
11. Can I get Melmetal in Pokémon GO directly?
No, Melmetal can’t be caught directly in Pokémon GO. You must evolve a Meltan using 400 Meltan Candies in the game.
12. Can I transfer my other Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Sword and Shield?
Yes, you can transfer most Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Sword and Shield using Pokémon HOME. Not all Pokémon are compatible with Sword and Shield but a large majority are transferable to Home and then on to Sword and Shield.
13. Is Mewtwo in Pokémon Sword and Shield?
Yes, Mewtwo can be encountered in Dynamax Adventures in Pokémon Sword and Shield. It is not found in the wild but can be caught within these adventure encounters.
14. Can I catch Eternatus in Pokémon Sword and Shield?
Yes, you can catch Eternatus in Pokémon Sword and Shield during the main storyline. It has a guaranteed catch rate once the battle is complete.
15. Can you find a Shiny Eternatus?
No, Shiny Eternatus is not legitimately obtainable through normal gameplay in Pokémon Sword and Shield. There may be special distribution events in the future, but currently, no legitimate way of getting this form exists.
Conclusion
Meltan and Melmetal are accessible in Pokémon Sword and Shield, but they require a journey that spans multiple games. By following the steps outlined above, you can welcome these unique Mythical Pokémon to your Galar region team. This process might seem lengthy, but the effort is worth it for those looking to complete their collection and use these powerful Steel-type Pokémon.