Is Meltan the Rarest Pokémon GO Find? Unveiling the Mystery
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The simple answer is: No, Meltan is not the rarest Pokémon in Pokémon GO, although it presents a unique set of challenges for trainers. While obtaining and evolving Meltan into Melmetal requires significant effort, other Pokémon are substantially harder to find, hatch, or encounter in the wild. Think of it this way: rarity isn’t a simple, single-faceted concept. It’s a complex equation involving availability, encounter rates, evolution requirements, and special events.
Let’s dive into the intricate world of Pokémon rarity in Pokémon GO, dissecting why Meltan feels rare and comparing it to Pokémon that are genuinely more elusive.
The Meltan Factor: Why It Feels Rare
Meltan, along with its evolution Melmetal, occupies a peculiar spot in the Pokémon GO ecosystem. Its rarity stems from a few key factors:
- Evolution Cost: The most significant hurdle is the 400 Candy requirement to evolve Meltan into Melmetal. This is an exceptionally high number compared to most evolutions in the game.
- Acquisition Method: Meltan primarily appears through the Mystery Box, obtained by transferring Pokémon to Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Let’s Go, Eevee! on the Nintendo Switch or using Pokémon HOME. This reliance on external games makes it less accessible to purely mobile Pokémon GO players.
- Event Dependency: Shiny Meltan encounters are primarily limited to specific, time-sensitive events. This means that outside these events, shiny hunting for Meltan is practically impossible.
- Mythical Status: As the first Mythical Pokémon capable of evolution, Meltan holds a certain prestige, further contributing to the perception of rarity.
However, despite these hurdles, Meltan’s availability through the Mystery Box makes it ultimately obtainable with persistence.
The True Contenders for Rarest Pokémon
So, if Meltan isn’t the rarest, who are the frontrunners? Several Pokémon contend for the title, each with its own claim to fame:
- Larvesta and Volcarona: These bug and fire-type Pokémon are extremely rare because, even though Larvesta can be obtained from 2km, 5km and 10km eggs, it sits on the highest rarity tier.
- Regional Pokémon: Pokémon like Kangaskhan, Mr. Mime, Farfetch’d, and Tauros are only available in specific geographical regions. Their rarity depends on your location, but for players outside those regions, they are exceptionally difficult to obtain (typically through trading or special events).
- Unown: This alphabet-shaped Pokémon has multiple forms, each corresponding to a letter of the alphabet and punctuation marks. Their spawn rates are incredibly low, and they primarily appear during specific events, making completing the entire Unown collection a monumental task.
- Shiny Pokémon (Especially Rare Variants): While many shiny Pokémon are rare, certain shiny variants are particularly elusive. Think of Pokémon that rarely spawn in the wild or those that have boosted shiny rates only during specific events.
- Pokémon with Perfect IVs (100% IV): While not technically a “rare Pokémon,” finding a Pokémon with perfect Individual Values (IVs) – a “hundo” – is statistically rare. The odds of encountering a wild Pokémon with perfect IVs are about 1 in 4,096 (or 1 in 1,728 with a Weather Boost).
- Ditto: Ditto is one of the more challenging Pokémon to acquire. It has a 3% encounter rate.
Meltan vs. The Competition: A Rarer Breed of Mythical?
While Meltan’s evolution requirement is demanding, its availability through the Mystery Box sets it apart from truly rare Pokémon that rely on sheer luck and geographical location. Melmetal, while requiring significant candy investment, isn’t technically rarer than a Pokémon that you might never encounter due to location or absurdly low spawn rates.
The Ever-Changing Landscape of Rarity
It’s essential to remember that Pokémon GO’s rarity landscape is dynamic. Niantic frequently adjusts spawn rates, introduces new Pokémon, and holds events that impact the availability of specific species. What’s considered rare today might be more common tomorrow, and vice versa. For example, Community Days often feature Pokémon that were previously difficult to find, significantly increasing their spawn rates and shiny odds for a limited time.
The Allure of the Rare: Why We Chase Elusive Pokémon
The pursuit of rare Pokémon is a core aspect of Pokémon GO’s appeal. It taps into our innate desire for collection, competition, and a sense of accomplishment. The thrill of finally encountering that elusive Pokémon, after hours of searching or hatching countless eggs, is a rewarding experience that keeps players engaged. This engagement can also be looked at through the lens of game-based learning, where players develop strategies and problem-solving skills to achieve their goals. More on this can be found at the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. These activities develop skills useful in everyday life. You can learn more about this field by visiting GamesLearningSociety.org.
FAQs: Unraveling the Mysteries of Meltan and Rarity in Pokémon GO
1. Is Melmetal a Legendary Pokémon?
No, Melmetal is not a Legendary Pokémon. It is a Mythical Pokémon, evolved from Meltan. While both are rare and powerful, they belong to distinct categories.
2. Why is Melmetal so hard to get?
Melmetal’s difficulty stems from the 400 Candy requirement to evolve Meltan. This necessitates either repeated transfers to Pokémon: Let’s Go or Pokémon HOME, or the use of Rare Candies.
3. Is Meltan a good Pokémon to have?
Yes! Melmetal is a powerful Steel-type Pokémon with excellent stats and a diverse movepool, making it a valuable addition to any team.
4. How often can I open the Mystery Box to get Meltan?
You can open the Mystery Box every three days after transferring a Pokémon to Pokémon: Let’s Go or Pokémon HOME.
5. Is Meltan shiny always available?
No. Shiny Meltan is typically only available during special events, such as Pokémon TCG crossover events. Outside of these events, Meltan cannot be encountered in its shiny form.
6. What are the best moves for Melmetal in Pokémon GO?
For raids and Gym battles, Double Iron Bash and Rock Slide are great moves to use for Melmetal.
7. Can I get Meltan without a Nintendo Switch?
Yes, you can get Meltan without a Nintendo Switch by using Pokémon HOME. Transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME, then claim the Mystery Box in Pokémon GO.
8. Are there any other Mythical Pokémon that can evolve?
Currently, Meltan is the only Mythical Pokémon that can evolve in Pokémon GO and the main series games.
9. Is Ditto rare in Pokemon GO?
Yes, Ditto is considered a rare Pokémon in Pokémon GO due to its disguise mechanic. It hides as other common Pokémon, making it difficult to specifically target and catch.
10. What is the hardest shiny to get in Pokémon GO?
Determining the single “hardest” shiny is subjective, but Pokémon with extremely low spawn rates, regional restrictions, or event-exclusive shiny forms are generally considered the most challenging to obtain.
11. What are the odds of finding a 100% IV Pokémon in the wild?
The odds of finding a wild Pokémon with perfect IVs (100% IV) are approximately 1 in 4,096. This chance improves to 1 in 1,728 when encountering a Weather Boosted Pokémon.
12. Was Ash’s Melmetal shiny?
No, Ash’s Melmetal was not shiny. However, its pre-evolution, Meltan, had a nut that was originally the same color as other Meltan, but it went back to normal once it evolved into Melmetal.
13. What is the shiny rate for Meltan during events?
During events where Shiny Meltan is available, the shiny rate is boosted. Usually, Shiny Pokemon have a 1/512 chance to appear. However, Meltan is a special case that has a 1/125 chance to appear shiny.
14. What are Ultra Beasts, and is Meltan one of them?
Ultra Beasts are extradimensional Pokémon from Ultra Space. Meltan is not an Ultra Beast.
15. Can I trade Meltan and Melmetal in Pokémon GO?
No, you cannot trade Mythical Pokémon like Meltan and Melmetal in Pokémon GO. This restriction is in place to maintain their rarity and value.
Ultimately, whether or not you consider Meltan the “rarest” Pokémon in Pokémon GO depends on your personal definition of rarity and your play style. However, its unique acquisition method, high evolution cost, and mythical status contribute to its allure and the sense of accomplishment in obtaining this unique Pokémon.