Is the Meltan Box Unlimited in Pokémon GO? A Deep Dive into this Mythical Mystery
The burning question on every Pokémon GO trainer’s mind: Is the Meltan Box unlimited? The short answer is yes, but with a cooldown period. You can continuously obtain and open Mystery Boxes, granting you access to the elusive Mythical Pokémon Meltan. However, there are limitations on how frequently you can do so, making it not entirely unlimited in the strictest sense. Let’s break down the mechanics.
The Mechanics of the Meltan Box
The Mystery Box is the only way to encounter Meltan in Pokémon GO. This special item isn’t found in PokéStops or obtained through Research Tasks. Instead, it’s intrinsically linked to Pokémon HOME and the Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! games on the Nintendo Switch.
Acquiring a Mystery Box
You obtain a Mystery Box by transferring Pokémon from Pokémon GO to either Pokémon HOME or one of the “Let’s Go” games on the Nintendo Switch. This establishes a connection between your Pokémon GO account and your Nintendo account. This process essentially acts as the “key” to unlocking the Meltan Mystery Box. You can also get a Mystery Box by sending Pokémon to a friend’s Nintendo Switch game. Remember, though: you can only have one Mystery Box at a time!
The Cooldown Period
Here’s the catch: after opening a Mystery Box, you must wait three days before you can transfer another Pokémon to Pokémon HOME or a “Let’s Go” game and obtain a new one. This three-day cooldown period is a fixed constraint. Regardless of whether you catch zero or dozens of Meltan during the activation period, you’re bound by this waiting period before getting another shot.
Activation Duration and Meltan Spawns
Once opened, the Mystery Box spawns Meltan around you for 60 minutes. The spawns are independent of your movement, meaning you can stay in one place or roam around; the frequency will remain consistent. During this hour, try to catch as many Meltan as possible, as this is your window to gather the necessary candies for evolution.
Evolving Meltan into Melmetal
Meltan requires a whopping 400 Meltan Candies to evolve into Melmetal. This high candy requirement emphasizes the need to maximize your catches during each Mystery Box activation. Utilize Pinap Berries to double your candy earnings per catch and strategically use Rare Candies if you are short.
Shiny Meltan and Special Events
Keep an eye out for special events! During certain times, such as the event in March of 2023, Meltan becomes Shiny-capable when spawned from the Mystery Box. These events are the best time to actively grind for a Shiny Meltan, opening as many boxes as possible within the constraints of the cooldown.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Meltan Box
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of the Meltan Box.
1. How often can I open a Meltan Box?
You can open a Meltan Box every three days after transferring a Pokémon to Pokémon HOME or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!/Eevee!
2. Does the Mystery Box require walking to spawn Meltan?
No, the Mystery Box spawns Meltan regardless of whether you move or stay in one place. The frequency of spawns remains consistent. This is different from Incense which gives better results when walking.
3. Can Meltan run away?
No, unlike some Pokémon such as Abra that immediately flee, Meltan is programmed to never run away. This allows you to take your time and utilize different Poké Ball strategies.
4. How do I get 400 candies to evolve Meltan?
Collect Meltan Candies by catching Meltan, transferring Meltan to Professor Willow, or having Meltan as your Buddy Pokémon. Using Pinap Berries while catching Meltan significantly boosts your candy gains.
5. Can I get a Shiny Meltan from the Mystery Box?
Yes, but only during special events when Shiny Meltan is enabled. Keep an eye on Pokémon GO news for announcements about these events.
6. How long does a Mystery Box last once opened?
The Mystery Box spawns Meltan for 60 minutes after opening it. Make the most of this time to catch as many as you can.
7. What happens if I don’t catch all the Meltan during the activation period?
Once the 60 minutes are up, Meltan will stop spawning. You’ll have to wait for your next Mystery Box to try again.
8. Can I have more than one Mystery Box at a time?
No, you can only hold one Mystery Box at a time. You must open your current one and wait for the cooldown before obtaining another.
9. Do I need Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!/Eevee! to get a Mystery Box?
No, you can also obtain a Mystery Box by transferring a Pokémon to Pokémon HOME, the cloud-based Pokémon storage service.
10. Is there a daily limit on how many Mystery Boxes I can get?
No, there isn’t a daily limit, but the three-day cooldown effectively limits you to one Mystery Box every three days.
11. Can I use Incense with the Mystery Box?
While you can use Incense simultaneously with the Mystery Box, it doesn’t affect the Meltan spawns from the box itself. Incense will spawn other Pokémon, though.
12. Is it better to stay in one place or move around while the Mystery Box is active?
The spawn rate of Meltan from the Mystery Box is consistent whether you move or stay put, so the choice is yours. Pick a spot with good GPS signal and access, or roam around areas with other Pokémon spawns to maximize your catching opportunities.
13. Are Mystery Boxes considered gambling?
The debate on whether loot boxes or mystery boxes constitute gambling is ongoing. David Zendle, a York St John University academic, has researched the perception of video game loot boxes and notes that while they involve spending real money, the items received often don’t have real-world monetary value.
14. What is Melmetal V?
Melmetal V is a trading card. Specifically, Melmetal V – 047/078 – Ultra Rare.
15. What are Mystery Boxes in other contexts?
Outside of Pokemon GO, mystery boxes operate on the element of surprise, offering curated collections of undisclosed items. These boxes are often marketed across various industries, including beauty, electronics, and collectibles. The surprise element and the potential for receiving high-value items make them popular.
Mastering the Meltan Box
The Meltan Box is a valuable tool for Pokémon GO trainers seeking to add Meltan and Melmetal to their collection. Understanding the mechanics, limitations, and special event opportunities is crucial for optimizing your Meltan hunting strategy. Remember the three-day cooldown, maximize your catches during the 60-minute activation, and be ready to pounce when Shiny Meltan events occur. Good luck, and happy hunting! You can check out other awesome gaming concepts and related studies at the Games Learning Society website, GamesLearningSociety.org.