Unveiling the Enigmatic Shiny Meltan: A Comprehensive Guide
The hunt for Shiny Meltan is a rite of passage for many dedicated Pokémon GO trainers. But what is the shiny rate in Meltan, exactly? This article delves deep into the mysteries surrounding this elusive Pokémon, providing a clear answer and tackling some of the most frequently asked questions.
The short answer is: the shiny rate for Meltan is not fixed and is event-dependent. During special Pokémon GO events featuring Meltan, the shiny rate is significantly boosted, generally estimated to be around 1 in 64. Outside of these events, Shiny Meltan is unavailable, meaning the rate is effectively 0.
Understanding the Elusive Shiny Meltan
Meltan’s availability is unlike most other Pokémon. It can only be obtained by opening a Mystery Box in Pokémon GO, which is acquired by transferring a Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu!, Pokémon Let’s Go, Eevee!, or Pokémon HOME. The Mystery Box allows Meltan to spawn in the wild for a limited time, giving you the chance to catch as many as possible.
The key to finding a Shiny Meltan lies in understanding when and how these events are activated. Niantic, the developer of Pokémon GO, typically announces Meltan events well in advance. These events usually coincide with larger game updates or celebrations.
Factors Affecting Your Shiny Meltan Hunt
While the primary factor is the event itself, several other elements can influence your success in finding a Shiny Meltan:
- Number of Encounters: Obviously, the more Meltan you encounter, the higher your chances of finding a shiny. Optimize your gameplay during the Mystery Box activation to maximize your encounters.
- Dedicated Time: Devote focused time to playing during the Mystery Box’s duration. Don’t just casually check; actively seek out and tap on every Meltan that appears.
- Shiny Checking: Employ a quick shiny checking method. Immediately tap on each Meltan and glance at its appearance. If it’s not shiny, quickly exit the encounter and move on to the next. This saves precious time and allows for more encounters.
- Patience: Finding a shiny is never guaranteed. Even with boosted rates, it might take multiple Mystery Boxes and countless encounters. Remain patient and persistent in your hunt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Shiny Meltan
1. How do I get a Mystery Box to catch Meltan?
To obtain a Mystery Box, you must transfer a Pokémon from your Pokémon GO account to either Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu!, Pokémon Let’s Go, Eevee!, or Pokémon HOME. Once the transfer is complete, the Mystery Box will be added to your Pokémon GO inventory. You can only open one Mystery Box at a time, and after opening, you’ll need to wait a specific cooldown period (usually around three days) before you can open another.
2. How long does a Mystery Box last?
Once activated, a Mystery Box typically lasts for 60 minutes. During this time, Meltan will spawn in the wild around you.
3. How often can I open a Mystery Box?
The cooldown period for opening another Mystery Box is typically 3 days.
4. Is Shiny Meltan always available?
No, Shiny Meltan is only available during specific Pokémon GO events. Outside of these events, Meltan can still be caught, but its shiny form will not appear.
5. How do I know when a Meltan event is happening?
Niantic usually announces Meltan events on their official Pokémon GO social media channels (Twitter, Facebook), through in-game news, and on Pokémon news websites. Stay informed by following these sources.
6. Does incense or lure modules affect Meltan spawns from the Mystery Box?
Yes! Using incense and lure modules while the Mystery Box is active can significantly increase the number of Meltan that spawn around you, maximizing your chances of encountering a shiny.
7. Is the Meltan shiny rate the same for everyone during events?
While the shiny rate is generally believed to be the same for all players during an event, individual experiences may vary due to random number generation (RNG). Some players might find a shiny quickly, while others might need many more encounters.
8. Does transferring a shiny Pokémon to Pokémon HOME increase my chances of finding a Shiny Meltan?
No, transferring a shiny Pokémon has no impact on the Shiny Meltan rate. The rate is determined by the event and RNG.
9. Can I trade Meltan or Shiny Meltan?
Yes, you can trade Meltan and Shiny Meltan with other players in Pokémon GO, provided you meet the standard trading requirements (friendship level, stardust cost, etc.).
10. Is there a way to guarantee a Shiny Meltan?
Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed way to find a Shiny Meltan. The shiny rate is based on probability, and even with boosted rates, luck plays a significant role.
11. What happens if I transfer a Pokémon to Pokémon HOME by accident? Can I get it back?
In most cases, you cannot retrieve Pokémon transferred to Pokémon HOME. Double-check before confirming any transfer.
12. Does the weather boost affect Meltan’s spawn rate or shiny rate?
Weather boost affects the spawn rate of certain Pokémon types, but it does not influence the shiny rate of Meltan. However, Meltan is boosted by cloudy weather, which can increase the number of encounters during your Mystery Box activation.
13. What is the evolution of Meltan, and how do I evolve it?
Meltan evolves into Melmetal. To evolve Meltan into Melmetal in Pokémon GO, you need 400 Meltan Candies. The best way to gather these candies is to catch as many Meltan as possible during Mystery Box activations, use Pinap Berries for extra candies, and transfer excess Meltan to Professor Willow.
14. Can I get a Shiny Melmetal?
Yes, but only by evolving a Shiny Meltan. There is no way to directly catch a Shiny Melmetal in the wild or through raids.
15. What is the significance of Pokémon GO in education?
The world of gaming can have benefits for its users. Games like Pokemon GO can be used to learn. More research on the topic can be found on the GamesLearningSociety.org website. Exploring resources like the Games Learning Society is highly encouraged to explore the various intersection of gaming, learning, and education. GamesLearningSociety.org promotes the creation of meaningful games.
Conclusion: Embrace the Hunt!
The search for Shiny Meltan can be challenging, but with proper preparation and understanding of the event mechanics, you can significantly increase your chances of adding this rare and coveted Pokémon to your collection. Remember to stay informed about upcoming events, maximize your encounters during Mystery Box activations, and most importantly, have fun on your shiny hunting adventure! Happy hunting!