Unlocking Melmetal: When Does Meltan Evolve?
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Meltan, the adorable Steel-type Mythical Pokémon, doesn’t follow the traditional leveling system for evolution. It evolves into the mighty Melmetal exclusively in Pokémon GO, and the key to unlocking this transformation isn’t a specific level, but rather the accumulation of 400 Meltan Candies. So, in short, Meltan does not evolve at any specific level. Evolution is tied to candies.
Understanding the Meltan Evolution Process
Unlike many Pokémon that evolve upon reaching a certain level, Meltan’s evolution is tied to the Candy system in Pokémon GO. This means you can evolve a Meltan at any level, as long as you have gathered the required 400 Meltan Candies.
This Candy system is central to Pokémon GO’s evolution mechanics. By catching multiples of the same Pokémon, transferring them to Professor Willow, and using them as a Buddy Pokémon, trainers can accumulate the candies necessary to trigger evolutions. In the case of Meltan, this process is more involved, making Melmetal a prized addition to any trainer’s roster.
How to Accumulate Meltan Candies
Acquiring 400 Meltan Candies can seem daunting. However, several strategies can expedite the process:
- Catching Meltan: Each Meltan caught yields a base amount of Candy.
- Using Pinap Berries: Using a Pinap Berry before catching a Meltan significantly increases the number of Candies received.
- Transferring Meltan: Sending unwanted Meltan to Professor Willow earns you additional Candies.
- Buddy Pokémon: Setting Meltan as your Buddy Pokémon allows you to earn Candies by walking a specific distance.
- Mystery Box: The most efficient way to obtain Meltan is through the Mystery Box, obtained by transferring Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Let’s Go, Eevee! or Pokémon HOME. Opening the Mystery Box spawns multiple Meltan for a limited time.
- Rare Candies: These candies can be converted into Meltan candies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Meltan and Melmetal
Here’s a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of evolving Meltan:
1. Is Meltan the Only Mythical Pokémon That Can Evolve?
Yes, Meltan holds the unique distinction of being the first and currently only Mythical Pokémon known to evolve. Its evolution into Melmetal sets it apart from other Mythical creatures in the Pokémon universe.
2. Can Meltan Evolve in Games Other Than Pokémon GO?
No, Meltan can only evolve into Melmetal within Pokémon GO. Its evolution mechanic is specifically designed for the mobile game and is not transferable to other Pokémon games, like Pokémon Sword or Shield.
3. How Do I Get a Meltan in Pokémon Sword or Shield?
Meltan can be transferred to Pokémon Home from Pokémon Go and then into Pokémon Sword and Shield. You have to first acquire it in Pokemon Go to get it into your version of Pokemon Sword or Shield.
4. What is the Mystery Box and How Does It Help Me Get Meltan?
The Mystery Box is a special item in Pokémon GO that can be obtained by transferring Pokémon to Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Let’s Go, Eevee! or Pokémon HOME. Opening the Mystery Box spawns a large number of Meltan for a limited time, making it the most efficient way to catch them and collect Meltan Candies.
5. How Often Can I Open the Mystery Box?
After opening a Mystery Box, you typically need to wait three days before you can open another one. This cooldown period ensures that players continue to engage with both Pokémon GO and the Let’s Go or Pokemon HOME titles to repeatedly acquire Meltan.
6. Should I Power Up My Meltan Before Evolving It?
Whether you power up your Meltan before or after evolving it doesn’t ultimately affect the final Combat Power (CP) of your Melmetal. The CP is determined by the Pokémon’s base stats, level, and Individual Values (IVs). Since evolving only changes the base stats, the order in which you power up is irrelevant, unless you’re concerned about its performance in PvP battles during the evolution process.
7. Is Meltan Rare in Pokémon Sword and Shield?
Yes, Meltan is considered rare in Pokémon Sword and Shield because it cannot be directly caught in the wild. The only way to obtain it is through transferring it from Pokémon GO via Pokémon HOME.
8. Is Meltan an Ultra Beast?
While Meltan shares some visual similarities with Ultra Beasts and is found in areas where Ultra Beasts appear in the anime, it is not officially classified as an Ultra Beast. It is categorized as a Mythical Pokémon.
9. Is Shiny Meltan Obtainable in Pokémon GO?
Shiny Meltan is available in Pokémon GO, but it is typically only encountered during special in-game events. Keep an eye out for announcements of events like the Let’s Go event, which increases the chances of encountering a Shiny Meltan when opening the Mystery Box.
10. Can Melmetal Breed With Ditto?
No, Melmetal, like other Legendary and Mythical Pokémon, cannot breed with Ditto or any other Pokémon in the main series games. Breeding is restricted for these special Pokémon.
11. How Rare is a Perfect (100% IV) Meltan in Pokémon GO?
The rarity of a perfect Meltan varies depending on the encounter method:
- Wild Catches: 1/4096
- Field Research/Raids/Eggs/Forced Encounters: 1/216
- Weather Boost: 1/1728
- Trades with Best Friend: 1/1331 (ignoring lucky chance)
12. How Do I Evolve a Shiny Meltan?
Evolving a Shiny Meltan follows the same process as a regular Meltan: you need 400 Meltan Candies in Pokémon GO. The resulting Melmetal will also be shiny.
13. Why Did Ash’s Meltan Look Different?
Ash’s Meltan in the anime had a darker nut due to it being temporarily used in Team Rocket’s car. However, this unique trait disappeared once it evolved into Melmetal.
14. What are Meltan’s Strengths and Weaknesses in Battle?
As a Steel-type Pokémon, Meltan and Melmetal are strong against Normal, Grass, Ice, Bug, Steel, Dragon, Fairy, and Rock-type moves. However, they are vulnerable to Fighting, Ground, and Fire-type moves. Knowing these type matchups is crucial for strategic battles.
15. Does Pokémon GO Benefit Learning and Cognitive Skills?
Absolutely! Games like Pokémon GO promote physical activity, social interaction, and cognitive development. The strategic thinking required for battles, resource management, and navigating the game world contributes to problem-solving skills and spatial reasoning. Organizations like the Games Learning Society and GamesLearningSociety.org research and promote the educational benefits of games, highlighting how they can positively impact learning outcomes and cognitive abilities. You can learn more about the organization at the Games Learning Society website.
Mastering the Meltan Evolution
Evolving Meltan into Melmetal in Pokémon GO requires dedication and a solid understanding of the game’s mechanics. By utilizing the Mystery Box, participating in special events, and strategically gathering Meltan Candies, trainers can add this powerful Mythical Pokémon to their collection. Understanding the nuances of the Candy system, Shiny encounters, and Meltan’s unique status as the only evolving Mythical Pokémon will elevate your Pokémon GO experience to a whole new level.