Why is Meltan So Hard to Evolve in Pokémon GO? A Deep Dive into the Nutty Mythical
Meltan, the intriguing Mythical Pokémon, presents a unique evolution challenge in Pokémon GO. The primary reason Meltan is so difficult to evolve boils down to a perfect storm of factors: the exorbitant candy cost (400 candies!), the limited availability outside specific events, and the reliance on external Pokémon games or special timed research. Unlike many Pokémon that evolve simply by reaching a certain level or using an evolution stone, Meltan’s evolution into Melmetal requires considerable dedication, resource management, and a bit of strategic planning. This scarcity and effort amplify the perceived value and appeal of obtaining Melmetal, making the journey worthwhile for dedicated trainers.
The Core Challenges
The Candy Conundrum: 400 is a Lot!
Four hundred candies is an astronomical figure compared to most evolutions in Pokémon GO. Many Pokémon require only 25, 50, or 100 candies to evolve. This sheer number makes Meltan’s evolution a long-term project. It mandates consistent effort and a strategic approach to candy acquisition. This involves actively catching Meltan whenever possible, using Pinap Berries to double candy rewards, and maximizing buddy walking distance for candy gains.
The Mystery Box Mechanic: Limited Availability
Meltan primarily appears in the wild through the Mystery Box, which is obtained by transferring Pokémon to either Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! on the Nintendo Switch, or by connecting to Pokémon HOME. This link to external games introduces a barrier to entry for players who only engage with Pokémon GO. The Mystery Box only stays active for a limited time, typically one hour, and requires a three-day cooldown before it can be reopened by repeating the transfer process. This restriction on availability dramatically impacts the ease with which players can encounter and catch Meltan.
The Shiny Hunt: Adding Another Layer of Difficulty
The desire for a Shiny Meltan further complicates matters. Shiny Meltan are only available during specific events, adding another layer of scarcity. Players must strategically utilize Mystery Boxes during these events and hope for a lucky encounter, increasing the difficulty significantly. The combination of limited availability and the low probability of encountering a Shiny makes this a truly challenging endeavor.
XL Candy Considerations
Reaching the absolute maximum potential of Melmetal involves XL Candy. While 400 regular candies evolve Meltan, powering up Melmetal to its maximum CP requires a significant investment in XL Candy. These are much rarer than regular candies, further extending the grind for players who want the strongest possible Melmetal. XL Candies are typically obtained through catching Pokémon at higher trainer levels or through specific events, adding another layer of complexity.
Strategies for Overcoming the Challenges
Strategic Mystery Box Usage
Optimize Mystery Box usage by activating them during events that offer increased Meltan spawns or boosted candy rewards. Use Incense to further increase the number of Meltan encountered during the active period. Remember to plan ahead and ensure you have enough Pokémon available to transfer to trigger the Mystery Box before the event ends.
Pinap Berry Power
Consistently use Pinap Berries when catching Meltan to double the candy rewards. This strategy, combined with strategic Mystery Box usage, can significantly accelerate candy accumulation. Consider also using Silver Pinap Berries for an even greater candy boost when available.
Buddy System Exploitation
Make Meltan your buddy and walk with it frequently. While the candy gains may seem small individually, they add up over time. Prioritize Meltan as your buddy, especially during events that offer reduced walking distances for candy.
Rare Candy Usage
Consider using Rare Candies strategically to supplement Meltan candy acquisition, especially if you are close to reaching the required 400. However, exercise caution and prioritize using Rare Candies on Legendary or Mythical Pokémon that are harder to obtain candies for through normal means.
Community Events & Trading
Stay updated on Pokémon GO events that may feature Meltan. Trading Meltan with friends can also be a viable strategy, especially if you have a surplus and can help others who are struggling to acquire enough candies. However, be aware of the Stardust cost associated with trading, especially for Pokémon you don’t already own.
Why All the Fuss? The Allure of Melmetal
Despite the challenges, Melmetal remains a highly sought-after Pokémon. Its unique status as the first evolving Mythical Pokémon, its powerful Steel-type moveset, and its relative rarity contribute to its desirability. The effort required to obtain Melmetal makes it a status symbol within the Pokémon GO community, signifying dedication and strategic gameplay.
The Game Design Perspective
From a game design perspective, the difficulty of evolving Meltan serves several purposes. It extends player engagement by providing a long-term goal, encourages interaction with other Pokémon games and platforms, and creates a sense of accomplishment for players who successfully obtain Melmetal. This aligns with the broader principles of game-based learning and engagement, explored by organizations like the Games Learning Society, which studies how games can be used to foster learning and problem-solving skills. To learn more, visit GamesLearningSociety.org. The challenge of evolving Meltan is a carefully calibrated element of Pokémon GO’s game design, designed to reward dedicated players and incentivize engagement with the broader Pokémon ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Meltan Evolution
1. Can I evolve Meltan without Pokémon: Let’s Go or Pokémon HOME?
Technically, no. You need to transfer a Pokémon to either Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Eevee! or connect to Pokémon HOME to obtain the Mystery Box, which is the primary source of Meltan encounters. However, sometimes special research quests will give Meltan encounters without needing a mystery box.
2. How often can I open the Mystery Box?
You can open the Mystery Box once every three days. This cooldown period is designed to limit the rate at which players can acquire Meltan.
3. Does the weather affect Meltan spawns from the Mystery Box?
No, weather conditions in Pokémon GO do not affect the spawn rate of Meltan from the Mystery Box.
4. What’s the best way to maximize Meltan spawns from the Mystery Box?
Use an Incense while the Mystery Box is active to increase the number of Meltan that spawn. Ensure you are in an area with good GPS signal for optimal spawns.
5. Is it worth using Rare Candies on Meltan?
It depends on your priorities. If you are close to evolving Meltan and have an abundance of Rare Candies, it can be a viable option. However, consider saving Rare Candies for rarer Legendary or Mythical Pokémon.
6. Can I trade Meltan to get candies faster?
Yes, you can trade Meltan with friends to obtain additional candies. Trading also provides a chance for a lucky Pokémon, which can have better IVs.
7. How do I get XL Candies for Melmetal?
XL Candies are primarily obtained by catching Pokémon at higher trainer levels (31+), through specific events, and by transferring high-level Pokémon. Walking with Melmetal as your buddy also has a chance of yielding XL candies.
8. Does evolving Meltan during an event give any bonuses?
Sometimes, events may offer bonuses such as increased candy or Stardust for evolving Pokémon. Keep an eye out for these opportunities to maximize your rewards.
9. What are the best moves for Melmetal in Pokémon GO?
The best moveset for Melmetal typically includes Thunder Shock (Fast Move) and Rock Slide (Charged Move) and Superpower (Charged Move) for coverage. However, the optimal moveset can vary depending on the specific battle context.
10. Is Melmetal useful in Raids or PvP battles?
Yes, Melmetal is a powerful Steel-type Pokémon that can be effective in both Raids and PvP battles, especially in the Master League. Its high CP and strong moveset make it a valuable asset to any team.
11. Will Shiny Meltan always be available during events?
No, Shiny Meltan is only available during specific events, typically announced in advance by Niantic. Make sure to follow Pokémon GO news and announcements to stay informed.
12. Is Meltan an Ultra Beast?
No, Meltan is not an Ultra Beast. While it has been associated with Ultra Beasts in the anime, it is classified as a Mythical Pokémon.
13. Can I breed Melmetal with Ditto?
No, Mythical Pokémon, including Melmetal, cannot be bred with Ditto or any other Pokémon in the main series games.
14. How does the cost of evolving Meltan compare to other Mythical Pokémon?
Most Mythical Pokémon do not evolve at all. Meltan’s evolution is unique, and its 400 candy cost is significantly higher than the candy cost for evolving regular Pokémon.
15. What happens if I don’t catch any Meltan during the Mystery Box duration?
If you don’t catch any Meltan during the Mystery Box duration, you will need to wait the three-day cooldown period and then transfer another Pokémon to Pokémon: Let’s Go or HOME to reactivate the box. It’s important to actively engage during the Mystery Box’s active hour to maximize your encounters.