Niantic / The Pokemon CompanyPokemon Go trainers can get the Mythical Meltan by using the Mystery Box, but they’ll have to unlock it first. Here’s a comprehensive explanation of how to obtain Meltan in Niantic’s game, as well as information on whether it can be Shiny.
Pokemon Go features a variety of special items for different purposes, and one of the most valuable is the Mystery Box, which allows players to obtain Meltan, the Hex Nut creature from Gen 7.
Despite being part of the game for a while now, many trainers still don’t know how to get it, let alone how to make it work. So, here’s a full walkthrough on how to use the Mystery Box to get the Mythical Steel-type Pokemon in the game.
How to get Meltan in Pokemon Go
There are two ways to obtain Meltan in Pokemon Go: through a Special or Timed Research or by opening a Mystery Box.
NianticThe thing with Special or Timed Research is that they are tied to particular in-game events, and players must wait for them to be activated. Instead, the Mystery Box can be used whenever they feel like it.
Once the Mystery Box is activated, Meltan will spawn in your nearby area, so catch as many as you can before they disappear.
What is the Mystery Box in Pokemon Go?
The Mystery Box is a special Incense-like item that is required to get Meltan in Pokemon Go, making it spawn around you for a total of 60 minutes, giving you plenty of chances to catch the Mythical.
When your Mystery Box runs out, a three-day cooldown period will begin. Though during special celebrations like the Let’s Go event, this cooldown period can be reduced.
Related
The Mystery Box was introduced to Pokemon Go in 2018 to celebrate the release of Let’s Go! Pikachu and Let’s Go! Eevee on Nintendo Switch. It made waves at the time, as Meltan was the first brand-new Pokemon to debut in the mobile app.
How to unlock the Mystery Box in Pokemon Go
To unlock the Mystery Box, players must transfer a single Pokemon from Pokemon Go to their Pokemon Home account. Thus, one will need a Nintendo account to proceed.
Once you’ve created a Home account, return to Pokemon Go and follow these steps:
- Tap the Poke Ball at the bottom of the screen.
- Choose Settings from the top right corner of the screen.
- Scroll down and tap ‘Connected Devices and Services‘.
- Tap ‘Pokemon Home‘.
- Sign in using the same Nintendo Account you used to set up Pokemon Home.
You’ll now be able to access the Go Transporter in the Home menu of Pokemon Go. Select the Pokemon you want to send across, then open the Pokemon Home app to accept the transfer.
Be aware that you can’t send Pokemon from Home back to Go.
If done correctly, the Mystery Box should automatically appear in your inventory in Pokemon Go. If it doesn’t show up immediately, try closing and reopening the app.
Can Meltan be Shiny in Pokemon Go?
Yes, Meltan can be Shiny in Pokemon Go, as it debuted back in February 2019. However, players will only be able to encounter it during special events.
DEXERTOUp to this day, Shiny Meltan has only been seen during these events:
- 8th Anniversary Party (June 2024)
- Let’s GO! event ( March 2023)
- Pokemon TCG Crossover event (June 2022)
- 5th Anniversary event (July 2021)
- Pokemon HOME event (November 2020)
- Pokemon HOME event (May 2019)
- Pokemon HOME event (February 2019)
How to evolve Meltan into Melmetal in Pokemon Go
Once you’ve got your hands on Meltan in Pokemon Go, your next goal will likely be getting its evolution, Melmetal. You’ll need a grand total of 400 Meltan Candy to evolve a Meltan, which is no easy task.
NianticThis is why farming Mystery Boxes is so important. The best way to stock up on Meltan Candy is to use Mystery Boxes and catch as many Meltan as you can while using Pinap Berries to get extra Candy.
Setting a Meltan as your Buddy and raising its Hearts is another good method, as it will pick up Candy while you go out exploring. You can also transfer to Professor Willow any extra Meltan you don’t need for a Candy reward.
Pokemon Go Meltan stats, moves, resistances & weaknesses
As a single Steel-type Pokemon, Meltan has the following stats:
| ATTACK | DEFENSE | STAMINA | CP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 118 | 99 | 130 | 1207 |
Meltan Fast Moves
- Thunder Shock (Electric)
Meltan Charged Moves
- Flash Cannon (Steel/STAB)
- Thunderbolt (Electric)
Meltan resistances
Meltan weaknesses
That’s all you need to unlock the Mystery Box and get Meltan in Pokemon Go. Check out our other guides with the best competitive Pokemon in Pokemon Go, as well as all the upcoming Spotlight Hours, the list of the current Raid Bosses, and some interesting catching tips.