Learning how to get Meltan in Pokémon GO is essential if you want to unlock one of the most unique Pokémon in the game. Unlike standard Pokémon, Meltan is not found in the wild and requires a special method involving the Mystery Box.
This guide explains exactly how to get Meltan in Pokémon GO, how the Mystery Box works, whether Meltan can be shiny, and how to evolve it into Melmetal.
What Is Meltan in Pokémon GO
Meltan is a Mythical Pokémon introduced through a special crossover between Pokémon GO and Pokémon HOME. It has a unique spawning method and cannot be caught through normal gameplay.
Because of this, understanding how to get Meltan in Pokémon GO is completely different from catching standard Pokémon.
How to Get Meltan in Pokémon GO
The only way to get Meltan in Pokémon GO is by using the Mystery Box. This item acts similarly to Incense and spawns Meltan around your location for a limited time.
To get Meltan in Pokémon GO:
- Transfer a Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME
- This unlocks the Mystery Box
- Activate the Mystery Box
- Meltan will spawn for a limited time
This is the core method, and without it, Meltan cannot be obtained.
How the Mystery Box Works
The Mystery Box is the key to getting Meltan in Pokémon GO. Once activated, it functions like a special Incense that attracts Meltan instead of random Pokémon.
Important details about the Mystery Box:
- lasts for a limited time (typically 60 minutes)
- spawns Meltan repeatedly
- has a cooldown before it can be used again
- can be reactivated by transferring another Pokémon
Understanding this system is essential if you want to farm Meltan Candy efficiently.
Can Meltan Be Shiny in Pokémon GO

One of the most common questions about how to get Meltan in Pokémon GO is whether it can be shiny.
Shiny Meltan is only available during specific events. Outside of these events, Meltan cannot be shiny, even when using the Mystery Box.
When shiny Meltan is available:
- it appears randomly during Mystery Box spawns
- it follows standard shiny encounter rules
This makes shiny Meltan one of the more limited shiny Pokémon in the game.
How to Get Meltan Candy Fast
To evolve Meltan into Melmetal, you need a large amount of Candy, making Candy farming essential.
The best ways to get Meltan Candy include:
- using the Mystery Box regularly
- catching as many Meltan as possible
- transferring duplicate Meltan
- using Pinap Berries for extra Candy
Combining this with the Pokémon GO Candy guide will significantly speed up the process.
How to Evolve Meltan into Melmetal
To evolve Meltan into Melmetal, you need a high amount of Candy. This makes it one of the more resource-intensive evolutions in the game.
To evolve Meltan in Pokémon GO:
- collect enough Meltan Candy
- use the evolve option
- Melmetal will be unlocked
Because of the high Candy requirement, repeated use of the Mystery Box is necessary.
Is Melmetal Good in Pokémon GO
Melmetal is a strong Pokémon with good bulk and useful moves, making it viable in certain PvP formats and battles.
It is especially useful in:
- PvP battles
- certain raid scenarios
- defensive roles
This makes learning how to get Meltan in Pokémon GO worthwhile for long-term progression.
Best Strategy for Getting Meltan Efficiently
To get Meltan in Pokémon GO as efficiently as possible:
- use the Mystery Box as often as possible
- play during events that boost spawns
- use Pinap Berries for extra Candy
- transfer duplicates regularly
This ensures you maximise both Meltan encounters and Candy gains.
How Meltan Fits Into Your Overall Strategy
Understanding how to get Meltan in Pokémon GO gives you access to a unique Pokémon that cannot be obtained through normal gameplay. It also introduces mechanics that connect Pokémon GO with other Pokémon systems.
For more ways to improve your gameplay, check out the Pokémon GO evolution guide, the Pokémon GO Candy guide, and explore the Pokémon GO hub for more mechanics, events, and strategies.
Pokemon GO is available to play on Apple and Android mobile devices
