By Melania 
Meltan, the mysterious Mythical Pokémon introduced in Pokémon GO and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! & Let’s Go, Eevee!, has captured the attention of trainers worldwide. However, its rare shiny form—commonly referred to as Shiny Meltan is an even more sought-after prize. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about iny Meltan, including how to obtain it, its appearance, and its significance in Pokémon games.
What is Shiny Meltan?
Shiny Meltan is a rare, alternate-colored version of the Mythical Pokémon, Meltan. While the standard Meltan has a metallic silver body with a hexagonal golden nut for a head, Shiny Meltan features a striking golden body, making it stand out significantly from its normal counterpart.
Unlike other shiny Pokémon, Shiny Meltan is only available during special events in Pokémon GO, making it one of the rarest and most exclusive shinies in the game.
How to Obtain Shiny Meltan in Pokémon GO
Since Meltan cannot be encountered in the wild, players must follow specific steps to obtain it. Here’s how you can get your hands on a Shiny Meltan:
1. Using the Mystery Box in Pokémon GO
The only way to get Meltan in Pokémon GO is by using the Mystery Box, a special in-game item. Here’s how it works:
- Link Pokémon GO with Pokémon HOME or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!/Eevee!
- Send a Pokémon from Pokémon GO to either Pokémon HOME or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!/Eevee!
- This will activate the Mystery Box, allowing Meltan to spawn for a limited time.
- Catch as many Meltan as possible before the event ends to increase your chances of finding a Shiny Meltan.
2.
Availability is Limited
Niantic only enables Shiny Meltan to appear during special Pokémon GO events. Typically, these events are linked to:
- Pokémon GO’s Anniversary events
- Mysterious Pokémon Research events
- Let’s Go-themed celebrations
When Shiny Meltan is available, trainers will have a chance to encounter it through the Mystery Box for a limited time. Outside of these events, the shiny form remains locked and unavailable.
Shiny Meltan in Pokémon HOME and Pokémon Sword & Shield
Can You Transfer Shiny Meltan to Other Games?
Yes! After catching a Shiny Meltan in Pokémon GO, players can transfer it to Pokémon HOME. Once in Pokémon HOME, it can then be sent to other Pokémon games like Pokémon Sword & Shield and Pokémon Scarlet & Violet (if supported).
However, Melmetal, the evolved form of Meltan, is currently the only Pokémon that can be used in ranked battles in mainline games. Still, having a Shiny Melmetal is a great flex for competitive battles and Pokémon collections.
How Rare is Shiny Meltan?
Shiny Pokémon are typically rare, with shiny odds in Pokémon GO usually being around 1 in 500 for wild Pokémon. However, since Meltan is only available during special events, its shiny odds are slightly better, often around 1 in 60 when using the Mystery Box.
This means that during an event, players have a higher chance of encountering Shiny Meltan compared to other Pokémon. However, since the event window is short, it’s crucial to maximize the number of Meltan spawns by frequently opening Mystery Boxes.
How to Evolve Shiny Meltan into Shiny Melmetal
One of the most exciting aspects of catching a Shiny Meltan is the ability to evolve it into a Shiny Melmetal.
Steps to Evolve Shiny Meltan into Shiny Melmetal
- Collect 400 Meltan Candy – This can be done by:
- Catching multiple Meltan
- Using Pinap Berries to double candy yield
- Walking with Meltan as a buddy (earning 5km per candy)
- Transferring duplicate Meltan to Professor Willow
- Use the candies to evolve Meltan into Melmetal – If your Meltan is shiny, the evolution will result in a golden-bodied Shiny Melmetal.
Since Melmetal is one of the most powerful Pokémon in the Pokémon universe with a unique G-Max Melmetal form in Pokémon Sword & Shield, evolving a Shiny Meltan can give you a rare and powerful addition to your collection.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Shiny Meltan
If you’re determined to catch a Shiny Meltan, follow these tips:
1. Open the Mystery Box as Often as Possible
- The Mystery Box has a cooldown of 3 days, so be sure to open it as soon as possible during a Shiny Meltan event.
- Keep transferring Pokémon to Pokémon HOME or Pokémon: Let’s Go to keep unlocking more opportunities.
2. Use Pinap Berries
- Since evolving Shiny Meltan requires 400 Meltan Candies, always use Pinap Berries when catching Meltan.
- This will double the amount of candy you receive, helping you evolve it into Shiny Melmetal faster.
3. Play in Areas with High Pokémon Spawn Rates
- Since Meltan spawns near you when the Mystery Box is active, play in areas with high Pokémon activity.
- Parks and urban locations with high Pokémon density may increase spawn frequency.
4. Take Advantage of Pokémon GO Events
- Stay updated on Pokémon GO announcements and event schedules.
- Events like Pokémon GO Fest, Community Day bonuses, or Pokémon HOME-linked promotions often bring back Shiny Meltan opportunities.
Is Shiny Meltan Worth It?
Absolutely! Here’s why Shiny Meltan is a must-have for Pokémon collectors and competitive players:
- Rarity: It’s one of the rarest shiny Pokémon due to its limited availability.
- Unique Appearance: Its golden body is a striking contrast to the normal Meltan.
- Competitive Edge: Its evolved form, Shiny Melmetal, is a powerhouse in battles.
- Transfer to Mainline Games: Unlike many Mythical Pokémon, Meltan can be transferred to Pokémon HOME and used in different Pokémon titles.
Conclusion
Shiny Meltan is a highly coveted Pokémon, and its limited availability makes it one of the rarest shinies in Pokémon GO. While obtaining one requires patience, event participation, and the use of the Mystery Box, the reward is well worth it. A golden-bodied Meltan and its evolved form, Shiny Melmetal, are both incredible additions to any Pokémon collection.
To increase your chances of catching a Shiny Meltan, open the Mystery Box frequently, use Pinap Berries for extra candy, and stay updated on Pokémon GO events. With the right strategy and dedication, you can secure this rare and valuable Pokémon.