Meltan

Overview of Meltan

Meltan is a Steel-type Pokémon introduced for the first time in Pokémon GO, even before its official appearance in the main games. Its English name is Meltan and its Japanese name is メルタン. It is a small metallic Pokémon composed of nuts, known for being the first Pokémon discovered directly through a special research task in GO.

Origin and Role in Pokémon GO

In Pokémon GO, Meltan holds a unique place as it is tied to an exclusive mechanic called the Mystery Box. This box allows Meltan to spawn for a limited period of time, making it a Pokémon accessible only through an interaction between games. It is directly linked to Melmetal, its evolution, which requires a large number of Candy.

Meltan is often used as a Buddy Pokémon in order to earn Candy more easily — Candy that is essential for reaching its evolution. Its availability depends more on consistency and strategy than on the randomness of standard Pokémon encounters.

Type, Stats, and Maximum Potential

Meltan is exclusively Steel type, granting it interesting resistances against several common types. However, its base stats remain modest. Its maximum CP is relatively low compared to other Pokémon, which limits its direct use in battle.

At a high level, whether level 40 or level 50, Meltan remains inferior to Melmetal in terms of damage output and bulk. It is therefore rarely powered up to the maximum for battle, but rather used as a necessary step toward evolution.

Moves and Battle Effectiveness

Meltan's moves are primarily oriented toward Steel and Electric. Its fast and charged moves offer limited utility in raids or GO Battle League. Its offensive potential remains low, even with an optimised moveset and good individual values.

In battles, Meltan can surprise at low levels, but is quickly outclassed. It is rarely featured in competitive strategies, whether in a league or against bosses.

Evolution into Melmetal

Meltan's evolution into Melmetal requires 400 Meltan Candy, making it one of the most costly evolutions in the game. This constraint is intentional and pushes players to make full use of the Mystery Box and the associated research tasks.

Once evolved, Melmetal becomes a very powerful Pokémon, valued in raids, PvP, and certain special research tasks. Meltan is therefore primarily a key stepping stone to accessing this highly sought-after Steel Pokémon.

Cards, Events, and Shiny Form

Meltan also exists as a Pokémon card, often featured in sets tied to Pokémon GO or special events. Its shiny form is available during limited periods, generally associated with events or temporary research tasks.

Its small size, its metallic body, and its distinctive design make it a recognisable Pokémon, appreciated by collectors as much as by dedicated GO players.

Overall Utility for Players

Meltan is not designed to be a high-performing battle Pokémon, but rather as a progression milestone. Its value lies in accessing Melmetal, in special research tasks, and in the unique mechanics it introduces into Pokémon GO.

For regular players, it represents a long-term goal requiring organisation, Candy management, and smart use of the available items.