meltan #808
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
Immune to (0x damage):
meltan
MythicalGeneration VII · #0808 — Hex Nut Pokémon
Meltan is a Steel-type Mythical Pokémon that represents one of the most intriguing additions to the Pokédex, earning the designation #808 in the National Pokédex. First introduced during Generation VII, Meltan made its initial appearance in Pokémon GO before debuting in the core series games Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!. This diminutive creature, standing merely 0.2 meters tall and weighing only 8.0 kilograms, possesses a base stat total of 300, with its highest stats concentrated in Attack and Defense (both 65). Unlike most Pokémon, Meltan cannot breed and belongs to the Undiscovered egg group, emphasizing its rare and mythical nature. Its Magnet Pull ability prevents Steel-type opponents from fleeing or switching out, making it a unique utility Pokémon in competitive scenarios.
Base Stats
Height
0.2m
Weight
8.0kg
Category
Hex Nut Pokémon
Gender
Genderless
Color
gray
Shape
ball
Abilities
Prevents steel opponents from fleeing or switching out.
Meltan Biology & Physical Characteristics
Meltan's physiology is nothing short of extraordinary, as its body composition consists almost entirely of liquid metal—specifically gallium according to official concept art. The creature features a distinctive silvery, fluid body that can shift and manipulate its form at will, with extensible liquid arms and legs that serve as both locomotion and corrosion instruments. Its head is remarkably hardened and resembles a golden hexagonal nut, a design choice that earned it the genus designation "Hex Nut Pokémon." Nestled within this hexagonal head floats a small black sphere that functions as its eye, capable of firing electrical attacks. A distinctive red tail resembling an electrical wire with two small protrusions extends from its body. According to Pokédex entries and Professor Willow's research, Meltan subsists on metal particles found in subsoil, dissolving and consuming these minerals by absorbing them into its molten body. The metals circulate within Meltan's interior, generating the electrical energy that powers its biological functions and enables its signature attacks.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Meltan Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Meltan exists as a genderless Pokémon, classified within the Undiscovered egg group, which renders it incapable of breeding through conventional means in any Pokémon game. This designation underscores Meltan's status as a mythical Pokémon—creatures of extreme rarity and legendary significance that cannot be obtained through normal breeding mechanics. The base happiness value of zero further emphasizes Meltan's fundamentally wild nature; these creatures do not naturally bond with other Pokémon or develop familial attachments in the traditional sense. The absence of gender aligns thematically with Meltan's existence as individual sentient entities rather than members of a reproductive biological system. Their propagation in the game world and actual lore occurs through mechanisms entirely separate from conventional breeding, such as the Mystery Box system in Pokémon GO, which allows trainers to spawn Meltan entities. This reproductive limitation reflects the Pokémon's mysterious origins and their association with ancient human civilizations that specifically created or controlled their population through supernatural or technological means.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
tm05
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm06
yellow
tm06
gold silver
tm06
red blue
tm06
crystal
tm06
emerald
tm06
firered leafgreen
tm06
diamond pearl
tm06
platinum
tm06
ruby sapphire
tm06
colosseum
tm06
black 2 white 2
tm06
xd
tm06
black white
tm06
heartgold soulsilver
tm06
omega ruby alpha sapphire
tm06
ultra sun ultra moon
+180 more TMs/HMs
Meltan Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Meltan's evolution exclusively occurs in Pokémon GO, where it can evolve into Melmetal upon the acquisition of 400 Meltan Candies. This evolution is unavailable in the core series games, making the mobile game the sole method for obtaining a Melmetal in legitimate gameplay. The evolution process is tied to Meltan's competitive nature described in the Pokédex, where the strongest individual absorbs others and undergoes transformation. In Pokémon GO's lore, Melmetal represents the ultimate form of a Meltan that has consumed its rivals and accumulated sufficient power to undergo a dramatic metamorphosis. The evolved form gains significantly enhanced stats across the board, particularly in HP and Attack, transforming from a relatively frail mythical creature into a formidable Steel-type titan. This exclusive evolutionary mechanism reinforces Meltan's status as a bridging Pokémon between the mobile gaming ecosystem and traditional core series titles, creating a unique gameplay experience that encourages players to maintain accounts across both platforms.
Where to Find
Location data not available for this Pokémon in the database.
Meltan Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Meltan exhibits highly social and competitive tendencies when encountered in groups, as revealed in Shield's Pokédex entry: "They live as a group, but when the time comes, one strong Meltan will absorb all the others and evolve." This behavior suggests a hierarchical, survival-of-the-fittest mentality within Meltan communities, where dominance determines evolutionary potential. The creatures instinctively seek out metal sources to feed upon, driven by an innate compulsion to absorb metallic materials whenever encountered. Meltan's habitat appears to be subterranean, where iron and other metallic elements naturally accumulate in the soil. Their affinity for metal-rich environments makes them particularly attracted to areas of industrial activity or geological mineral deposits. Ancient texts discovered alongside the Mystery Box indicate that Meltan has existed in human history for centuries, with evidence suggesting these Pokémon were created by or associated with Melmetal, their evolved form. The low base happiness value of zero indicates Meltan's wild, untamed nature—these are creatures that require patient cultivation to develop bonds with human trainers.
Pokedex Entries
Generation VII
It melts particles of iron and other metals found in the subsoil, so it can absorb them into its body of molten steel.
Generation VIII
It dissolves and eats metal. Circulating liquid metal within its body is how it generates energy.
They live as a group, but when the time comes, one strong Meltan will absorb all the others and evolve.
Meltan Name Origin & Design Inspiration
Meltan's design brilliantly synthesizes mechanical and biological elements, reflecting its nature as a creature composed of living molten metal. The name "Meltan" derives from the English word "melt," directly referencing the Pokémon's core characteristic of possessing a liquid metal body capable of dissolving and absorbing other metals. The hexagonal nut design of its head serves as both a visual anchor and functional representation of its role as a small, utility-focused Pokémon—much like actual hex nuts are essential fasteners in mechanical systems. The golden coloration of the head contrasts beautifully with the silvery liquid body, creating visual distinction between the hardened and fluid portions of its anatomy. The red tail evocative of an electrical wire perfectly complements its Steel typing and electrical generation abilities, foreshadowing the energy manipulation central to its biology. The overall aesthetic bridges steampunk machinery with organic creature design, making Meltan appear simultaneously manufactured and alive. This design philosophy earned Meltan recognition as one of the most innovative mythical Pokémon designs of recent generations, successfully distinguishing it from the extensive roster of Steel-types that precede it.
Learnable Moves
Meltan can learn 20 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| acid armor | poison | Status | — | — | 20 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| flash cannon | steel | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| gyro ball | steel | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| harden | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| iron defense | steel | Status | — | — | 15 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| steel beam | steel | Special | 140 | 95 | 5 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| tail whip | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| thunder shock | electric | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| thunder wave | electric | Status | — | 90 | 20 |
| thunderbolt | electric | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
Meltan Competitive Battle Guide
Despite its diminutive size and modest base stat total of 300, Meltan occupies a niche role in competitive Pokémon battling, primarily through its signature ability Magnet Pull. This ability prevents Steel-type opponents from switching out or fleeing, creating opportunities for specific strategic applications in competitive formats where Steel-type walls or threats need to be trapped and eliminated. Meltan's Attack stat of 65 and Defense stat of 65 provide moderate physical bulk for a creature of its stature, though its Special Defense of only 35 leaves it vulnerable to special attacks. Its Speed stat of 34 ranks among the lowest in the Pokédex, making Meltan dependent on priority moves or extensive team support to function effectively in fast-paced competitive environments. However, Meltan learns Thunder Shock early through leveling, providing consistent electrical coverage, and can access additional moves through TM tuition. The low catch rate of 3, combined with its exclusive availability through Pokémon GO transfers, makes obtaining a competitive Meltan a considerable undertaking. Ultimately, Meltan functions best as a specialized utility Pokémon designed for specific matchup situations rather than a primary battler in standard competitive structures.
Commonly Asked Questions About Meltan
What type is Meltan?
Meltan is a steel type Pokemon.
What does Meltan evolve from?
Meltan does not evolve.
What are Meltan's weaknesses?
Meltan is weak to fighting, ground and fire type moves.
Meltan Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Meltan's introduction marked a significant moment in Pokémon franchise history as the first mythical Pokémon to debut primarily through the mobile gaming platform Pokémon GO before appearing in core series titles. This unconventional release strategy generated substantial discussion within the Pokémon community regarding the franchise's evolving distribution methods and the growing integration between mobile and traditional gaming experiences. The Pokémon's unique biological properties—its liquid metal composition and metal-consuming nature—captured imagination and spawned extensive fan theories and academic discussions about Meltan's potential origins and relationship to human civilizations. Meltan's mythical status, combined with its exclusivity and the special requirements needed to obtain and evolve it, elevated its cultural prestige within the fandom. The creature's inclusion in the Pokémon anime through major character Ash Ketchum owning a Meltan further cemented its importance to the ongoing narrative, allowing viewers and players to develop emotional connections with this enigmatic species. Merchandise featuring Meltan proliferated across official Pokémon product lines, from plush toys to trading cards, reflecting its commercial and cultural significance to the broader franchise ecosystem.
Where to Find Meltan in Every Pokémon Game
Meltan's availability represents one of the most restricted distributions of any Pokémon in the franchise, as it can only be obtained through Pokémon GO's special Mystery Box mechanic. To acquire Meltan in Pokémon GO, players must first transfer any Pokémon from either Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! or Let's Go, Eevee! to the mobile application, which triggers the Mystery Box item's appearance in their inventory. Opening the box causes Meltan to spawn in Pokémon GO for a limited time period, allowing players to encounter and catch multiple specimens. These Meltan can then be transferred back into the core series Let's Go games, where they become permanently available within the trainer's collection. Notably, Meltan cannot be encountered or caught in the core series games through any method other than receiving transfers from Pokémon GO, making the mobile game an absolute requirement for core series players seeking this mythical Pokémon. The exclusive evolutionary requirement of 400 Meltan Candies in Pokémon GO means that players interested in obtaining Melmetal must maintain active engagement with the mobile platform. This multi-platform requirement distinguishes Meltan's availability from virtually every other Pokémon, emphasizing its role as a bridge between Pokémon GO and traditional gaming experiences and rendering it inaccessible to players who exclusively play core series games without mobile gaming involvement.