Mystery Box in Pokémon Go Guide – The Mystery Box in Pokémon Go is one of the most exciting features for trainers looking to add Meltan, the unique Steel-type Pokémon, to their collection. Meltan and its evolved form, Melmetal, are exclusive to Pokémon Go, and unlocking the Mystery Box is the key to finding and catching this rare Pokémon. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting the Mystery Box, using it effectively, and strategies for maximizing your Meltan catches.
What is the Mystery Box Pokémon Go?
The Mystery Box is a special item in Pokémon Go that, when activated, triggers a 60-minute event where Meltan appears in the wild. During this time, you’ll see more Meltan than usual, which gives you a great chance to catch multiple Meltan for candies, and eventually evolve one into Melmetal.
Because Meltan isn’t found in the wild like other Pokémon, the Mystery Box is essential if you’re aiming to add Meltan and Melmetal to your Pokédex. The Mystery Box is also unique because it connects Pokémon Go to Pokémon HOME or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!, making it one of the few items that bridge games.
Requirements for Unlocking the Mystery Box
To Get the Mystery Box Pokémon Go, you need to fulfill certain requirements. This checklist will help you get started:
- A Pokémon Go Account: Naturally, you’ll need an account in Pokémon Go.
- Nintendo Switch and Pokémon: Let’s Go Games (Optional): If you have a Nintendo Switch with either Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Let’s Go, Eevee!, you can unlock the Mystery Box through these games. However, it’s not necessary, as Pokémon HOME now offers a way to get the Mystery Box without the Nintendo Switch.
- Pokémon HOME App: Pokémon HOME is a mobile app that lets you transfer Pokémon across various games. By linking your Pokémon Go account to Pokémon HOME, you can receive the Mystery Box.
The Mystery Box can be activated by transferring a Pokémon from Pokémon Go using Pokémon HOME or Let’s Go games.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting the Mystery Box
There are two main ways to get the Mystery Box: transferring Pokémon to Pokémon HOME or through Pokémon: Let’s Go on the Nintendo Switch.
Method 1: Using Pokémon HOME
Get Pokémon HOME: Create an account and download the Pokémon HOME app from Google Play (Android) or the App Store (iOS).
Link Pokémon HOME to Pokémon Go:
- Navigate to the settings menu in Pokémon Go.
- Scroll down to find Pokémon HOME and select it.
- Log into your Pokémon HOME account when prompted and grant permissions to link both accounts.
Transfer a Pokémon to Pokémon HOME:
- Navigate to your Pokémon inventory in Pokémon Go.
- Choose a Pokémon you’re willing to send (any Pokémon will work for this).
- Tap on Send to Pokémon HOME, and complete the transfer.
- Receive the Mystery Box: You will be notified that the Mystery Box is now in your inventory when you launch Pokémon Go after the transfer is finished.
Method 2: Using Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Let’s Go, Eevee!
Connect Pokémon Go to Your Nintendo Switch:
- Navigate to the settings menu in Pokémon Go.
- Select Nintendo Switch and follow the on-screen instructions to link your game to Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Let’s Go, Eevee!
Transfer a Pokémon to Let’s Go:
- Go to Fuchsia City in Let’s Go on your Switch and access the Go Park Complex.
- From Pokémon Go, select a Pokémon and transfer it to the Go Park in Let’s Go.
- Receive the Mystery Box: After the transfer, open Pokémon Go, and you’ll find the Mystery Box in your inventory, ready for use.
How to Use the Mystery Box
Once you’ve getted the Mystery Box, using it effectively can maximize your Meltan encounters and help you collect enough candy to evolve one into Melmetal. Here’s how to use it:
Find an Open Space: Using the Mystery Box outside or in a location with open space helps with spawning Pokémon and ensures you’re catching as many Meltan as possible.
Activate the Mystery Box:
- Go to your item bag in Pokémon Go and tap on the Mystery Box.
- This will activate a 60-minute window where Meltan will spawn around you approximately every few minutes.
- Catch as Many Meltan as Possible: During this hour, focus on catching each Meltan that appears. Using Razz Berries or Golden Razz Berries will help you catch more, and you can even use Pinap Berries to double your candy for each capture, making it faster to evolve a Melmetal.
Use Bonuses to Your Advantage:
- If available, use an Incense to boost Meltan appearances.
- Playing during an event like Double Catch Candy can help speed up your candy collection.
- Don’t forget to check for Shiny Meltan, which can sometimes appear during special events.
Recharging and Reusing the Mystery Box
The Mystery Box has a cooldown period after each use, meaning you’ll need to wait a set amount of time before you can activate it again. Typically, this cooldown lasts three days, but it can vary depending on any ongoing events.
After the cooldown, you’ll need to transfer another Pokémon to either Pokémon HOME or Pokémon: Let’s Go to reactivate the Mystery Box. Make it a habit to send a Pokémon every few days to keep your Mystery Box ready for use and maximize your Meltan catches.
Tips and Tricks for Catching Meltan and Evolving to Melmetal
Getting enough candy to evolve a Melmetal, which requires 400 Meltan Candies, can be a grind, but these tips will help speed up the process:
- Use Pinap Berries: Doubling your Meltan candy by using Pinap Berries on each catch can significantly reduce the time it takes to reach 400 candies.
- Walk with Meltan as Your Buddy: Setting Meltan as your Buddy Pokémon will generate extra candies as you walk, making it easier to reach the candy goal.
- Transfer Extra Meltan: You can transfer extra Meltan for additional candy.
- Take Advantage of Events: Pokémon Go occasionally has events where Meltan is available in higher numbers or with special bonuses, like increased candy. Watch for these to make faster progress.
Why Get Melmetal?
Melmetal isn’t just a rare Pokémon but is also incredibly useful in battles. As a Steel-type Pokémon, Melmetal is resilient against many types, making it an excellent choice for PvP battles and Gym defense. It also has access to powerful moves like Double Iron Bash and Thunderbolt, giving it an edge in both offensive and defensive play.
Conclusion
The Mystery Box in Pokémon Go is a powerful tool for any trainer looking to add Meltan and Melmetal to their collection. By understanding how to get, activate, and optimize the Mystery Box, you can make the most out of each 60-minute window. From increasing your chances to catch a Shiny Meltan to gathering enough candies for Melmetal, the Mystery Box adds an exciting dimension to Pokémon Go, bridging the game with Pokémon HOME and Let’s Go games.