How To Get The Metal Coat In Pokemon Go: Your Ultimate Guide
Are you struggling to find the elusive Metal Coat in Pokemon Go? This rare evolution item is essential for evolving certain Pokemon, particularly Scyther into Scizor and Onix into Steelix. Many trainers find themselves wondering where to find this valuable item and how to increase their chances of obtaining it. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about getting the Metal Coat and making the most of this important evolution item.
What is the Metal Coat and Why Do You Need It?
The Metal Coat is a special evolution item introduced in Pokemon Go that allows specific Pokemon to evolve into their advanced forms. This metallic item serves as a catalyst for evolution, transforming certain Pokemon when combined with their required candy count. Understanding its purpose and importance is crucial for any serious Pokemon Go player looking to complete their Pokedex or strengthen their battle team.
The Metal Coat is particularly valuable because it enables the evolution of Pokemon that would otherwise be unavailable in the game. For example, without a Metal Coat, you cannot evolve Scyther into the powerful Scizor, which has significantly different stats and typing compared to its pre-evolved form. This makes the Metal Coat not just a rare item, but a necessary component for trainers aiming to maximize their Pokemon collection and battle capabilities.
How to Get the Metal Coat in Pokemon Go
Getting the Metal Coat requires patience and strategy, as it's one of the rarer items in Pokemon Go. Here are the primary methods to obtain this valuable evolution item:
Spinning PokeStops and Gyms
The most common way to get a Metal Coat is by spinning PokeStops and Gyms. However, the drop rate for this item is quite low, estimated at around 1% or less. This means you'll need to spin a large number of stops to have a chance at obtaining one. Consistency is key here - make it a habit to spin every PokeStop you encounter during your daily adventures.
To maximize your chances, consider using a Pokemon Go Plus device or the Pokemon Go app's Adventure Sync feature. These tools allow you to spin PokeStops automatically as you go about your day, even when the app isn't actively open. This passive approach can significantly increase the number of stops you spin over time without requiring constant attention to your screen.
Weekly Adventure Sync Rewards
Adventure Sync is a feature that tracks your walking distance even when the Pokemon Go app is closed. By walking certain distances each week, you can earn rewards including rare items like the Metal Coat. The distances are typically 5km, 25km, and 50km per week, with better rewards at higher tiers.
For the 50km weekly reward tier, there's a chance to receive evolution items including the Metal Coat. This method provides a guaranteed reward (though not guaranteed to be a Metal Coat) for consistent walking, making it an excellent option for active trainers. To take advantage of this, ensure Adventure Sync is enabled in your settings and try to meet the 50km goal each week.
Research Breakthrough Rewards
Completing seven days of Research tasks in a row grants you a Research Breakthrough reward, which can sometimes include evolution items. While not the most reliable method, it's worth completing your daily research tasks anyway for other rewards and Stardust. The Research Breakthrough reward rotates through different items, and occasionally evolution items like the Metal Coat appear in the reward pool.
To maximize this method, try to complete at least one research task each day. You can stockpile up to three days of unfinished research, giving you some flexibility if you miss a day. Focus on tasks that are easy to complete, such as catching certain types of Pokemon or making specific throws.
Gifts from Friends
While less common, you can sometimes receive evolution items including the Metal Coat as gifts from friends. This method relies on the generosity of your Pokemon Go network, so maintaining active friendships with other trainers can be beneficial. Friends who have extra evolution items might send them as gifts, though this is relatively rare.
To increase your chances through this method, regularly send and receive gifts with your friends. Gifts have a chance to contain various items, including evolution items, though the Metal Coat remains one of the rarest possibilities. Having a large friend network increases the number of gifts you can receive daily, potentially improving your odds.
Best Strategies for Obtaining the Metal Coat
Now that you know the various methods to get a Metal Coat, let's discuss strategies to maximize your chances of obtaining this valuable item:
Consistent Daily Play
The most reliable way to eventually get a Metal Coat is through consistent daily play. Make it a habit to spin every PokeStop and Gym you encounter, complete your daily research task, and open gifts from friends. This consistent approach ensures you're always working toward obtaining evolution items, even if progress seems slow.
Consider setting daily goals for yourself, such as spinning a minimum number of stops or walking a certain distance. Tracking your progress can help maintain motivation during the potentially long wait for a Metal Coat to appear. Remember that persistence is key - many trainers report getting their first Metal Coat after spinning hundreds or even thousands of stops.
Special Events and Bonuses
Niantic occasionally hosts events that increase item drop rates or offer special rewards. During these events, the chance to receive evolution items from PokeStops may be increased, making it an ideal time to focus on spinning stops. Keep an eye on official Pokemon Go news and social media channels to stay informed about upcoming events.
Some events also feature increased rewards for Adventure Sync or special research tasks that reward evolution items. Participating in these events can significantly accelerate your progress toward obtaining a Metal Coat. If you're actively hunting for a Metal Coat, consider saving your PokeStop spins for these bonus periods when possible.
Trading with Friends
If you have particularly generous friends or are part of an active Pokemon Go community, trading might be an option. Some trainers accumulate multiple Metal Coats and might be willing to trade them, especially if you have items they need. However, be mindful of trading costs, particularly for special items like evolution items.
When considering trades, remember that special items like the Metal Coat cannot be traded through the standard trading system. However, some communities organize giveaways or exchanges, particularly during community events or through online Pokemon Go groups. Participating in these communities can provide alternative paths to obtaining a Metal Coat.
Using Your Metal Coat Wisely
Once you've finally obtained a Metal Coat, you'll want to use it strategically. Here are some considerations for making the most of this rare item:
Choosing Which Pokemon to Evolve
The Metal Coat can be used to evolve Scyther into Scizor or Onix into Steelix. Before using your precious Metal Coat, consider which evolution would be most beneficial for your collection and battle team. Scizor is generally considered more valuable in the current meta, but Onix to Steelix can also be a strong choice depending on your needs.
Evaluate your current Pokemon roster and battle requirements. If you frequently participate in raids or gym battles where Scizor's typing and moveset would be advantageous, that might be your best choice. Alternatively, if you're missing Steelix from your Pokedex or need its specific capabilities, evolving Onix could be the right decision.
Candy Management
Remember that you'll need 50 candies of the respective Pokemon in addition to the Metal Coat to complete the evolution. Plan ahead by catching multiple specimens of Scyther or Onix and using Pinap Berries to double your candy rewards. You might also consider using Rare Candies if you have them available.
Some trainers choose to save multiple Metal Coats before evolving, allowing them to create several evolved forms at once. This approach requires significant candy stockpiling but can be rewarding if you want to build a team of Scizor or Steelix. Consider your long-term goals when deciding whether to use your Metal Coat immediately or save it for later.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best strategies, obtaining a Metal Coat can be frustrating. Here are some common issues trainers face and how to address them:
Extended Dry Spells
If you've spun hundreds of stops without receiving a Metal Coat, you're not alone. The random nature of item drops means some trainers experience extended dry spells. During these times, it's important to stay motivated and remember that eventually, the item will drop.
Consider diversifying your gameplay during dry spells to maintain interest. Focus on other aspects of the game like completing your Pokedex, participating in raids, or working on different research tasks. This approach keeps you engaged while still maintaining the daily habits that will eventually reward you with a Metal Coat.
Managing Expectations
Understanding the rarity of the Metal Coat helps manage expectations. With drop rates estimated at 1% or lower, it's normal to spin many stops without seeing one. Some trainers report getting their first Metal Coat after spinning over 1000 stops, while others might get lucky and find one much sooner.
Setting realistic expectations prevents disappointment and burnout. Consider the Metal Coat a bonus rather than an expectation, and celebrate when you finally obtain one. This mindset makes the eventual acquisition more rewarding and keeps your Pokemon Go experience positive.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Metal Coat in Pokemon Go requires patience, persistence, and strategic gameplay. By consistently spinning PokeStops, maximizing Adventure Sync rewards, completing research tasks, and engaging with the Pokemon Go community, you'll eventually add this valuable evolution item to your collection. Remember that the journey to obtaining rare items is part of what makes Pokemon Go engaging and rewarding.
Whether you're aiming to complete your Pokedex, strengthen your battle team, or simply experience all the game has to offer, the Metal Coat represents an important milestone in your Pokemon Go journey. Stay consistent with your gameplay habits, take advantage of special events when they occur, and don't get discouraged by the rarity of this item. With time and dedication, you'll join the ranks of trainers who have successfully obtained and utilized the Metal Coat to evolve their Pokemon into powerful new forms.
