How To Get Metal Coat in Pokémon GO
Metal Coat is one of the most sought‑after evolution items in Pokémon GO. It’s required to evolve Scyther into Scizor, Onix into Steelix, and later to evolve certain other Pokémon that have a steel‑type evolution line. Because the item is relatively rare, many players wonder where it can be found and how to increase their chances of obtaining it. This guide walks you through every reliable method, from daily activities to special events, so you can add Metal Coat to your inventory as efficiently as possible.
What Is Metal Coat?
Metal Coat is a special evolution item that unlocks the steel‑type evolution of specific Pokémon. When you have the required Pokémon in your collection and a Metal Coat in your bag, the evolution button will appear, allowing you to transform the Pokémon into its steel counterpart. The item is consumable—once used, it disappears from your inventory.
Where Metal Coat Can Be Found
There are three primary sources for Metal Coat in Pokémon GO:
- Field Research Tasks – Certain daily and weekly tasks reward Metal Coat upon completion.
- Special Research Rewards – Some story‑based research lines include Metal Coat as a milestone reward.
- Seasonal and Event Bonuses – During specific in‑game events, the drop rate for Metal Coat can be increased, or the item may be offered directly as a reward.
Daily Field Research: Maximising Your Yield
The most consistent way to earn Metal Coat is by completing daily Field Research tasks. Follow these steps to boost your odds:
- Visit PokéStops every day and collect the available research tasks. Each stop offers one new task, and you can have up to three active tasks at a time.
- Prioritise tasks that have a higher chance of rewarding evolution items. Tasks such as “Spin a PokéStop” or “Catch a Pokémon” often have a 10‑15% chance of yielding a special item.
- Complete the tasks as quickly as possible. The sooner you finish a task, the sooner you can claim its reward, which may include Metal Coat.
- Use the “Research Breakthrough” reward each week. After completing seven daily tasks, you’ll receive a Research Breakthrough that frequently includes a Metal Coat among its possible items.
Special Research: Targeted Progression
Special Research lines are story‑driven quests that reward exclusive items at key milestones. While not every Special Research includes Metal Coat, several do, especially those focusing on steel‑type Pokémon. To take advantage of these:
- Start the research as soon as it becomes available. Early participants often have a better chance of receiving the item.
- Complete all tasks in the chain, even the optional ones, because many milestones are tied to the total number of tasks finished.
- Check the reward list for each milestone. If Metal Coat appears as a possible reward, make sure to claim it before moving on to the next stage.
Event Opportunities: When to Watch for Boosts
Niantic frequently runs events that increase the drop rates of evolution items. Keep an eye on official announcements and community channels for the following types of events:
- Community Days – These often feature a higher chance of obtaining Metal Coat from PokéStops.
- Special Themed Events – Events centred around steel‑type Pokémon or specific regions may include Metal Coat in the reward pool.
- Seasonal Pass Rewards – If you have a Battle Pass, the weekly reward tiers sometimes contain Metal Coat.
During these periods, the probability of receiving Metal Coat can increase from the standard 2‑3% to as high as 10% per spin, making it a prime time to farm PokéStops.
Tips for Efficient Farming
Even with the best sources, Metal Coat remains a scarce item. Use these strategies to maximise your collection:
- Spin Every PokéStop – The more stops you spin, the more chances you have to trigger a drop.
- Use a Lucky Egg – While a Lucky Egg does not affect item drops directly, it doubles XP, allowing you to level up faster and unlock higher‑level research tasks that may reward Metal Coat.
- Coordinate with Friends – Friends can share their research rewards through the “Gift” system, sometimes passing along a Metal Coat.
- Stay Active During Bonus Hours – Some events feature “double item” hours where all item drops are multiplied.
Using Metal Coat for Evolutions
Once you have a Metal Coat, the evolution process is straightforward:
- Open your Pokémon list and select Scyther, Onix, or any other Pokémon that requires Metal Coat.
- Tap the evolution button; the option will only appear if you have the item in your bag.
- Confirm the evolution. The Metal Coat will be consumed, and the Pokémon will evolve into its steel‑type form.
Remember that both Scyther and Onix also require a certain amount of Candy (50 for Scyther, 50 for Onix) in addition to the Metal