In Pokémon GO, special evolution items play a crucial role in transforming specific species into powerful Steel-type battlers. Among these valuable items, the Metal Coat is essential for trainers who want to expand their Pokédex and build competitive battle rosters. Understanding where to collect this rare consumable item and how to apply it effectively can save you significant time during your gameplay.
Primary Methods for Finding a Metal Coat
Spinning PokéStops and Gym photo discs remains the most frequent method for obtaining evolution items in Pokémon GO. Although the base drop rate per spin is quite low, maintaining a daily spinning streak dramatically improves your chances. Completing a seven-day streak guarantees a special evolution item, which often turns out to be a Metal Coat.
Trainers can also obtain this item by completing specific Field Research tasks assigned at PokéStops. Keep an eye out for event-exclusive research tasks, as Niantic frequently boosts item rewards during special celebrations. Additionally, opening daily gifts sent by friends provides another secondary chance to receive evolutionary items.
Evolving Onix into Steelix
One of the main uses for a Metal Coat is evolving Onix into the massive Ground and Steel-type Pokémon, Steelix. To complete this transformation, trainers must gather 50 Onix Candies in addition to having one Metal Coat in their inventory. Steelix provides excellent defensive stats, making it a solid choice for Great League and Ultra League battles.
To perform the evolution, simply navigate to your Pokémon storage, select your chosen Onix, and tap the evolution button. The game will automatically consume the single Metal Coat alongside the required candy. Because evolution items are single-use consumables, choose an Onix with strong Individual Values (IVs) before confirming.
Evolving Scyther into Scizor
The other species that relies on this item is Scyther, which evolves into the formidable Bug and Steel-type Pokémon, Scizor. Just like Steelix, this evolution process requires 50 Scyther Candies and a single Metal Coat. Scizor is widely favored by trainers due to its high attack power and broad move pool coverage in Player vs. Player encounters.
Accessing Scizor gives players a versatile attacker that only has a single major weakness to Fire-type moves. Once you tap the evolve button, the process consumes your item instantly. If you want to obtain multiple Scizor or Steelix for your collection, you will need to acquire a new Metal Coat for each individual evolution.
Managing Evolution Items Efficiently
Since evolution items take up inventory space in your Item Bag, managing them wisely is key for every trainer. Stockpiling a few extra coats ensures you are always prepared when catching high-IV shadow or shiny variants. Focusing on daily streaks remains the single most reliable strategy for keeping your inventory stocked over time.