Your Ultimate Guide to the Pokémon Go Mystery Box: Catch Meltan, Hunt Shinies, and Maximize Rewards in 2025
For dedicated Pokémon Go trainers, few items are as mysterious and rewarding as the Mystery Box. Unlike your average Incense or event lure, this item unlocks a unique gameplay loop centered around the Mythical Steel-type Pokémon Meltan—and, for the most committed players, its formidable evolution Melmetal.
Having used the Mystery Box regularly since its debut, I’ve seen firsthand how it transforms a casual 60-minute play session into a candy-farming goldmine. In 2025, it remains one of the most efficient ways to grind for a Mythical evolution. Whether you’re here for your first Meltan or on the hunt for a Shiny, this guide breaks down everything you need to know—and includes pro tips I’ve learned through hundreds of Box sessions.
What Is the Pokémon Go Mystery Box?
Think of the Mystery Box as a special Incense exclusively for Meltan. Once opened, it spawns Meltan around your avatar for one hour, regardless of location. Unlike Incense, though, it’s not purchased or given out freely—you’ll need to earn it through Nintendo account connections.
My take? The Mystery Box is one of the most “fair grind” mechanics in the game. It doesn’t demand remote raids or elite spawns—just consistent effort and a bit of planning.
How to Get the Mystery Box in 2025
There are two main ways to obtain a Mystery Box, both requiring you to transfer Pokémon out of Pokémon Go. It may sound tedious, but it’s surprisingly quick once you’ve set it up.
Method 1: Link to Pokémon HOME (Recommended)
Pokémon HOME is a free app that serves as your cross-game Pokémon storage hub.
Steps:
- Download Pokémon HOME (iOS/Android) and sign in with your Nintendo Account.
- In Pokémon Go:
- Tap the Poké Ball → Settings → Pokémon HOME.
- Link your account and hit “Send Pokémon.”
- Transfer any eligible Pokémon to HOME (excluding Mythicals and Shadows).
- Mystery Box appears in your Item Bag after the transfer.
Insight: This method is my go-to—accessible, fast, and reusable every 3 days. It’s also great if you use Pokémon HOME for long-term storage or to keep your Go collection streamlined.
Method 2: Connect with Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu/Eevee
If you own either Nintendo Switch title, you can unlock the Mystery Box by transferring Pokémon to your game.
Steps:
- Launch Pokémon: Let’s Go on Switch.
- In-game: Go to Options → Pokémon Go Settings → Pair Device.
- In Pokémon Go: Choose a Pokémon and send it to your Switch.
- Mystery Box granted after successful transfer.
Pro tip: This method is nostalgic but a bit outdated for most. If you’re already using HOME, stick with that.
Using the Mystery Box: How to Maximize Each Session
Once the Mystery Box is in your bag, you’re just one tap away from an hour of Meltan spawns.
What Happens When You Open the Box?
- Duration: 60 minutes of Meltan spawns (roughly 1 per minute)
- Cooldown: 3 days before you can reopen it after sending another Pokémon
Observation: Niantic shortened the cooldown from 7 to 3 days—hugely valuable. This means you can now fit two full Meltan hunts per week, ideal for candy farming or shiny hunts.
Expert Tips to Maximize Spawns
- Walk While Playing: Just like regular Incense, movement increases spawn rates slightly. Don’t stay idle.
- Clear Storage First: Meltan adds up fast. Aim for 50+ free Pokémon slots before starting.
- Stock Poké Balls: A full stack of Ultra Balls and Pinap Berries is ideal. Don’t let spawns go to waste!
- Play During Lures or Events: Mystery Box stacks with other boosts—like Lures and daily weather—creating a dense spawn zone.
My take: I usually open the box during my lunch walk. It’s a great way to get outside and rack up catches without devoting too much focused time.
Meltan and Melmetal: A Mythical Evolution Journey
Catching Meltan is only step one. The real journey lies in evolving it into Melmetal, which requires 400 Meltan candies.
Candy Farming Breakdown
- Catch: 3 candies (or 6 with Pinap Berry)
- Transfer: 1 candy
- Buddy system: 1 candy per 20 km
- Trading: Distance trades = bonus candy
Pro insight: I always use Pinap Berries and walk Meltan as my buddy between sessions. Within a month, you can have enough candy for Melmetal—no raids required.
Shiny Meltan: Your Event-Exclusive Opportunity
This is where the Mystery Box truly shines—literally. Shiny Meltan is only available during special Niantic-announced events.
Key Details:
- Shiny Meltan availability is event-limited—outside of these windows, shiny versions will not appear.
- Cooldowns are often reduced during events, sometimes to 2 days or less.
How to Prepare for Shiny Meltan Events
- Track event announcements via the in-game news tab or @PokemonGoApp on Twitter.
- Time your Box activations to align during the event window.
- Prepare multiple Pokémon to transfer so you can open multiple boxes during the event.
- Consider Go Plus devices for passive catching and maximizing spawns.
Personal insight: I’ve caught two Shiny Meltan to date—both during 3-day windows. Miss the event, and you miss your shot for months.
Bonus Candy Strategies (That Most Players Forget)
Want to fast-track Melmetal or build your PvP squad? Here’s how to squeeze every last candy out of your session:
- Always Use Pinap Berries: With 6 candies per catch, you could earn 300+ in one box session.
- Use a Mega Steel-type Buddy: If you have a Mega Scizor or Aggron active, you’ll get bonus Meltan candy per catch.
- Check Weather: Meltan is boosted during Snowy weather, improving IVs and Stardust rewards.
- Trade Strategically: Save extra Meltan to trade for bonus candy based on distance—especially with Ultra or Best Friends.
FAQs About Mystery Boxes
Q: Can I get more than one Mystery Box?
A: No. You can only open one Mystery Box every three days. To receive a new one, transfer at least one Pokémon to Pokémon HOME or Pokémon: Let’s Go.
Q: What happens if I don’t claim my transferred Pokémon in Pokémon HOME?
A: You won’t be able to send more Pokémon, and thus won’t receive another Mystery Box. Make sure to claim your transferred Pokémon inside Pokémon HOME.
Q: Are Shiny Meltan always available from the Mystery Box?
A: No. Shiny Meltan only appears during special events. Outside those times, the box spawns regular Meltan.
Final Verdict: Should You Use Mystery Boxes?
Yes—but smartly. Mystery Boxes are not just about catching Meltan; they’re about enjoying the hunt, planning your strategy, and being part of a global trainer community. If you pace yourself, plan ahead, and sync with in-game events, they become one of the most valuable tools in your Pokémon GO journey.
I see them as a unique blend of daily routine and Mythical excitement—something most other game features can’t replicate.
Take the Mystery Further – In Real Life
Unlocking the Mystery Box in Pokémon GO opens the door to one of the game’s most exciting features—catching a Mythical Pokémon through a consistent, repeatable mechanic. But who says the thrill of mystery has to stay in-game?
If you love the excitement of surprise rewards, you might also enjoy bringing that sense of discovery into the real world. That’s where Pokémon-themed mystery boxes from HapaBox come in.
Much like the digital Mystery Box, each physical box is packed with the unknown—whether you're unboxing exclusive Pokémon merchandise, rare collectibles, or themed gear, there's always that same rush:
"What will I get this time?"
Whether you're a digital trainer or a physical collector, it's the perfect time to keep the mystery going.
👉 Explore all Pokémon Mystery Boxes on HapaBox and start your next Pokémon adventure today.