How To Get Metal Coat In Pokemon GO - Complete Guide 2026

Metal Coat is a special evolution item in Pokemon GO required to evolve Onix into Steelix and Scyther into Scizor. This comprehensive guide covers all the methods to obtain Metal Coat in 2026.

Quick Answer: The most reliable method is completing your 7-day PokeStop streak, which guarantees one evolution item (potentially Metal Coat). You can also get it from spinning PokeStops/Gyms, opening gifts, and field research tasks.

What is Metal Coat?

Metal Coat is a rare special evolution item introduced in Generation 2 that allows specific Pokemon to evolve into their Steel-type forms. It’s essential for two important evolutions:

  • Onix → Steelix: Requires 1 Metal Coat + 50 Onix Candy
  • Scyther → Scizor: Requires 1 Metal Coat + 50 Scyther Candy

Method 1: 7-Day PokeStop Streak (Most Reliable)

The best and most consistent way to obtain evolution items like Metal Coat is by maintaining your PokeStop spinning streak.

7-Day Streak Steps

  1. Spin Daily
    • Spin at least one PokeStop or Gym each day
    • Must be done on consecutive days (no skipping)
    • First spin of the day counts toward your streak
  2. Complete 7 Days
    • On day 7, you’ll receive bonus items
    • Guaranteed to receive one evolution item
    • Could be Metal Coat, King’s Rock, Dragon Scale, Sun Stone, or Up-Grade
  3. Check Your Progress
    • View streak progress in your Today View
    • Orange flame icon shows your current streak
    • Don’t break the streak or you’ll start over

Pro Tip: Set a daily reminder to spin at least one PokeStop to maintain your streak. Even if you can’t play much, one spin takes just a few seconds!

Method 2: Spinning PokeStops and Gyms

You can randomly receive Metal Coat from any PokeStop or Gym spin, though the odds are very low.

  • Drop Rate: Approximately 1% chance per spin for any evolution item
  • Random Distribution: When you do get an evolution item, it’s random which one you receive
  • No Limit: You can spin as many stops as you want each day
  • Gym Bonus: Gyms controlled by your team give extra items (though still low Metal Coat chance)

Important: This method is very unreliable due to the extremely low drop rate. The 7-day streak is much more dependable!

Method 3: Opening Gifts from Friends

Gifts sent by friends can contain Metal Coat, though it’s quite rare.

Gift Strategy

  1. Add Friends
    • Add as many friends as possible (up to 400 total)
    • Use online communities (Reddit, Discord) to find friend codes
    • More friends = more gifts = more chances
  2. Open Gifts Daily
    • You can open up to 30 gifts per day
    • Gifts contain various items including rare evolution items
    • Metal Coat has a very low drop rate from gifts
  3. Send Gifts Too
    • Send gifts to friends to maintain friendship levels
    • Higher friendship = better lucky friend chances
    • You can send up to 100 gifts per day

Method 4: Field Research Tasks

Certain special field research tasks and event-exclusive research can reward Metal Coat.

  • Event Research: During special events, Niantic sometimes offers field research that rewards evolution items
  • Timed Research: Limited-time research paths may include Metal Coat as a completion reward
  • Special Research: Occasionally, special research storylines reward evolution items
  • Check Regularly: New tasks rotate in at PokeStops daily at midnight local time

Special Events: During events featuring Gen 2 Pokemon or Steel-types, Metal Coat drop rates are sometimes boosted or guaranteed through special research tasks!

Which Pokemon Need Metal Coat?

Currently, two Pokemon require Metal Coat to evolve in Pokemon GO:

Onix → Steelix

  • Type: Steel/Ground
  • Requirements: 1 Metal Coat + 50 Onix Candy
  • Best Moves: Iron Tail (Fast), Earthquake (Charged)
  • Usage: Great for Great League PvP and raids
  • CP Range: Max CP 2,414 at level 40

Scyther → Scizor

  • Type: Bug/Steel
  • Requirements: 1 Metal Coat + 50 Scyther Candy
  • Best Moves: Bullet Punch (Fast), Iron Head (Charged)
  • Usage: Excellent for Ultra League PvP and raids
  • CP Range: Max CP 3,001 at level 40

Tips for Getting Metal Coat Faster

  • Never Miss Your 7-Day Streak: This is your most reliable source for evolution items
  • Spin More Stops: The more stops you spin daily, the better your odds (even if they’re low)
  • Maximize Gifts: Open the full 30 gifts every single day
  • Play During Events: Watch for events featuring Gen 2 Pokemon or evolution item bonuses
  • Stock Up During Events: If you get multiple Metal Coats, save them for good IV Pokemon or shinies
  • Check Your Inventory: You might already have one and not realize it!

Pro Tip: Save your Metal Coat for high IV Pokemon (3-star or better) or shiny versions of Onix and Scyther for maximum value!

How to Use Metal Coat

Once you have a Metal Coat, here’s how to use it:

Evolution Steps

  1. Make sure you have enough candy (50 for Onix or Scyther)
  2. Open your Pokemon storage and select the Onix or Scyther you want to evolve
  3. Tap the “Evolve” button
  4. The game will show that you need a Metal Coat + 50 Candy
  5. Confirm the evolution
  6. The Metal Coat will be consumed and your Pokemon will evolve!

Warning: Metal Coat is consumed upon evolution and cannot be recovered. Make sure you’re evolving the right Pokemon before confirming!

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