Mid-stage Pokemon like Metapod rarely see competitive play outside of special formats. It's a waypoint on the road to Butterfree, which is where the real potential kicks in. Part of the Gen 1 roster. Only weak to Fire, Flying, and Rock.
Nothing fancy in Metapod's spread. It leans mixed with Defense out front. And you'll get 2 Defense EVs per KO for it. Follows a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
A steel-hard shell protects its tender body. The Pokémon quietly endures hardships while awaiting evolution.
Metapod Weakness
AvgMetapod's Bug typing leaves it vulnerable to Fire, Flying, and Rock moves. Metapod's physical bulk (base 55 Def) helps cushion physical weakness hits, but special attackers are the bigger threat.
Metapod sits between Caterpie and Butterfree in this three-stage line. Not the final form yet. For breeding, quick to hatch with plenty of partners via one egg group. So far, Defense got the biggest boost (+20 from Caterpie). The final form adds another 190 stats on top.
How to Evolve
Best Build
No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 9.
Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.
A compact toolkit overall. The offense runs through Bug STAB for Metapod, with limited coverage doing what it can. Don't expect versatility from this one.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
A compact toolkit overall. The offense runs through Bug STAB for Metapod, with Electric coverage doing what it can. Don't expect versatility from this one.
A compact toolkit overall. The offense runs through Bug STAB for Metapod, with limited coverage doing what it can. Don't expect versatility from this one.
A compact toolkit overall. The offense runs through Bug Bite for Metapod, with Electric and Normal coverage doing what it can. Don't expect versatility from this one.
No wild encounters for Metapod. The 2-stage line runs through Caterpie, which you can catch at moderate rates from the locations below. Evolve at level 7 once you've got the levels.
How to Obtain Metapod in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
To get Metapod, start by catching Caterpie through walking encounters at Lv. 58-63. The chain covers 1 catchable stage before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch CaterpieBogsunk CavernGrassLv.58-63PostSwampPost-gameGrassland CaveGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameRiverbank CaveGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameSpacious CaveGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameStill-Water CavernGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameSunlit CavernGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameSwampy CaveGrassLv.58-63PostSwampPost-game
Step 2Metapod ✓
moderate rates across 45 locations for Metapod in early-game routes. Scroll the sorted list below and pick whichever spot sits closest to your current route. The rate differences between locations are worth comparing.
Where To Catch Metapod in Sword & Shield
The path to Metapod starts with Caterpie at Lv. 2-10 via walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch CaterpieEASYRoute 1SwordGrassLv.2-515%EarlyRouteAll WeatherEASYRoute 1ShieldGrassLv.2-515%EarlyRouteAll Weather
Step 2Metapod ✓MODERATERolling FieldsSwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlySnowingMODERATERolling FieldsShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyIntense SunMODERATERolling FieldsSwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlySandstormMODERATERolling FieldsShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlySnowingMODERATERolling FieldsSwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyRainingMODERATERolling FieldsShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlySandstormMODERATERolling FieldsSwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyHeavy FogMODERATERolling FieldsShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyRainingMODERATERolling FieldsSwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyOvercastMODERATERolling FieldsShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyHeavy FogMODERATERolling FieldsSwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyNormal WeatherMODERATERolling FieldsShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyOvercastMODERATERolling FieldsSwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlySnowstormMODERATERolling FieldsShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyNormal WeatherMODERATERolling FieldsShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlySnowstormMODERATERolling FieldsSwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyThunderstormMODERATERolling FieldsSwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyIntense SunMODERATERolling FieldsShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyThunderstormMODERATERolling Fields - 2SwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyIntense SunMODERATERolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyThunderstormMODERATERolling Fields - 2SwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlySnowingMODERATERolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyIntense SunMODERATERolling Fields - 2SwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlySandstormMODERATERolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlySnowingMODERATERolling Fields - 2SwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyRainingMODERATERolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlySandstormMODERATERolling Fields - 2SwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyHeavy FogMODERATERolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyRainingMODERATERolling Fields - 2SwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyOvercastMODERATERolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyHeavy FogMODERATERolling Fields - 2SwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyNormal WeatherMODERATERolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyOvercastMODERATERolling Fields - 2SwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlySnowstormMODERATERolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyNormal WeatherMODERATERolling Fields - 2ShieldOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlySnowstormMODERATERolling Fields - 2SwordOverworldLv.7-1010%EarlyThunderstormCHALLENGINGRolling FieldsShieldGrassLv.7-105%EarlyHeavy FogCHALLENGINGRolling FieldsSwordGrassLv.7-95%EarlyNormal WeatherCHALLENGINGRolling FieldsShieldGrassLv.7-105%EarlyOvercastCHALLENGINGRolling FieldsSwordGrassLv.7-95%EarlyThunderstormCHALLENGINGRolling FieldsSwordGrassLv.7-95%EarlyRainingCHALLENGINGRolling FieldsShieldGrassLv.7-105%EarlyThunderstormCHALLENGINGRolling FieldsSwordGrassLv.7-95%EarlyHeavy FogCHALLENGINGRolling FieldsShieldGrassLv.7-105%EarlyRainingCHALLENGINGRolling FieldsSwordGrassLv.7-95%EarlyOvercastor evolve from Caterpie (Step 1)
Metapod starts showing up in early-game routes at moderate rates across 2 encounter spots. The list below is sorted so you can pick what fits your current progress without scrolling through everything.
Where To Catch Metapod in Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee
Caterpie is your first catch on the way to Metapod. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 3-8 across 8 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch CaterpieEASYViridian ForestLet's Go PikachuGrassLv.3-625%EarlyForestEASYViridian ForestLet's Go EeveeGrassLv.3-624%EarlyForestEASYRoute 2 - Area 1Let's Go EeveeGrassLv.3-415%EarlyRouteEASYRoute 2 - Area 1Let's Go PikachuGrassLv.3-415%EarlyRouteEASYRoute 2 - Area 2Let's Go EeveeGrassLv.3-815%EarlyRouteEASYRoute 2 - Area 2Let's Go PikachuGrassLv.3-815%EarlyRoute
Step 2Metapod ✓MODERATEViridian ForestLet's Go PikachuGrassLv.3-610%EarlyForestMODERATEViridian ForestLet's Go EeveeGrassLv.3-610%EarlyForestor evolve from Caterpie (Step 1)
A solid number of locations for Metapod with moderate rates across early-game routes. The sort toggle below swaps between best odds and earliest access, so you can approach it based on where you are in the game.
Where To Catch Metapod in Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon
To get Metapod, start by catching Caterpie through walking encounters at Lv. 2-22. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch CaterpieEFFORTLESSRoute 1 - WestUltra MoonGrassLv.2-335%EarlyRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 1 - WestUltra SunGrassLv.2-335%EarlyRouteMODERATERoute 1 - EastUltra MoonGrassLv.2-310%EarlyRouteMODERATERoute 1 - EastUltra SunGrassLv.2-310%EarlyRouteMODERATEMelemele MeadowUltra SunGrassLv.9-1210%EarlyMelemele MeadowUltra SunGrassLv.9-12EarlySOS from MetapodMODERATEMelemele MeadowUltra MoonGrassLv.10-1210%EarlyMelemele MeadowUltra MoonGrassLv.10-12EarlySOS from MetapodMODERATERoute 5Ultra MoonGrassLv.13-1610%EarlyRouteMODERATERoute 5Ultra SunGrassLv.13-1610%EarlyRouteRoute 5Ultra MoonGrassLv.13-16EarlyRouteSOS from MetapodRoute 5Ultra SunGrassLv.13-16EarlyRouteSOS from MetapodLush Jungle - NorthUltra MoonGrassLv.19-22MidForestSOS from MetapodLush Jungle - NorthUltra SunGrassLv.19-22MidForestSOS from MetapodLush Jungle - SouthUltra MoonGrassLv.19-22MidForestSOS from MetapodLush Jungle - SouthUltra SunGrassLv.19-22MidForestSOS from MetapodLush Jungle - WestUltra SunGrassLv.19-22MidForestSOS from MetapodLush Jungle - WestUltra MoonGrassLv.19-22MidForestSOS from Metapod
Step 2Metapod ✓MODERATEMelemele MeadowUltra SunGrassLv.9-129%EarlyMODERATEMelemele MeadowUltra MoonGrassLv.10-129%EarlyMODERATERoute 5Ultra SunGrassLv.13-169%EarlyRouteMODERATERoute 5Ultra MoonGrassLv.13-169%EarlyRouteMODERATELush Jungle - NorthUltra MoonGrassLv.19-2210%MidForestMODERATELush Jungle - NorthUltra SunGrassLv.19-2210%MidForestMODERATELush Jungle - SouthUltra MoonGrassLv.19-2210%MidForestMODERATELush Jungle - SouthUltra SunGrassLv.19-2210%MidForestMODERATELush Jungle - WestUltra SunGrassLv.19-2210%MidForestMODERATELush Jungle - WestUltra MoonGrassLv.19-2210%MidForestor evolve from Caterpie (Step 1)
At 205 BST, Metapod is firmly in pre-evolution territory. Evolve it into Butterfree before bringing it to any serious fight.
Watch for Arcanine (Fire), Dodrio (Flying), and Aerodactyl (Rock) when using Metapod. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. At base 30 Speed, Metapod won't outrun any of these threats so switching to a resist is usually the safer play.
Caterpie evolves into Metapod at level 7. Metapod evolves into Butterfree at level 10. Metapod is a middle-stage evolution in the Caterpie line.
Shed Skin has a 33% chance of curing any major status ailment after each turn — that's the one you want on Metapod. It's the only ability Metapod has.
Metapod is leaning toward the special side (base 25 Sp. Atk). Fragile — can't afford to take many hits, too. But the speed tells the real story — base 30 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go.
Metapod appears in 19 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Present since Red & Blue, Metapod appears in 19 games spanning 9 generations. Gen 1 originals like Metapod have the longest track record of availability in the series.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRBDebut

Red & Blue - Gen IIGS

Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS

Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG

FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS

HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP

Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW

Black & White - Gen VB2W2

Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY

X & Y - Gen VIORAS

Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM

Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM

Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE

Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh

Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP

Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV

Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A
