Metapod Best Moveset
Cocoon stage with nothing above 55 Defense and zero offensive output. The moveset has only Harden. One evolution from Butterfree where 90 Sp. Atk and AbilityCompound Eyes give Bug/Flying TermStab real function.
Metapod was a niche pick at best in Gen I (Red, Blue & Yellow), rarely seen in standard play. This was Metapod's competitive peak. A key development: had a combined Special stat of 25.
Best Moves
Best Build
Utility Moveset
- String Shot
- Tackle
- Harden
Recommended Teammates
Metapod was a niche pick at best in Gen II (Gold, Silver & Crystal), rarely seen in standard play. Metapod maintained its position from the previous generation.
Utility Moveset
- Harden
Metapod was a niche pick at best in Gen III (Ruby, Sapphire & Emerald), rarely seen in standard play. Metapod maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Shedskin with Nothing, favoring a Quiet nature.
Utility Moveset
- Tackle
- String Shot
- Harden
Recommended Teammates
Metapod was a niche pick at best in Gen IV (Diamond, Pearl & Platinum), rarely seen in standard play. Metapod maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran shed skin with Nothing, favoring a Hardy nature.
Utility Moveset
- Bug Bite
- String Shot
- Harden
- Iron Defense
Metapod was a niche pick at best in Gen V (Black & White / B2W2), rarely seen in standard play. Metapod maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran shed skin with Eviolite, favoring a Naughty nature.
Utility Moveset
- Bug Bite
- Electroweb
- Electroweb
- Iron Defense
Metapod was a niche pick at best in Gen VI (X & Y / ORAS), rarely seen in standard play. Metapod maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Shedskin with Focus Sash, favoring a Hardy nature.
Bulky Support Moveset
- String Shot
- Electroweb
- Iron Defense
- Bug Bite
Recommended Teammates
Metapod was a niche pick at best in Gen VII (Sun & Moon / USUM), rarely seen in standard play. Metapod maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Shedskin with Eviolite, favoring a Relaxed nature.
Bulky Support Moveset
- Electroweb
- Iron Defense
- Bug Bite
- Snore
Recommended Teammates
Metapod was a niche pick at best in Gen VIII (Sword & Shield / BDSP), rarely seen in standard play. Metapod maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Shedskin with Nothing, favoring a Relaxed nature.
Bulky Support Moveset
- Harden
- Bug Bite
- Electroweb
- Tackle
Recommended Teammates
Metapod Weakness
Metapod's Bug typing leaves it vulnerable to Fire, Flying, and Rock. Metapod's physical bulk (base 55 Def) helps cushion physical weakness hits, but special attackers are the bigger threat.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Fire, Flying, Rock |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Grass, Fighting, Ground |
What is Metapod Weak Against
AvgBest Pokemon Against Metapod
Arcanine can KO Metapod with Flare Blitz (235-276%). Terrakion threatens a KO with Stone Edge (219-258%).
 Arcanine Fire | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityIntimidate ItemLeftovers NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Metapod View Arcanine builds →Extreme Speed52-61% Flare Blitz 2x235-276%KO | ||
 Terrakion RockFighting | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityJustified ItemLeftovers NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Metapod View Terrakion builds →Close Combat66-77% Stone Edge 2x219-258%KO Earthquake36-43% | ||
 Talonflame Fire | C | |
Recommended Build AbilityFlame Body ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureJolly Moves View Talonflame builds →
| ||
Evolution
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. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed with Metapod to get Caterpie eggs easily using 91 partners from the Bug egg group.
How to Get Metapod
No wild encounters for Metapod. The 3-stage chain runs through Caterpie, which you can catch at moderate rates from the locations below. Evolve at level 10 once you've got the levels.
How to Obtain Metapod in BDSP
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 CavernLv.58-63GrassBrilliant DiamondPost-gameGrassland CaveLv.58-63CaveBrilliant DiamondPost-gameRiverbank CaveLv.58-63CaveBrilliant DiamondPost-gameSpacious CaveLv.58-63CaveBrilliant DiamondPost-gameStill-Water CavernLv.58-63CaveBrilliant DiamondPost-gameSunlit CavernLv.58-63CaveBrilliant DiamondPost-gameSwampy CaveLv.58-63GrassBrilliant DiamondPost-game
Step 2Metapod ✓
Step 3Evolve into Butterfree
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 SwSh
The path to Metapod starts with Caterpie at Lv. 2-47 via walking encounters. 3 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch CaterpieRoute 1Lv.2-5GrassRate 15%All Weather
Step 2Metapod ✓Rolling FieldsLv.7-10OverworldRate 10%OvercastRolling FieldsLv.7-10OverworldRate 10%SandstormRolling FieldsLv.7-10OverworldRate 10%ThunderstormRolling FieldsLv.7-10OverworldRate 10%Normal WeatherRolling FieldsLv.7-10OverworldRate 10%RainingRolling FieldsLv.7-10OverworldRate 10%Intense SunRolling FieldsLv.7-10OverworldRate 10%SnowstormRolling FieldsLv.7-10OverworldRate 10%Heavy FogRolling FieldsLv.7-10OverworldRate 10%SnowingRolling Fields - 2Lv.7-10OverworldRate 10%SnowstormRolling Fields - 2Lv.7-10OverworldRate 10%Heavy FogRolling Fields - 2Lv.7-10OverworldRate 10%SnowingRolling Fields - 2Lv.7-10OverworldRate 10%OvercastRolling Fields - 2Lv.7-10OverworldRate 10%SandstormRolling Fields - 2Lv.7-10OverworldRate 10%ThunderstormRolling Fields - 2Lv.7-10OverworldRate 10%Normal WeatherRolling Fields - 2Lv.7-10OverworldRate 10%RainingRolling Fields - 2Lv.7-10OverworldRate 10%Intense SunRolling FieldsLv.7-10GrassShieldRate 5%OvercastRolling FieldsLv.7-10GrassShieldRate 5%ThunderstormRolling FieldsLv.7-9GrassSwordRate 5%Normal WeatherRolling FieldsLv.7-9GrassSwordRate 5%RainingRolling FieldsLv.7-10GrassShieldRate 5%RainingRolling FieldsLv.7-9GrassSwordRate 5%Heavy FogRolling FieldsLv.7-10GrassShieldRate 5%Heavy FogRolling FieldsLv.7-9GrassSwordRate 5%OvercastRolling FieldsLv.7-9GrassSwordRate 5%Thunderstormor evolve from Caterpie (Step 1)
Step 3Catch or Evolve into ButterfreeRolling Fields - FlyingLv.7-10OverworldRate 75%Heavy FogRolling Fields - FlyingLv.7-10OverworldRate 75%Normal WeatherRolling Fields - FlyingLv.7-10OverworldRate 75%OvercastEast Lake Axewell - FlyingLv.8-11OverworldRate 75%Intense SunEast Lake Axewell - FlyingLv.8-11OverworldRate 75%SnowstormEast Lake Axewell - FlyingLv.8-11OverworldRate 75%SandstormEast Lake Axewell - FlyingLv.8-11OverworldRate 75%ThunderstormEast Lake Axewell - FlyingLv.8-11OverworldRate 75%SnowingEast Lake Axewell - FlyingLv.8-11OverworldRate 75%Normal WeatherEast Lake Axewell - FlyingLv.8-11OverworldRate 75%RainingEast Lake Axewell - FlyingLv.12-15OverworldRate 30%All WeatherRolling Fields - FlyingLv.7-10OverworldRate 25%SnowingRolling Fields - FlyingLv.7-10OverworldRate 25%RainingRolling Fields - FlyingLv.7-10OverworldRate 25%Intense SunRolling Fields - FlyingLv.7-10OverworldRate 25%SandstormRolling Fields - FlyingLv.7-10OverworldRate 25%SnowstormRolling Fields - FlyingLv.7-10OverworldRate 25%ThunderstormEast Lake Axewell - FlyingLv.8-11OverworldRate 25%OvercastEast Lake Axewell - FlyingLv.8-11OverworldRate 25%Heavy FogGiant's MirrorLv.28-30OverworldRate 40%OvercastSlumbering WealdLv.45-47GrassRate 5%All Weatheror evolve from Metapod (Step 2)
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 LGPE
Caterpie is your first catch on the way to Metapod. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 3-8 across 9 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch CaterpieViridian ForestLv.3-6GrassLet's Go PikachuRate 25%Viridian ForestLv.3-6GrassLet's Go EeveeRate 24%Route 2 - Area 1Lv.3-4GrassRate 15%Route 2 - Area 2Lv.3-8GrassRate 15%
Step 2Metapod ✓Viridian ForestLv.3-6GrassRate 10%or evolve from Caterpie (Step 1)
Step 3Catch or Evolve into ButterfreeViridian ForestLv.3-6GrassLet's Go PikachuRate 1%or evolve from Metapod (Step 2)
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 USUM
To get Metapod, start by catching Caterpie through walking encounters at Lv. 2-22. The chain covers 3 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch CaterpieRoute 1 - WestLv.2-3GrassRate 35%Route 1 - EastLv.2-3GrassRate 10%Melemele MeadowLv.9-12GrassUltra SunRate 10%Melemele MeadowLv.9-12GrassUltra SunSOS from MetapodMelemele MeadowLv.10-12GrassUltra MoonRate 10%Melemele MeadowLv.10-12GrassUltra MoonSOS from MetapodRoute 5Lv.13-16GrassRate 10%Route 5Lv.13-16GrassSOS from MetapodLush Jungle - NorthLv.19-22GrassSOS from MetapodLush Jungle - SouthLv.19-22GrassSOS from MetapodLush Jungle - WestLv.19-22GrassSOS from Metapod
Step 2Metapod ✓Melemele MeadowLv.9-12GrassUltra SunRate 9%Melemele MeadowLv.10-12GrassUltra MoonRate 9%Route 5Lv.13-16GrassRate 9%Lush Jungle - NorthLv.19-22GrassRate 10%Lush Jungle - SouthLv.19-22GrassRate 10%Lush Jungle - WestLv.19-22GrassRate 10%or evolve from Caterpie (Step 1)
Step 3Catch or Evolve into ButterfreeMelemele MeadowLv.9-12GrassUltra SunSOS from CaterpieMelemele MeadowLv.10-12GrassUltra MoonSOS from CaterpieRoute 5Lv.13-16GrassSOS from CaterpieMelemele MeadowLv.9-12GrassUltra SunRate 1%Melemele MeadowLv.10-12GrassUltra MoonRate 1%Route 5Lv.13-16GrassRate 1%Lush Jungle - NorthLv.19-22GrassSOS from MetapodLush Jungle - SouthLv.19-22GrassSOS from MetapodLush Jungle - WestLv.19-22GrassSOS from Metapodor evolve from Metapod (Step 2)
Base Stats
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.
It is waiting for the moment to evolve. At this stage, it can only harden, so it remains motionless to avoid attack.
Metapod Guide
For a casual playthrough, Metapod works as a placeholder. Bug coverage is useful early. The real payoff is Butterfree. That's where the stats start mattering.
Game Availability
Present since Red & Blue, Metapod appears in 19 games spanning 10 generations. Gen 1 originals like Metapod have the longest track record of availability in the series.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1RBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves