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, Poison, Flying, and Rock.
Nothing fancy in Metapod's spread. It leans mixed with Defense out front. And you'll get 2 Defense stat exp per KO for it. Follows a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
Hardens its shell to protect itself. However, a large impact may cause it to pop out of its shell.
Metapod Weakness
VulnerableMetapod's Bug typing leaves it vulnerable to Fire, Poison, Flying, and Rock moves. Metapod's physical bulk (base 55 Def) helps cushion physical weakness hits, but special attackers are the bigger threat.
- Only 15 types exist — Dark, Steel, and Fairy are absent
- Ghost has no effect on Psychic (a known bug, fixed in Gen II)
- Special stat governs both offense and defense — no Sp.Atk / Sp.Def split
Metapod connects Caterpie to Butterfree as a Bug type. Can't breed at 205 stats, just keep evolving. So far, Defense got the biggest boost (+20 from Caterpie). The final form adds another 190 stats on top.
How to Evolve
Best Build
Best Metapod Moveset
- Unknown
- String Shot
- Tackle
- Harden
Recommended Teammates
A compact toolkit overall. The offense runs through Bug STAB for Metapod, with Normal coverage doing what it can. Don't expect versatility from this one.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Reminder Moves
decent spawn rates across 1 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 Yellow
Step 1Catch CaterpieEFFORTLESSViridian ForestGrassLv.3-6CommonEarlyForest
Step 2Metapod ✓EASYViridian ForestGrassLv.4-6UncommonEarlyForestor 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), Gengar (Poison), and Aerodactyl (Flying) when using Metapod. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Rock-type attackers are also a problem. 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.
Metapod is a physical attacker with base 20 Attack. 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