How to get and use Mystery Box in Pokémon Go

Pokémon Go’s Mystery Boxes harness the all-powerful Meltan, an exclusive Steel-type Mythical These boxes are not available for purchase in the Shop, nor can they be earned through in-game quests. We’re here to guide you on how to obtain and use the Mystery Box in Pokémon Go.

Where to find Mystery Box in Pokémon Go

You can get the Mystery Box by transferring a Pokémon from Pokémon Go to Pokémon Home. To do this, follow these steps:

Download the Pokémon Home app on your mobile device
Link your Nintendo account
Start Pokémon Go
Go to your Settings via the Poké Ball icon
Select ‘Connected Devices and Services’
Press the Pokémon Home tab
Sign in with your Nintendo account
Send a Pokémon using Go Transporter Energy
Restart Pokémon Home and check to see if the critter has transferred over
Return to Go and collect the Mystery Box

When sending a creature from Go to Home, you can select any basic Pokémon to get the Mystery Box. Keep in mind that if you decide to send something like a Legendary, it will cost you more Go Transporter Energy. I suggest just sticking with a lower CP critter to transfer more later.

Transferring a Pokemon — Screenshot by Destructoid

You should also check on the transfer in Home to ensure its success. This step is crucial since it can result in an error message later on if it doesn’t go through.

How to use Mystery Box in Pokémon Go

Now, let’s open the Mystery Box in Pokémon Go. Navigate to the item bag’s Trainer Boost section and use the box from there. This will start a one-hour countdown, signaling Meltan’s appearance. The Mystery Box functions similarly to Incense, attracting Pokémon to your location. However, you don’t need to move around as much to spawn them.

Meltans will continue to appear while the Mystery Box is active. I was lucky enough to get a Shiny Meltan on the first try. These types can spawn more frequently during special events, like the Pokémon Go 8th anniversary.

Shiny Meltan in Pokemon Go — Screenshot by Destructoid

Once you’ve used up the Mystery Box in Pokémon Go, you can repeat the process after three days. It may also be set to a shorter time frame if an event is going on.

About The Author

Kristina Ebanez

Staff Writer - Kristina has been a video game lover ever since she saw Solid Snake get under that cardboard box in Metal Gear Solid. She continues to show off her love for gaming and has been writing about it for more than two years. Aside from the Metal Gear Solid series, she enjoys playing The Sims, Call of Duty, Disney Dreamlight Valley, Horizon Forbidden West, Minecraft, and many more.