Metapod Pokémon Guide: Evolution Level, Stats, Shiny Metapod & More

The cocoon stage Pokémon, Metapod, is a Bug-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I. 

Metapod Pokémon is known to be the middle-stage evolution of Caterpie. It evolves from Caterpie at level 7 onwards and then into Butterfree at level 10. Players who enjoy early Bug-type Pokémon often compare it with Caterpie and other classic Kanto creatures. 

People searching for Metapod evolution and Metapod Pokémon are welcome to read this article thoroughly. We will mention its simple appearance and the ability to use the most famous Harden move. 

Metapod

Here are the basic details of this middle-stage evolution form of Caterpie. 

Attribute	Details
Pokémon Number	#0011
Category	Cocoon
Type	Bug
Evolves From	Caterpie
Evolves Into	Butterfree
Generation	I
Weaknesses	Fire, Flying, Rock
Abilities	Shed Skin

What is Metapod?

The Bug-type Pokémon was inspired by the insect cocoons and chrysalis stages found in nature. Unlike its base form, Caterpie, this Pokémon is all about defense. It does not have a great attack. Similar defensive cocoon-stage Pokémon include Koffing, which also focuses more on utility than raw power. 

Design Inspiration of Metapod

• Real insect metamorphosis
• Cocoon stages of butterflies

You can say that Metapod is an important resource for the transition stage in the evolution process. 

Why Metapod is Iconic

• One of the first Bug-type evolutions players get
• Known for its Harden move
• Nostalgia connection for fans of Gen I Pokémon. 

Due to its nostalgic connection, people often search for both Metapod Pokémon and Pokémon Metapod. Fans of classic Pokémon also regularly revisit iconic creatures like Pikachu. 

Metapod Evolution Explained

If you are a player exploring the Kanto region, Metapod is one of the first Pokémon you’d encounter. That is why understanding its evolution becomes essential for players like you and me. 

It is one of the fastest-growing evolutionary families in the Pokémon franchise. Trainers who study evolution chains also explore guides like Eevee Evolutions because of their unique branching paths. 

The full evolution line is: 

Caterpie → Metapod → Butterfree

Metapod Evolution Level

If you are wondering what level does Metapod evolve, there is good news for you. Now, you don’t need to wait long. Just read the table below. 

The growth rate of this Pokémon’s family is designed to give trainers an early-game powerhouse. 

Let’s look at Metapod evolution levels. 

Pokémon	Evolves Into	Level
Caterpie	Metapod	Level 7
Metapod	Butterfree	Level 10

Highlights: 

• Caterpie evolves early at Level 7
• Metapod evolves at Level 10
• Quick evolution

Did You Know: It is one of the fastest-evolving Pokémon in the franchise. 

What Level Does Metapod Evolve?

In the main Pokémon games, Metapod evolves at level 10 into its final form, Butterfree. 

Let’s look at how its evolution works. 

• First, you need to catch Caterpie.
• Get it to Level 7 and evolve to Metapod
• After that, continue training Metapod until it reaches level 10
• Automatically evolves into Butterfree. You require Caterpie candies instead of levels. Competitive and casual Pokémon GO players also enjoy guides related to Giovanni in Pokémon GO. 

Metapod Evolution Level: 10

In Pokémon GO:

•  You require Caterpie candies instead of levels. 
• Metapod evolves using candies

Related Read: What Level Does Skwovet Evolve?

Shiny Metapod Explained

What does shiny Metapod look like? This is a question people ask when they are starting out with the game. 

To be honest, there is not much difference; it just has a brighter color compared to the normal version. However, the color difference is noticeable with a recognizable cocoon appearance. 

Color Differences

• Normal Metapod → Light green
• Shiny Metapod → Bright green / neon-like shade

How Rare is Shiny Metapod?

We all know that shiny Pokémon are always rare across all games. So, we can confidently say that Shiny Metapod is also a rare Pokémon. 

The odds of the Metapod shiny version are as follows. 

• In main games: Approximately 1 in 4096
• Pokémon GO: Depend on events

These odds make shiny Pokémon an enticing choice for collectors out there in the fold. 

How to Get Shiny Metapod

While there are several ways to obtain Metapod’s shiny version, you should look at which method favors your situation. 

Methods to Get Shiny Metapod

• Catch a shiny Caterpie and then evolve it
• Get shiny Metapod directly in Pokémon GO events
• Participate in shiny events. 

Our Tip: If you ask me, evolving shiny Caterpie is the best way to go.

Metapod Stats, Abilities, & Type

The complete design of Metapod is centered around survival and defense. You can say that it represents the fragile stage of the Catepie evolution. 

Let’s look at its base stats, abilities, and type.

1. Base Stats

As I’ve explained earlier, Metapod only has defensive capabilities. Its offense is pretty limited. Base stats can tell you that. 

Stat	Value
HP	50
Attack	20
Defense	55
Special Attack	25
Special Defense	25
Speed	30

2. Abilities

• Shed Skin: Metapod only has one ability, Shed Skin. After every turn, there is a 30% chance that it will automatically cure itself of any status conditions using this ability. 

Type Weaknesses

Since it is a pure Bug-type Pokémon, it has elemental vulnerabilities. It can take 2x damage when encountering the following types.

• Fire 
• Flying
• Rock

Best Moves for Metapod

I’ve already told you, Metapod is not a Pokémon that can provide attacking moves. 

The tactical move set of this Pokémon is very limited. That is what makes it a unique bug-type Pokémon. 

Signature Move – Harden

This move is its core identity. When Metapod uses this move, its physical defense increases by one stage. 

What Harden Does

• Raises Defense stat
• Helps in long survival 
• Represents cocoon hardening behavior

Is Metapod Good in Battle?

Well, Metapod is not a combative performer. It is a typical defensive and temporary cocoon stage Pokémon. 

Since there is no benefit in sticking with this Pokémon, it is recommended that you evolve it quickly into Butterfree at level 10. 

Metapod in Pokémon Anime

In the anime, Metapod became a legendary Pokémon because of its Harden battle scenes. Let’s have a look at some of the highlights of Metapod in the Pokémon anime. 

Anime Highlights

• Featured in early Pokémon episodes
• Connected to the Ash’s Caterpie evolution story
• Featured many Harden battle scenes

Over the years, these types of moments have been loved by fans and created into memes. 

Is Metapod a Good Pokémon?

You can say that Metapod serves its purpose perfectly in the initial phase of the game. You and I both know that it cannot hold its own as a permanent team member. 

However, it does not mean that Metapod is completely useless. It has its own pros and cons. Let’s have a look. 

Pros	Cons
Evolves Quickly	Limited Moveset
Nostalgic Gen 1 Classic	Weak Offensive Power

Related Read: What is Pokémon Showdown?

Metapod vs Kakuna

Both Pokémon are similar in typing and were introduced in Generation I. However, there are a few differences. Let’s have a look:

Pokémon	Evolution Line	Specialty
Metapod	Butterfree	Defensive
Kakuna	Beedrill	Poison typing

Main Differences:

• Metapod evolves into Butterfree
• Kakuna evolves into Beedrill
• Kakuna has poison-typing advantages

Both Pokémon fill similar cocoon-stage roles for their respective evolution lines. 

Common Misspellings & Search Variations

Some internet users search using spelling variations like meta pod, metapod shiny, and metapod Pokémon. 

These are highly common typos that occur when players or trainers are looking to hunt its orange variation. 

Where to Find Metapod in Pokémon Games?

If you want to find Metapod in a Pokémon game, you must look at the game and its generation. It is incredibly common to find this Pokémon in early-game forests. 

Have a look. 

Common Locations:

• Viridian Forest
• Early Bug-catching areas
• Pokémon GO wild encounters and events

You can also get them in Ilex Forest (Gen 2/4) and Santallune Forest (Gen 6).

In some regions, such as Hoenn (Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald) and Unova (Black/White), Metapod is completely absent. The only way to get Metapod in these games is by evolution only. 

Related Read: The Ultimate Guide to the Pokémon Nature Chart

Final Thoughts on Metapod Pokémon

There are many Bug-type Pokémon with the cocoon stage. However, Metapod remains one of the most memorable among them. 

The quick evolution path, iconic Harden move, and strong anime nostalgia make it an extremely popular Pokémon even decades after Generation I. 

Although it is not a powerful and long-term solution, it plays an important role in the beginning. You can think of it as a stepping stone towards the more powerful Butterfree Pokémon. 

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