Metagross is part of a three-stage evolutionary line and evolves from Metang, who evolves from Beldum. Fans of the series may instantly recognize Metagross as Hoenn Champion Steven’s signature Pokemon. In Ruby/Sapphire, players could get a Beldum from Steven after becoming Champion. Since Steven doesn’t appear in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, trainers will need to catch their own Beldum and evolve it from there.

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Where to Catch and Evolve Beldum

Like most of the pseudo legendaries in Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl, Beldum can’t be caught until after trainers have received the National Dex. Once trainers become Champion and have seen every Pokemon in the Sinnoh Dex, they must speak to Professor Rowan in Sandgem Town. If done correctly, they will get the National Dex and the PokeRadar.

The postgame also unlocks a new feature called Swarm Pokemon. These are daily Pokemon outbreaks that occur all around Sinnoh. To see which Swarms are occurring, open the menu with the X-button and it will say the type of Pokemon outbreak and where it’s occurring in the goal-objective box.

Another way to check Swarm Pokemon is to visit Lucas/Dawn’s sister in Sandgem Town or check one of the working TVs around Sinnoh.

Beldum is a Swarm Pokemon that will appear on Route 228, which is in the same region as the Fight Area and the Battle Tower. There is a 40% chance of Beldum appearing in a random encounter in the wild during a Swarm.

Another way to catch Beldum is to use the Explorer Kit to reach the Grand Underground. Beldum can be found in the following hideaways:

Rocky Cave Big Bluff Cavern Whiteout Cave Icy Cavern Glacial Cavern

Before generation 8, Beldum’s only known move was the Normal-type Take Down. This meant it couldn’t generate any STAB and it took damage from recoil each time Take Down was used in succession. Now, Beldum knows Tackle, meaning it can use the move freely without suffering from recoil and accidentally knocking itself out.

Beldum is frustratingly hard to catch thanks to its low catch rate (3), which is the same catch rate as a legendary Pokemon. Before going to Beldum’s location, bring plenty of Ultra Balls or Nest Balls. Like other Steel-type Pokemon, Beldum can’t be poisoned, but trainers will want to avoid inflicting it with damaging status ailments (such as Burn) because it could result in Beldum fainting. If players are lucky, they’ll manage to catch it.

Beldum will be at level 53 on Route 228 or level 60 in the Grand Underground. To evolve into Metang, Beldum needs to be level 20, where it can then evolve into Metagross at level 45. Thankfully, Beldum will already be a high-level Pokemon in the postgame, so it needs to only level up twice to get to Metang and then Metagross.

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More Information About Metagross

In generations 6-7 and Pokemon GO, Metagross had the ability to Mega Evolve into Mega Metagross. This raised Metagross’ already-high 600 base stat total to 700 when Mega Evolved. Unfortunately for Metagross, Mega Evolution doesn’t make a return in Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl unlike Pokemon remasters Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire. This aside, Metagross is still a force to be reckoned with thanks to its powerful offense and sturdy defense.

Metagross is a slow-moving Pokemon, but a 70-base speed can outspeed the right opponent. Most of Metagross’ moves deal Physical Damage, such as Bullet Punch and Meteor Mash. Despite its Psychic-typing, Metagross may work better using Steel-type moves in battle. In addition, Metagross can be taught Earthquake, which gives it coverage against its Fire-type weakness.

With Steel/Psychic-typing, Metagross has the following Type effectiveness:

Metagross’ best Nature is Adamant (+Attk, -Sp. Attk) because it takes advantage of its 135 Attack base stat. Another good Nature for it to have is Jolly (+Spd, -Sp.Attk). This will even out Metagross’ unimpressive speed to help it move before opponents in battle. Since Metagross doesn’t rely too much on Special Moves, it’s okay for its Special Attack growth to move a bit slower than its other stats. Natures that decrease its Defense or Attack are not recommended (ex: Modest (+Sp.Attk, -Attk).

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are available now on Nintendo Switch.

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