Mastering Evolution: Your Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining the Metal Coat in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

The highly-anticipated release of Pokémon Legends: Z-A on October 16, 2025, has sent trainers back into the vibrant, urban landscape of Lumiose City, now a hub for grand urban redevelopment. As players delve into this new Action RPG, the strategic importance of Held Items, a welcome return to the “Legends” subseries, becomes paramount. Among the most sought-after is the Metal Coat, a vital item for both competitive play and crucial Pokédex completion. This exclusive guide details the multiple C.P.C. high-value methods to secure this metallic film, ensuring your journey through Kalos is met with maximum evolutionary potential.

The Critical Role of the Metal Coat in Lumiose City

The Metal Coat is not merely a common collectible; it is a catalyst for powerful transformations and a significant boost in combat effectiveness. Its utility is twofold, justifying its high demand and inclusion in any serious trainer’s Pokémon Legends: Z-A strategy:

• Evolutionary Catalyst: When held by certain Pokémon and then traded, the Metal Coat triggers a powerful evolution. The two key beneficiaries are:
• Onix: Evolves into the formidable Steelix, a colossal Steel/Ground-type with immense defensive capabilities, and a candidate for Mega Evolution.
• Scyther: Transforms into the iconic Scizor, a powerful Bug/Steel-type known for its high Attack stat and another key component for Mega Evolution.
• Battle Enhancement: Beyond evolution, the Metal Coat serves as a potent battle item, providing a 20% increase in the power of the holder’s Steel-type moves. This boost is critical for maximizing damage output (STAB) and is a must-have for any Steel-type attacker like Mega Steelix or Mega Scizor in the high-stakes Z-A Battle Club.

Acquisition Methods: Where to Find the Valuable Metal Coat

Unlike some early-game items, the Metal Coat in Pokémon Legends: Z-A is an elusive endgame item often tied to complex side missions and late-game commerce. Trainers should plan their acquisition strategy carefully to optimize playtime and resource allocation.

Method 1: Side Mission Rewards – The Steadfast Path to Steel

The most reliable, albeit time-consuming, method involves completing specific Side Missions offered throughout the sprawling Lumiose City. These quests reward trainers with a guaranteed Metal Coat, a significant return on investment of time and effort. The missions confirmed to reward this item are:

• Side Mission 101 – Strong as Steel: This quest, which appears later in the game’s main narrative, will test your mettle and understanding of Steel-type Pokémon. Completion yields one Metal Coat.
• Side Mission 114 – A Feather from Skarmory: Focusing on the collection or interaction with the revered Steel/Flying-type, this late-game mission provides another guaranteed Metal Coat upon successful conclusion.

Strong recommendation: Prioritize these missions as they not only grant the Metal Coat but also contribute to the overall completion of the expansive Lumiose City Pokédex and unlock further game content.

Method 2: Direct Purchase – The High-Value Investment

For trainers with substantial in-game wealth, a direct purchase offers the most immediate route to obtaining the Metal Coat. This method is particularly useful for trainers aiming to acquire multiple coats for the simultaneous evolution of both Onix and Scyther, or to equip multiple competitive Steel-type Pokémon.

• Location: The Metal Coat can be purchased from an unnamed NPC located within the Racine Construction area of Lumiose City. This area is central to the urban redevelopment theme of Legends: Z-A.
• Cost: Each Metal Coat is priced at $4,980 Pokédollars. While not the most expensive item, repeated purchases for a full team can represent a notable high-cost investment. Fortunately, in the thriving economy of Lumiose City, there is an apparently unlimited supply available from this vendor, making it a critical Pokémon resource acquisition point.

Strategic Implications and Final Analysis for Trainers

The return of the Metal Coat in Pokémon Legends: Z-A underscores the game’s emphasis on strategic depth and the importance of held items. By obtaining this item, you unlock two potent Mega Evolution candidates: Mega Steelix and Mega Scizor. These Pokémon are vital for tackling the toughest challenges the game has to offer, including post-game content and the intense Z-A Royale battles.

Expert Tip: Given the requirement of trading while holding the Metal Coat for evolution, trainers must utilize the game’s trading features. Always ensure you are trading with a trusted partner or using a secure in-game trade mechanism to receive your newly evolved Steelix or Scizor back. The C.P.C. value of these evolved Pokémon, particularly their Mega Evolution forms, in the meta-game is exceptionally high, making the effort to acquire the Metal Coat a non-negotiable step for serious Pokémon trainers in the Kalos region.

Source Note: Information on item location and evolution requirements is based on confirmed gameplay mechanics following the official launch of Pokémon Legends: Z-A on October 16, 2025 (Eurogamer, IGN, Pokémon Database).