You need to know how to get a Metal Coat in Pokémon Legends: Z-A if you want to complete the Pokédex, because there are two monsters that require it to evolve: Scyther and Onix. They’ll evolve into Scizor and Steelix respectively when traded while holding a Metal Coat, and what’s even better is that both Pokémon have mega forms.
There are two methods of obtaining a Metal Coat in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and we’ve detailed them both down below. Note that both methods require progressing quite far through the story, with the earliest you can get a Metal Coat being once you reach Rank C.
There are two ways to get Metal Coat in Pokémon Legends: Z-A: as a side mission reward or purchased from Racine Construction. Unfortunately, both of these methods are pretty late into the game.
Side missions that reward Metal Coats
There are two side missions that reward Metal Coats: Side Mission 101 (“Steadfast as Steel”) and Side Mission 114 (“A Feather from Skarmory”). As mentioned above, these missions only showed up late-game for us, with “Steadfast as Steel” only showing up during Main Mission 35 and “A Feather from Skarmory” appearing after we rolled credits on the game. Either way, you can see the location to start both of those side missions, in order, below:
Note that the side mission NPC for “A Feather from Skarmory” does usually appear in front of the entrance of Wild Zone 17 (as depicted above), though we completed the quest before taking the screenshot, so he’s just absent from our photo. Whoopsie!
Where to buy Metal Coat in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Once you’ve reached the credits, you’ll be able to buy a Metal Coat from a worker in the Racine Construction building. This is the same building you find Canari inside for the Rank E promotion match, a stone’s throw from Gare de Lumiose and south of Restaurant Le Nah. This is also when Racine Construction is unlocked as a travel spot.
If you’ve progressed far enough, a chap will sell a Metal Coat, amongst other special items, to you for $4,980. He has unlimited stock too, so provided you have the funds, you can drown in as many Metal Coats as you desire.
So essentially, if you haven’t gotten far enough in the game, you won’t be able to get your hands on a Metal Coat yet.
Looking for more on Pokémon Legends: Z-A? We have a beginner’s guide to help you get started, as well as a type advantage chart, if you’re having a hard time remembering what’s good against what. We also have guides on how to find other early game Pokémon to help you on your journey, like the Kalos starters, the Kanto starters, and even an early spot to find Eevee. If you’re seeking out even more, we have an interactive map of Lumiose City, too.
We also have guides on special evolutions that require more than just leveling up, like Inkay and Malamar, and a list of when you can unlock all of the Mega Stones you’ll need to Mega Evolve.