In the dynamic universe of Pokemon GO, trainers frequently engage in discussions about the nuances and exceptions surrounding gym battles and Pokémon placement. A recent comment from Redditor u/StaleUnderwear has reignited a fascinating conversation regarding one of the game’s peculiar rules: Meltan and its evolution, Melmetal, are uniquely positioned as the only mythical or legendary Pokémon allowed to defend gyms.
“I always thought this was a strange decision”
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A related meme humorously emphasizes Melmetal’s outlier status, indicating it is the only Pokémon in its rarity bracket eligible for gym defense—a notable distinction not shared by any other Pokémon.
This provocative post has inspired a flood of commentary and speculation from the Pokémon community. Many trainers echoed sentiments about Melmetal, providing insights into its role in gameplay mechanics and the lore behind its unique status.
One Redditor, u/Grendabean, pointed out the irony of Melmetal’s designation:
“For all the hate Meltan and Melmetal get from people who play the mainline games; he should at least get special gym treatment.”
This remark underscores the idea that Pokémon GO aims to elevate Meltan and Melmetal’s significance, despite mixed feelings from the broader community.
Another user, u/WarhammerGeek, introduced an intriguing technical detail:
“Meltan is also the only mythical that you can trade. Was a PoGO original so it gets some special treatment.”
This unique characteristic lends support to its eligibility for gym defense, as it operates within a different framework compared to other Mythical Pokémon in the franchise.
u/Sovereigntyranny offered a more considered perspective, suggesting:
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This view advocates for the diversity of gym teams, noting that an overabundance of powerful legendaries could dilute gym meta balance and uniformity.
u/TomboBreaker also contributed by examining the wider community’s perspective on Meltan and Melmetal:
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Its limited usefulness beyond Pokémon GO may justify the game offering Melmetal a greater degree of flexibility within its unique ecosystem.
A Pokémon GO-Exclusive Wonder
Melmetal’s role in gyms is a distinctive aspect of Pokémon GO’s identity. Originally introduced in the mobile game and obtainable exclusively via transfer from Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee, Melmetal was intentionally crafted to be an anomaly.
Its unconventional acquisition protocol, ability to be traded, and unique characteristics allow it to transcend traditional mythical restrictions in a way that aligns with the overarching design philosophy of Pokémon GO.
Despite ongoing debates about Melmetal’s privileged gym status, its legacy as a Pokémon GO-exclusive mythical entity supports the decision to grant it this role. This quirky distinction suggests that it will likely remain a subject for light-hearted discussion—and even memes—among fans for years to come.
The decision to allow Melmetal to defend gyms is one of Pokémon GO’s more unusual traits. Still, it derives from a blend of nostalgia, game equilibrium, and platform-specific relevance. Community reactions to u/StaleUnderwear’s meme reflect a spectrum of curiosity, justification, and enjoyable discourse.
While some players advocate for rule modifications to uphold competitive fairness, others perceive Melmetal’s gym role as a justified privilege because of its exceptional origin. In the broad context of Pokémon GO’s gaming experience, such quirks contribute to the game’s charm and make the community engagement truly distinctive.