Who's That Pokémon? #011 Metapod

#011 Metapod (a.k.a. Trancell)

Bulbapedia Article

Although the Japaense and English names seem very different, both convey the same meaning.  Metapod is metamorphosis plus pod while Trancell is transform plus cell.  It is the cocoon stage of a bug undergoing metamorphosis.  And it can't do much while in this form.

From the Pokédex: Even though it is encased in a sturdy shell, the body inside is tender. It can't withstand a harsh attack. Hardens its shell to protect itself. However, a large impact may cause it to pop out of its shell.

Metapod can only focus on protecting the transforming Caterpie inside, so it has to strengthen its shell with Harden.  We see in Pokémon Stadium that Harden takes on a metallic appearance and sound, probably to show the effect taking place.

Generation I Moveset and Strategy

To use Metapod "effectively," you'll have to evolve it from a Caterpie so that it can keep its previous moves.  Also, it has to evolve at exactly Level 7 so that it can also learn Harden (which only works in the Yellow version).

Tackle - Normal String Shot - Normal Harden - Normal

Generation I Sprites

  

Metapod had a confusing design for a long time.  Because its eyes are visible on both sides, it was hard to tell which direction it was facing.  It is supposed to curve outwards, but the ridge on its back resembles a nose, making it seem as if its back was its front.  So, while I think the Yellow sprite is the best, it is facing the wrong way.  But the eyes on the Red/Green sprite are weird and the Red/Blue sprite is too bendy for a rigid creature.

Generation I Locations

Like Caterpie, Metapod is found in Viridian Forest in all versions.  Then it is also on Route 25 in Red/Green/Blue and Route 24 in Green/Blue.

We also find Metapod around the River of Pokémon Island.  We see Butterfree elsewhere on the island, but this suggests that unseen Caterpie reside in the River then migrate after evolving.

Notable Generation I Metapod

1. Ash/Red's Metapod (Anime, The Electric Tale of Pikachu, and Pokémon Adventures)

As we examined in the episode earlier this week, Ash has to project a lot of his own emotions onto the behavior of Metapod because it lacks facial expressions and speaks in a monotone.  Apparently it is upset at Ash, then heroic, but it's hard to really tell without Ash describing it.

2. Kitty (Pokémon Adventures)

Yellow's Kitty returns, this time doing its marvelous transformation to protect its trainer from a Hyper Beam attack.  It evolves again soon after this moment, but it's funny to see one of the weakest Pokémon go up against the strongest attack.  As before, this is basically the same character as Ash's Metapod.

3. Bug Catcher/Samurai's Metapod (Red/Green/Blue/Yellow, anime, etc.)

Despite most of them only knowing Harden, Bug Catchers love to use Metapod.  For some reason, they don't let them evolve.  Are they expecting to defeat opponents by only using Struggle?

Final Thoughts

As with Caterpie, there isn't much left to be said.  But, Metapods are crucial if you want a Butterfree, so you'll probably find yourself with one at some point.

Metapod's Verdict - Don't Gotta Catch 'Em (Unless You're Planning an Evolution)