Beldum evolves into Metang at Level 20, and Metang then evolves into Metagross at Level 45. This three-stage evolution line uses standard level-up mechanics with no special items, trades, or conditions required. All three forms maintain the Steel/Psychic dual typing throughout the evolutionary process, making this one of the more straightforward pseudo-legendary evolution chains in the series.
For collectors and players alike, the Beldum line represents one of Generation 3’s most iconic additions. Introduced in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire in 2002, Beldum occupies National Pokédex slot #374, with Metang at #375 and Metagross at #376. The final evolution, Metagross, holds pseudo-legendary status with a base stat total of 600, placing it among the most powerful non-legendary Pokémon available. This article covers the specifics of each evolutionary stage, training challenges unique to Beldum, and what collectors should know about cards featuring this evolution line.
Table of Contents
- How Does Beldum Evolve Into Metang and Metagross?
- Understanding Beldum’s Pseudo-Legendary Status
- The Challenge of Training Beldum in Video Games
- Beldum Evolution Line in the Trading Card Game
- Beldum’s Classification and Design Origins
- Availability in Recent and Upcoming Games
- Future Outlook for Beldum Line Collectibles
How Does Beldum Evolve Into Metang and Metagross?
The evolution process for Beldum follows the traditional level-based system that has defined Pokémon games since the beginning. When Beldum reaches Level 20, it automatically evolves into Metang. Continuing to train Metang until Level 45 triggers the final evolution into Metagross. Unlike Pokémon that require friendship, specific times of day, held items, or trading, Beldum’s evolution path depends solely on experience accumulation. This simplicity contrasts with other pseudo-legendary lines.
Dragonite’s pre-evolution Dragonair, for example, doesn’t evolve until Level 55, while Hydreigon requires reaching Level 64 from Zweilous. By comparison, Metagross becomes available relatively early at Level 45. However, the ease of the evolution method belies the difficulty of actually training Beldum, which presents unique challenges discussed in later sections. The Steel/Psychic typing remains constant across all three forms, a relatively rare consistency in multi-stage evolution lines. This typing grants resistances to Normal, Flying, Rock, Steel, Grass, Psychic, Ice, Dragon, and Fairy moves, along with immunity to Poison. The tradeoff includes weaknesses to Fire, Ground, Ghost, and Dark types, vulnerabilities that players and TCG strategists must account for.
Understanding Beldum’s Pseudo-Legendary Status
Pseudo-legendary Pokémon occupy a specific niche in the franchise, defined by a base stat total of exactly 600, a three-stage evolution line, and relatively late evolution levels. Metagross meets all these criteria, joining the ranks of Dragonite, Tyranitar, Salamence, Garchomp, and others. This classification matters for competitive play and significantly influences card values in the collecting market. The pseudo-legendary designation does not appear in official game text but has become standard terminology among players and collectors.
For TCG purposes, Metagross cards often feature higher HP, stronger attacks, and premium artwork compared to common Pokémon. Stage 2 Metagross cards require the full evolution line to play, making Beldum and Metang cards necessary components of any deck strategy built around this Pokémon. However, pseudo-legendary status doesn’t guarantee competitive viability in every format. Metagross has fluctuated in TCG relevance depending on the meta, with certain expansions featuring powerful Metagross-GX or Metagross VMAX cards while others left the line relatively unused. Collectors should research specific card sets rather than assuming all Metagross cards carry premium value.
The Challenge of Training Beldum in Video Games
Beldum holds the distinction of being one of the most difficult Pokémon to train from scratch in the main series games. When caught in the wild, Beldum knows only one move: Take Down. This Normal-type attack deals recoil damage to the user, meaning Beldum hurts itself every time it attacks. Combined with Beldum’s low catch rate of 3 (the same as most legendary Pokémon), obtaining and training one requires patience. The single-move limitation persists until Beldum evolves into Metang at Level 20, at which point it gains access to additional moves like Confusion and Metal Claw.
Experienced players often work around this limitation by using the Exp. Share item, battling in double battles where a partner Pokémon handles offense, or simply accepting the slow grind through the early levels. In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, where Beldum and its evolutions appear, the open-world format and updated experience mechanics make training somewhat less tedious. Auto-battle features and abundant experience candies provide alternatives to the traditional grinding approach. Still, players new to the Beldum line should prepare for a slower start compared to Pokémon with diverse early movepools.
Beldum Evolution Line in the Trading Card Game
The Beldum evolution line has appeared across numerous TCG expansions since Generation 3’s release, with card designs ranging from common filler to chase-worthy chase cards. Notable printings include Metagross-GX from Guardians Rising, which saw competitive play, and various EX and VMAX variants that command collector interest. Beldum and Metang cards typically hold modest value individually but become relevant when paired with powerful Metagross cards. Comparing different eras of Beldum line cards reveals interesting market dynamics. Vintage cards from EX Deoxys or EX Delta Species appeal to nostalgia collectors and often carry premiums despite lower competitive relevance.
Modern cards with alternate art treatments or special rarities can exceed vintage prices based on artwork quality and pull rates. The 2023 Obsidian Flames expansion, for example, featured a Metagross ex that renewed interest in the entire line. When building a collection around the Beldum family, consider whether your focus is competitive play, complete set building, or investment. Competitive players need playsets of four, complete set builders require one of each printing, and investors typically target the highest-rarity versions. Each approach carries different costs and potential returns.
Beldum’s Classification and Design Origins
Officially classified as the “Iron Ball Pokémon,” Beldum’s design draws from robotic and extraterrestrial influences. Its body consists of a single metallic orb with a single eye and a claw-like appendage. Lore descriptions suggest Beldum communicates through magnetic pulses and floats using magnetic forces, explaining its Steel typing despite appearing more mechanical than metallic in some interpretations.
The Psychic secondary typing connects to Beldum’s supposed intelligence and telepathic communication abilities. When two Beldum link together, they form Metang, and the combination of four Beldum brains creates the highly intelligent Metagross. This fusion concept influences the visual design progression, with Metang showing two connected bodies and Metagross displaying a four-legged form suggesting four merged Beldum. For collectors interested in Japanese cards, Beldum’s Japanese name is Dumbber, derived from “dumbbell” rather than the English name’s combination of “bell” and “dumb.” This naming difference occasionally affects search results when hunting for Japanese printings or researching card histories across regions.
Availability in Recent and Upcoming Games
Beldum and its evolutions appear in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, accessible through normal gameplay in the Paldea region. Players can catch Beldum directly or obtain it through breeding if they acquire a Metang or Metagross first.
The availability in current-generation games keeps the line relevant for both competitive battling and renewed TCG support, as Nintendo often ties card releases to video game content. The announcement that Beldum will appear in Pokémon Legends: Z-A suggests continued support for this evolution line. New game releases typically accompany TCG expansions featuring relevant Pokémon, potentially introducing new Beldum, Metang, or Metagross cards with updated mechanics or artwork styles unique to the Legends series aesthetic.
Future Outlook for Beldum Line Collectibles
The Beldum evolution line benefits from consistent popularity factors: pseudo-legendary status, distinctive Steel/Psychic typing, and strong visual design. Unlike some Pokémon that fade from relevance, Metagross regularly receives new card printings and appears in competitive discussions. This sustained attention suggests the line will maintain collector interest across future expansions.
Market trends indicate that Metagross cards featuring Mega Evolution or Gigantamax-style variants tend to generate the most excitement when announced. While no Gigantamax Metagross currently exists, Mega Metagross appeared in Generation 6 and has corresponding TCG representation. Collectors anticipating future special variants may find current cards undervalued compared to post-announcement prices, though such speculation carries inherent risk.
