Meltan first appeared in SM111, where it was seen arriving on Melemele Island along with a large group of Meltan. Whilst investigating the sewers, the Meltan became seperated from each other and this Meltan ended up at the Ultra Guardians base beneath the Pokémon School, where they encountered Lusamine's Clefable. The Meltan all ended up at the Pokémon School where they encountered Ash and his classmates. The other Meltan all scattered except for this one where it came across Ash's Rowlet. Meltan lost its Nut Head which Rowlet saved from a Murkrow and Rowlet invited Meltan into Ash's backpack, which resulted in Ash unknowingly taking Meltan home with it.
In the next episode, its nut head was stolen by another Murkrow which landed in the van belonging to Team Rocket. Rowlet tried to help find a replacement with little success. After finding the van, James who wasn't happy on seeing Meltan when a group of them had eaten his bottle cap collection and had Meowth attack Meltan. Rowlet protected Meltan, and when it was injured in the process, Meltan stepped in to protect Rowlet. Ash arrived soon after and brought both Rowlet and Meltan to the Pokémon School. Seeing how Meltan had taken a liking to Rowlet, Ash offered it a chance to join his team, and it accepted.
With Ash
Personality and characteristics
Rowlet with Meltan
Meltan is shown to be close to Ash's Rowlet after it protected it from Meowth's Fury Swipes. Meltan is shown to be easily scared, as seen in SM111 where it was reluctant to follow its fellow Meltan into the sewer, only following when the others forced it to follow. Despite being scared, Meltan will help to defend its friends. Like many of its species, Meltan is shown to eat anything made of metal, as seen in SM112 when Professor Burnet discovered a frying pan partially eaten.
