How to Get Mewtwo in Pokemon GO: Mastering the Art of Catching the Ultimate Psychic Legend

Legendary Pokemon have always occupied a special place in trainers' hearts, but none quite capture the imagination like Mewtwo. This genetically engineered powerhouse represents the pinnacle of what many players strive for in Pokemon GO. Its presence in your collection isn't just about completing a Pokedex entry—it's a badge of dedication, timing, and sometimes, pure luck.

Back when Pokemon GO first launched in 2016, Mewtwo was nothing more than a tantalizing silhouette in the Pokedex, a promise of things to come. Fast forward to today, and the methods for obtaining this elusive creature have evolved considerably, reflecting Niantic's changing approach to legendary distribution and player engagement.

The Evolution of Mewtwo Availability

Understanding Mewtwo's journey through Pokemon GO's history provides crucial context for current catching methods. Initially, Mewtwo debuted through the controversial EX Raid system in September 2017. Players needed invitations to participate, creating an exclusive club that left many trainers feeling frustrated and left out. I remember checking my phone obsessively during that period, hoping for that coveted EX Raid Pass notification.

The system eventually transformed into something more democratic. Niantic recognized that exclusivity, while creating buzz, also alienated a significant portion of their player base. This shift in philosophy opened multiple pathways to Mewtwo, though each comes with its own challenges and requirements.

Current Methods for Obtaining Mewtwo

Five-Star Raids: The Primary Path

When Mewtwo appears in five-star raids, it becomes the most straightforward—though not necessarily easy—method of capture. These raids typically run for limited periods, often coinciding with special events or anniversaries. The key lies in preparation and community coordination.

You'll need a minimum of four to five high-level trainers with optimal counters to defeat Mewtwo comfortably. Dark-type Pokemon like Tyranitar, Darkrai, and Hydreigon excel here, as do Ghost-types such as Gengar (preferably Mega evolved) and Giratina Origin. Bug-types like Genesect and Pheromosa also pack a surprising punch against Mewtwo's Psychic typing.

The real challenge isn't just defeating Mewtwo—it's catching it afterward. With a base catch rate of just 2%, every Premier Ball counts. Golden Razz Berries become your best friend, and mastering the circle lock technique can mean the difference between success and watching Mewtwo flee after your last ball.

Shadow Mewtwo: The Giovanni Encounter

Perhaps the most coveted variant, Shadow Mewtwo occasionally becomes available through special research quests involving Team GO Rocket's leader, Giovanni. This isn't your regular Mewtwo—Shadow Pokemon boast a 20% attack boost at the cost of reduced defense, making Shadow Mewtwo an absolute monster in raids and Master League battles.

The process involves completing specific Special Research lines, which Niantic releases sporadically. You'll battle through Team GO Rocket Grunts, defeat the three leaders (Arlo, Cliff, and Sierra), and finally face Giovanni himself. The battles require strategy and properly powered-up counters, but the reward justifies the effort.

What makes Shadow Mewtwo particularly special is its rarity. Unlike regular Mewtwo, which returns to raids periodically, Shadow Mewtwo appearances are far less predictable. Some trainers have waited years between opportunities.

Special Research Rewards

Occasionally, Niantic includes Mewtwo as a guaranteed encounter through Special Research. These research lines often commemorate significant events or game milestones. The Kanto Tour in 2021, for instance, provided players with a guaranteed Mewtwo encounter upon completing the Masterwork Research.

These opportunities represent the most accessible path to Mewtwo, removing the RNG element of raid catches. However, they're also the rarest, making them impossible to plan for with any certainty.

Trading: The Social Solution

If direct capture proves elusive, trading offers an alternative path—with significant caveats. Mewtwo, being a legendary Pokemon, requires specific conditions for trading:

1. Both trainers must have reached at least Great Friend status (30 days of interaction)
2. The trade will cost substantial Stardust (ranging from 1,000,000 for Good Friends to 40,000 for Best Friends)
3. Each trainer can only participate in one Special Trade per day

The Stardust cost alone makes this option prohibitive for many players, especially newer trainers. Additionally, IVs (Individual Values) get rerolled during trades, potentially turning a perfect Mewtwo into something far less impressive. Still, for trainers who've exhausted other options, trading remains viable.

Maximizing Your Chances

Success in obtaining Mewtwo often comes down to preparation and patience. Building a robust roster of counters serves you well beyond just Mewtwo raids—these Pokemon prove valuable against numerous other Psychic-type raid bosses.

Weather plays a surprisingly important role too. Windy weather boosts Psychic-type moves, making Mewtwo hit harder but also potentially appearing at higher CP when caught. Fog boosts Dark and Ghost-type attackers, giving your counters an edge in battle.

Community coordination cannot be overstated. Whether through local Discord servers, Facebook groups, or apps like PokeRaid, connecting with other trainers exponentially increases your raiding opportunities. Solo players often find themselves locked out of legendary raids simply due to the difficulty scaling.

The Mewtwo Investment Debate

Once you've caught Mewtwo, the question becomes: how much should you invest? Mewtwo's versatility makes it worthy of significant resource allocation. With access to moves like Psystrike (its exclusive move), Shadow Ball, Ice Beam, Thunderbolt, and Focus Blast, Mewtwo can fill multiple roles in your roster.

For PvP enthusiasts, Mewtwo dominates Master League, though the investment required—XL candies to reach level 50—puts it out of reach for casual players. In raids, Mewtwo serves as a top-tier Psychic attacker and a solid generalist thanks to its diverse movepool.

Some trainers argue that specialized attackers outperform Mewtwo in specific scenarios. While technically true, Mewtwo's combination of high stats and move variety makes it an excellent investment for players who can't afford to power up multiple specialized teams.

Looking Forward

Niantic's approach to legendary distribution continues evolving. Recent trends suggest more frequent legendary rotations and increased accessibility through various game features. Remote raiding, introduced during the pandemic, revolutionized how players approach legendary raids, though recent limitations have somewhat curtailed this accessibility.

The introduction of Mega Mewtwo X and Y also adds another dimension to consider. These forms, when eventually released, will likely require Mega Energy obtained through specific raids or research tasks, adding another layer to the Mewtwo collection journey.

For dedicated trainers, the question isn't really whether you'll get Mewtwo, but when and how many. Each return brings opportunities for better IVs, different moves, or simply more candy for powering up existing specimens. The cyclical nature of Pokemon GO means patience often rewards those who wait.

The pursuit of Mewtwo embodies what makes Pokemon GO compelling—it's not just about the destination but the journey. Whether you're coordinating with strangers for a raid, grinding through Team GO Rocket battles, or simply waiting for the next opportunity, the chase keeps trainers engaged and communities connected. And when you finally see that "Gotcha!" animation with Mewtwo, all the effort feels worthwhile.

Authoritative Sources:

Niantic, Inc. "Pokémon GO." Niantic, Inc., 2016-2024. Mobile application.

The Pokémon Company International. "Pokémon Video Game Series." The Pokémon Company International, 1996-2024. nintendo.com/us/store/games/pokemon

Silph Road Research Group. "Game Mechanics Research." The Silph Road, 2016-2024. thesilphroad.com