5 Brilliant Ways to Catch Mewtwo in Pokémon Go [2024]

As one of the most powerful Legendary Pokémon in Pokémon GO, Mewtwo is a prized catch for trainers aiming to bolster their ranks. Snaring this psychic powerhouse is no small feat, challenging even the most seasoned adventurers. 

This guide shines a beacon through the fog, offering strategic tips to navigate the complexities of capturing Mewtwo and its elusive variants. Read until the end—each tip brings you one step closer to claiming victory over this legendary adversary!

Brief Introduction to Mewtwo

Mewtwo, a psychic-type Pokémon, is known for its impressive strength and vulnerability to Ghost, Bug, and Dark types. Unlike common Pokémon, Mewtwo cannot be found wandering in the wild and is only available during specific events in Pokémon GO. 

To capture Mewtwo, trainers must participate in special events hosted by Niantic, the creators of Pokémon GO. These events are the key to unlocking the opportunity to catch Mewtwo and require careful preparation and coordination.

Historical Appearances: 

Mewtwo has appeared during end-of-July events in recent years, becoming a staple of the summer Pokémon GO festivities. 

Additionally, Mewtwo was a featured reward in a tour event in February 2023 and played a pivotal role in the battle against Team Rocket in 2020. 

Most notably, on November 14, 2023, trainers had the opportunity to capture Mewtwo as a reward for triumphing over Giovanni, the leader of Team Rocket, in the third phase of their battle.

Now that we've introduced Mewtwo and its rare appearances in Pokémon GO let's dive deeper into the primary method of capturing this elusive Pokémon.

1. Win a Five-Star Raid Battle

Participating in and winning a five-star raid battle is the most effective strategy to catch Mewtwo. But as mentioned earlier, you need to do it in a team. 

Here's how you can increase your chances of catching Mewtwo through a five-star raid:

Team Coordination: Assemble a team of at least three to five high-level trainers. Mewtwo's strength is formidable, making solo attempts futile. Coordination and teamwork are crucial to overcoming this challenge.

Preparation: Before the raid begins, ensure you have the following essentials:

• An EX Raid Pass to participate in the raid.

• A sufficient supply of Premier Balls, awarded after defeating Mewtwo, to attempt the catch.

• Razz Berries or Golden Razz Berries to make Mewtwo easier to catch.

• A team of Pokémon with strong counters to Mewtwo, focusing on Bug, Ghost, and Dark types due to Mewtwo's vulnerability to these attacks.

• Effective Counters: Consider using Pokémon like Pheromosa with Bug Bite and Bug Buzz, Chandelure with Hex and Shadow Ball, Gengar with Lick and Shadow Ball, or Darkrai with Snarl and Shadow Ball. These Pokémon have moves that are super-effective against Mewtwo.

After winning the raid, you'll receive a limited number of Premier Balls to catch Mewtwo. This isn't guaranteed, however. Aim for excellent curveball throws and utilize your Razz Berries wisely to increase your odds.

Mewtwo has a notoriously low catch rate, making securing your Poké Ball challenging. It often requires multiple attempts, so persistence and patience are vital.

Tips for a Successful Raid

Avoid Fighting and Psychic-Type Pokémon: These types are less effective against Mewtwo. Focus on the recommended counters for the best chance of success.

Use Curveball Throws: Mastering the curveball throw can significantly increase your chances of catching Mewtwo.

Stay Updated: Since Mewtwo only appears in raids for limited periods, stay informed about event announcements from Niantic to know when Mewtwo returns to five-star raids.

2. Catching Shiny Mewtwo in Pokémon GO

In addition to the challenge of capturing the standard Mewtwo, trainers have the rare opportunity to encounter a Shiny Mewtwo. 

Shiny Mewtwo stands out with its distinctive green tail and body markings. This variant does not offer enhanced attacks or IVs compared to its regular counterpart; its value lies in its rarity and aesthetic appeal. 

With the chance of encountering a Shiny Mewtwo estimated at 1 in 20 raids, securing a perfect IV Shiny Mewtwo is a significant achievement for Pokémon GO players. 

How to Get A Shiny Mewtwo

The process for encountering a Shiny Mewtwo mirrors that of the standard version. Victory in a level 5 raid may present the lucky chance to catch this rare variant.

Or you can trade with other players.

Tips for Capturing Shiny Mewtwo

• Upon encountering Shiny Mewtwo, capture is guaranteed, eliminating the worry of it fleeing. 

• To maximize the benefits of this unique catch, it's advisable to use Silver Pinap Berries instead of regular Razz Berries. 

• Silver Pinap Berries not only assist in the catch but also reward trainers with additional Mewtwo Candy, enhancing the overall value of your capture.

  

3. How to Get A Shadow Mewtwo 

Currently, Shadow Mewtwo is not available for capture as it is not featured in Team Go Rocket leader Giovanni's lineup. However, history has shown us that Giovanni's choices evolve, and Shadow Mewtwo has appeared in the past, hinting at its potential return.

Historical Appearances 

In 2021, Giovanni wielded Shadow Mewtwo, and trainers had to complete the "An Inter-egg-sting Development" Special Research to challenge him.

The "Rising Shadows" event in May 2023 also saw the return of Shadow Mewtwo, offering trainers another chance to add this variant to their collection.

Given Mewtwo's popularity, it's likely only a matter of time before Shadow Mewtwo re-emerges in Pokémon GO, providing trainers with the opportunity to catch this unique variant.

Steps to Catch Shadow Mewtwo

To prepare for the eventual return of Shadow Mewtwo, understanding the process of facing and defeating Giovanni is crucial:

1. Defeat 6 Team Go Rocket Grunts: Begin your quest by taking on the grunts scattered throughout the game.

2. Catch 4 Shadow Pokémon: Rescue Pokémon corrupted by Team Go Rocket.

3. Purify 2 Shadow Pokémon: This act will reward you with a Rocket Radar, which is crucial for locating Team Go Rocket Leaders.

4. Defeat the 3 Leaders (Arlo, Cliff, and Sierra): Overcoming these adversaries grants you the Super Rocket Radar, the key to finding Giovanni.

5. Locate and Battle Giovanni: Use the Super Rocket Radar to track and challenge Giovanni.

6. Capture Shadow Mewtwo: Upon defeating Giovanni, Shadow Mewtwo will become available for capture using Premier Balls and berries.

Tips for a Successful Capture

• Counter Picks: Employ strong Fighting, Bug, and Fairy-type Pokémon to counter Giovanni's lineup effectively.

• Stay Updated: Keeping abreast of game updates is vital for knowing when Shadow Mewtwo returns to Giovanni's roster.

4. Trading For Mewtwo

Trading with friends presents an alternative avenue to acquire Mewtwo in Pokémon GO, though it comes with challenges, particularly the steep Legendary trade costs. These costs vary significantly based on your friendship level with the trading partner and whether Mewtwo is already registered in the receiving player's Pokédex.

Stardust Costs for Trading Mewtwo:

The stardust cost for trading Mewtwo can be significantly reduced at higher friendship levels, especially between Ultra and Best Friends. Furthermore, having Mewtwo registered in your Pokédex can lower trade costs. For those adding Mewtwo as a new Pokédex entry, even at the Best Friends level, the price is 40,000 stardust.

Tips for Trading Mewtwo:

Boost Friendship Levels: To minimize stardust costs, enhance your friendship levels by engaging in daily activities like trading, battling together, or sending gifts.

Find Willing Traders: Locating a player ready to part with their Mewtwo might be challenging, but connecting with local or online Pokémon GO communities can increase your chances.

Consider Registration Status: The stardust cost varies greatly depending on whether Mewtwo is a new entry to your Pokédex. Plan your trades accordingly to save on resources.

5. Acquiring Armored Mewtwo in Pokémon GO

Unlike the conventional forms of Mewtwo, obtaining Armored Mewtwo cannot be achieved through standard raids or special events. The only method to acquire Armored Mewtwo is through trading with another player.

Armored Mewtwo: A Rare Collector's Item

Armored Mewtwo made a significant entrance with the release of the animated film "Mewtwo Strikes Back" in 2019. It appeared in raids as a promotional Pokémon, featuring a distinctive armored appearance that sets it apart from its standard and shadow counterparts. This unique look makes it a coveted item for trainers.

Steps to Trade for Armored Mewtwo

1. Find a Willing Trader: Begin your quest by finding a player who has Armored Mewtwo and is willing to trade. Engaging with local Pokémon GO communities, online forums, or social media groups can improve your chances of locating such a trader.

2. Negotiate the Trade: Considering Armored Mewtwo's rarity, be ready to offer something equally rare or in high demand.

3. Meet and Trade: Trading in Pokémon GO necessitates that players are within a specific physical distance. Once you've reached an agreement, organize a meet-up to complete the trade in the game.

Considerations for Trading

Trade Cost: Trading for rare Pokémon like Armored Mewtwo can incur a high cost in in-game Stardust.  

Friendship Level: The Stardust trading cost decreases as the trainers' friendship level increases.  

One Special Trade Per Day: Pokémon GO restricts players to one special trade per day. This limit includes trading for Legendary Pokémon and Shiny Pokémon such as Armored Mewtwo. Therefore, plan your trades with care.

Mewtwo vs. Armored Mewtwo 

Visual Difference: 

Armored Mewtwo features distinctive armor, setting it apart from regular Mewtwo.

Move Sets: 

Regular Mewtwo excels in special attacks, while Armored Mewtwo leans towards physical attacks.

Battle Performance:

• Regular Mewtwo: Offers high damage output but is more vulnerable to incoming attacks, making it ideal for Raid Battles.

• Armored Mewtwo: It has increased durability with a compromise on attack strength, suited for Trainer Battles due to its sturdiness.

Tips for Catching Legendary Pokémon Like Mewtwo

Catching legendary Pokémon such as Mewtwo requires strategy, patience, and a bit of luck. Here are some tips to enhance your chances:

Conserve Premier Balls: You receive a limited number of Premier Balls after defeating Mewtwo. Make each throw count by aiming carefully. Battling with friends can earn you extra Premier Balls, so team up.

Stock Up on Golden Razz Berries: Increase your catch success rate by using a Golden Razz Berry before each throw. Accumulate these berries by defeating other Raid Bosses.

Aim for Excellent Throws: The chance of capturing increases with smaller target rings, indicating an opportunity for great throws. If you need more confidence in making curveball throws, aim for nice or great throws instead.

Wait for the Right Moment: Avoid throwing your Premier Balls when Mewtwo is moving. Please wait for it to act up, and as the target ring reappears, that's your cue to throw.

Gather Useful Items: Legendary Pokémon like Mewtwo can be challenging to catch on the first try. Prepare for subsequent attempts by collecting items such as Max Potions, Max Revives, and Golden Razz Berries.

Persistence Pays Off: Don't lose heart if Mewtwo escapes the first encounter. Regroup, stock up on necessary items, and try again with the support of your friends.

How Do You battle Mewtwo and Armored Mewtwo in Pokémon GO?

The following are Pokémon Go techniques that can help you beat Mewtwo and Armored Mewtwo successfully:

1. Use Mewtwo's weaknesses

Pokémons that naturally cause high damage are the best for tackling Mewtwo and Armored Mewtwo. The Pokémons you use should be able to leverage Mewtwo's weaknesses to Ghost, Bugs, and Dark-type attacks.

These include Origin Forme Giratina, Chandelure, Gengar, Weavile, Darkrai, and Hydreigon. Mewtwo that knows shadow ball is also an excellent choice.

Most of these are rare, but you can also strengthen your rooster with common attackers of similar types. Other Pokémon, such as Tyranitar and Pinsir, can also attack Mewtwo's and Armored Mewtwo's HP.

2. Don't mind the weather.

Leveraging the weather can be helpful at a raid, but it doesn't do much regarding Mewtwo and Armored Mewtwo. Also, since the weather boosts Dark and Ghost-type attacks, there is no meteorological reason to choose one.

On the other hand, Bug-type attacks are boosted by the rain. However, this boost doesn't make a significant difference that would justify using a Bug-type Pokémon over Ghost and Dark-type attackers.

3. Use the best counters for Mewtwo

Below are the recommended counters and moves for battling Mewtwo:

Conclusion

Embarking on the quest to catch legendary Pokémon like Mewtwo is a thrilling part of the Pokémon GO experience. 

Armed with these tips, you're better prepared to face these formidable challenges. Remember, every throw counts, and teamwork often makes the dream work. 

So, gather your friends, stock up on those crucial items, and confidently enter the arena. Your following legendary catch is just a raid away!