Mewtwo in Pokémon GO is usually obtained through limited-time five-star raids, Shadow raids, or rare research events, not through a permanent quest you can start any day. If Mewtwo is not in the current raid rotation or tied to an active Special Research story, you cannot force a new encounter right now. Your best move is to check the in-game raid schedule, the Today tab, and official event announcements before spending Raid Passes or planning trades.
TLDR: Raids are the most reliable way to get Mewtwo when it is available, because you can do several raids in one event window and improve your chances at a strong IV or shiny Mewtwo. Special Research is usually easier but much rarer, often giving only one encounter per account. For example, a trainer who completes 12 Mewtwo raids during a raid weekend may get 12 catch attempts, while a research story may offer just one. If you want a high-level Mewtwo for Master League or raids, focus on raids first.
Can You Get Mewtwo in Pokémon GO Right Now?
The honest answer is: only if Niantic has made Mewtwo available in an active event. Mewtwo does not sit in the wild spawn pool. It does not appear from normal Field Research tasks. It is not a reward you can claim from a standard level-up path.
There are three realistic routes:
- Five-star raids featuring regular Mewtwo.
- Shadow raids or Team GO Rocket events featuring Shadow Mewtwo.
- Special Research or Timed Research during select events.
Honestly, it feels silly checking the raid tab again and again when Mewtwo is not in rotation. That time is better spent checking official event posts, local raid groups, or Campfire alerts. If Mewtwo is live, move fast. These windows are often short.
Raids: The Main Way to Get Mewtwo
Raids are the best route for most players. When Mewtwo appears in five-star raids, you defeat it with other trainers and then get a chance to catch it. The encounter is not guaranteed unless the game states a special rule for that event, so your throwing skill matters.
Mewtwo is a Psychic-type Pokémon. Strong counters usually include Dark, Ghost, and Bug attackers. Good examples often include Tyranitar, Hydreigon, Darkrai, Giratina Origin, Chandelure, Gengar, and similar high-damage options. Exact counters change as new Pokémon and moves arrive, but the type matchups stay useful.
For regular Mewtwo raids, many prepared groups can win with 3 to 5 strong trainers. Casual groups may need 6 or more. Weather, friendship bonuses, Mega Evolution boosts, and move sets can all change the difficulty. If your team is underpowered, do not gamble on a tiny lobby. It drives me crazy when one player leaves at five seconds and the whole raid collapses.
Pros of Raids
- More encounters: You can raid many times while Mewtwo is active.
- Better IV hunting: More raids mean more chances at a high-stat Mewtwo.
- Shiny chance: When shiny Mewtwo is enabled, raids are the usual hunting method.
- Candy and XL Candy: Multiple catches help you power up one strong Mewtwo.
Drawbacks of Raids
- Raid Pass cost: Free passes are limited, and premium raids add up.
- Group requirement: Solo players may struggle without local or remote help.
- Time pressure: Raid eggs, lobby timers, and event hours can be awkward.
- Catch frustration: Even after a win, Mewtwo can flee.
Special Research: Easier, But Less Common
Special Research can give a Mewtwo encounter, but this is not something you should expect every season. Niantic has used research stories for major events, Team GO Rocket takeovers, GO Fest bonuses, and paid ticket content. Sometimes the reward is regular Mewtwo. Sometimes it is Shadow Mewtwo. Sometimes Mewtwo is not included at all.
The key benefit is control. Research tasks can usually be done at your own pace if they are Special Research. Timed Research, however, expires. Read the task screen carefully before assuming you can finish next week.
Research encounters are also less stressful than raids. You do not need a lobby of trainers. You do not need to beat a raid boss. You just complete the assigned tasks. Common task types may include catching Pokémon, defeating Team GO Rocket members, spinning PokéStops, winning raids, or powering up Pokémon.
Pros of Special Research
- Accessible for solo players: No raid group may be needed.
- Lower pressure: You can often complete tasks over time.
- Clear reward path: The game shows your progress step by step.
- Good for rural trainers: Useful where raid groups are rare.
Drawbacks of Special Research
- Very limited: Many research lines give only one Mewtwo encounter.
- Event locked: If you missed the event, you may be out of luck.
- Paid tickets may apply: Some event research requires a purchase.
- Less IV control: One encounter gives fewer chances at ideal stats.
Raids vs Special Research: Which Is Better?
Raids are better if your goal is power. You want raid Mewtwo if you care about IVs, Candy, XL Candy, shiny hunting, or building a top attacker. Mewtwo has long been one of the strongest Psychic-type raid attackers, especially with moves like Psystrike when available. That move is often event-tied or requires an Elite Charged TM later.
Special Research is better if your goal is simply to own one. It is cleaner, calmer, and less dependent on other players. For collectors, one Mewtwo may be enough. For competitive players, one random Mewtwo usually is not.
| Method | Best For | Main Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Five-star raids | High IVs, shiny hunting, Candy farming | Needs passes, time, and other trainers |
| Special Research | Solo players and collectors | Rare and often limited to one encounter |
| Shadow events | High damage Shadow Mewtwo | Can be harder and more event restricted |
What About Shadow Mewtwo?
Shadow Mewtwo is a special case. It can be one of the strongest attackers in the game because Shadow Pokémon deal more damage. The tradeoff is that they also take more damage. Shadow Mewtwo has appeared through Team GO Rocket content and Shadow raid events, but availability changes often.
If you catch Shadow Mewtwo, think carefully before purifying it. Purifying raises IVs and reduces power-up cost, but it also removes the Shadow damage bonus. For raid attackers, many serious players keep Shadow Mewtwo as Shadow. If you only want a cleaner Pokédex entry or cheaper build, purification may make sense.
Tips to Catch Mewtwo After the Encounter Starts
Winning the raid is only half the job. Mewtwo can jump, attack, and waste Premier Balls. Use a steady routine.
- Use a Golden Razz Berry on serious attempts.
- Throw curveballs every time.
- Aim for Great or Excellent throws.
- Wait for Mewtwo to attack, then throw as the animation ends.
- Raid with friends and your team color for extra Premier Balls.
- Use a Silver Pinap Berry only if you accept a little more risk for extra Candy.
Mewtwo’s base catch rate is low, so do not panic if it breaks out several times. A strong throw routine matters more than rushing. One bad habit, like throwing during a jump, can cost the catch.
Can You Trade for Mewtwo?
Yes, Mewtwo can be traded, but it counts as a Special Trade. That means you can usually do only one per day, and the Stardust cost can be high if it is not registered in your Pokédex. IVs reroll during trades, so trading is not a safe way to preserve a perfect Mewtwo. A Lucky Trade is the best version of this plan because it reduces Stardust power-up cost and gives better IV floors.
Best Practical Plan
If you want Mewtwo, follow this order. First, check whether Mewtwo is currently announced for raids or research. Second, prepare a Dark or Ghost-type raid team. Third, save free and premium Raid Passes for the event window. Fourth, join a reliable group before the raid starts. Last, use Golden Razz Berries and patient curveball throws.
If no Mewtwo event is active, wait rather than wasting resources. Build counters, save Stardust, and keep an Elite Charged TM ready in case you later need Psystrike. When Mewtwo returns, the prepared trainer gets more chances, better catches, and far less stress.
