How to Catch Mew in Pokémon Red and Blue: A Comprehensive Guide

Ah, Mew. The mythical, elusive Pokémon #151. Its very existence was whispered among schoolchildren on playgrounds, fueled by rumors, glitches, and the promise of a creature so powerful and rare that it transcended the established Pokédex. Finding Mew in Pokémon Red and Blue wasn’t a sanctioned part of the game, meaning no NPCs directly told you how to find it. It wasn’t hiding in a cave or waiting at the end of a long dungeon. No, acquiring Mew involved exploiting quirks in the game’s programming, specifically memory overflow and Trainer sightlines. While Game Freak never intended for players to catch Mew this way, these glitches became a defining part of the Gen 1 Pokémon experience. This guide will provide a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough on how to snag this legendary Pokémon for yourself, exploring the most reliable and well-documented glitch methods. Be aware that these methods might take some practice and the timing can be tricky, so patience is key.

Disclaimer: Glitches and Saving

Before we dive in, a word of caution: These methods rely on glitches within the game. While generally safe, there’s always a minor risk of unexpected behavior, especially if performed incorrectly. It’s highly recommended that you save your game frequently and, ideally, have a backup save file on a separate device if possible. This will safeguard your progress in case something goes wrong. Although catching Mew via glitches is generally safe, there is always a risk of corruption to the game data if performed incorrectly. Understand that using these methods is at your own risk.

Understanding the Mechanics: Trainer Sightlines and Memory Overflow

The glitches that allow you to catch Mew in Pokémon Red and Blue hinge on two core mechanics:

• Trainer Sightlines: When a Trainer sees you, the game sets up a battle. However, the game only calculates *if* a trainer can see you, and not *where* you are going. Thus, it is possible to trigger the trainer battle by initiating another action in the same frame. If the action takes priority, the trainer battle is put ‘on hold’.
• Memory Overflow (The ‘Special’ Stat Glitch): The game stores certain values in memory, including which map you are currently on and what the last battle you fought was. By strategically manipulating these values, we can trick the game into loading a battle with Mew in an area where it shouldn’t be. In effect, the game gets ‘confused’ and spawns Mew.

By manipulating these mechanics, we can use the Trainer sightline to start a battle, and then, using the escape button, manipulate the ‘last battle’ memory to trigger a Mew encounter. There are two primary methods to achieve this, both relying on the same underlying principles. We’ll explore both of these now.

Method 1: The Nugget Bridge Glitch (Long Version)

This is arguably the most well-known and reliable method for catching Mew. It involves manipulating a Trainer on Nugget Bridge in Route 24 and requires a Pokémon with the ‘Fly’ or ‘Teleport’ ability.

Prerequisites:

• Pokémon with Fly or Teleport: This is essential for triggering the final step of the glitch. Any Pokémon that learns either move will work (e.g., Pidgey/Pidgeotto/Pidgeot for Fly; Abra/Kadabra/Alakazam for Teleport).
• Defeat all Trainers on Route 24 except the very last Trainer walking towards Bill’s Cottage: Crucially, you need to leave the last trainer BEFORE Nugget Bridge (the one walking UP) untouched. This is the trainer we will manipulate.
• A Pokémon that knows Dig (Optional, but highly recommended): This significantly simplifies escaping Mount Moon later, especially if you haven’t progressed far in the game.
• Poké Balls: Obviously, you’ll need Poké Balls to catch Mew. Bring plenty, as it can take a few tries. Great Balls or Ultra Balls are recommended to increase your chances.
• Patience: This glitch can be tricky to execute perfectly. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right on the first try.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Positioning: Stand facing the last Trainer on Route 24 before Nugget Bridge (walking *up* towards Nugget Bridge). Make sure you are close enough so that you can walk one step and initiate a battle with him.
2. The Key Step: This is the most critical part. You need to time this perfectly. As you press the ‘Up’ directional button to take the step that triggers the Trainer battle, *simultaneously* press the ‘Start’ button to open the menu. The timing is incredibly tight. The goal is to trigger the menu *before* the Trainer battle begins, but *after* you have taken the step that activates the Trainer’s sight.
3. Success Indicator: If you’ve done it correctly, the Trainer will see you (the exclamation point will appear above their head), but instead of the battle starting immediately, the game menu will open.
4. Fly/Teleport Away: In the menu, select your Pokémon with Fly or Teleport, and use the move to fly away to Cerulean City.
5. Walking West: From Cerulean City, walk west towards Route 25 (towards Nugget Bridge), going back in the direction you came from. Do *not* go into the grass.
6. The Battle Trigger: As you walk westward, you’ll notice that the ‘Start’ menu pops up automatically. This is the sign that the glitch is working. Immediately press the ‘B’ button to cancel out of the menu.
7. Mew Appears: If everything has been done correctly, a battle will automatically start. This battle will be against Mew!
8. Catch Mew: Use your Poké Balls to catch Mew. Be patient, as it can be a tough catch. Status conditions like Sleep or Paralysis can help.

Troubleshooting:

• The Trainer Battle Starts Immediately: You didn’t press the ‘Start’ button quickly enough. Try again, focusing on pressing both buttons (Up and Start) at the exact same time.
• Nothing Happens When Walking West: You likely didn’t trigger the Trainer’s sight properly. Make sure you are close enough to the trainer and try again.
• The Game Freezes: This is rare, but can happen if the glitch isn’t executed cleanly. Reset the game and try again. Remember to save frequently.
• I get a different pokemon: Then you didn’t trigger the sightline of the trainer correctly. Make sure you are facing up toward the trainer and the simultaneity of walking and pressing the start button is perfect.

Why This Works:

When you trigger the Trainer battle and immediately Fly/Teleport away, the game flags the battle as ‘started’ but doesn’t complete the encounter. The game remembers that the last battle was supposed to happen with that specific Trainer. Walking west on Route 25 triggers a flag for a battle. Since the last battle was interrupted, the game tries to load that battle. However, because you’re no longer in the same map, the game loads Mew instead. The specific Pokémon that appears is determined by the Trainer you skipped. In this case, skipping the trainer on Route 24 leads to Mew.

Method 2: The Gambler Glitch (Shorter, but Requires More Specific Positioning)

This method is a bit faster and potentially easier once you get the hang of the precise positioning. It involves a Gambler in Route 8, east of Saffron City, and requires a Pokémon that knows Fly or Teleport.

Prerequisites:

• Pokémon with Fly or Teleport: Essential for triggering the final step.
• Untouched Gambler on Route 8: This is the key. You need to avoid battling *any* of the Gamblers on Route 8 before attempting this glitch. The specific Gambler we will exploit is located near the Underground Path exit leading to Celadon City. He is looking to the WEST.
• Poké Balls: Bring plenty of Poké Balls.
• Patience: As with the other method, timing and positioning are crucial.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Strategic Save: Save your game right before attempting this glitch, for easy retries.
2. Precise Positioning: This is the most challenging aspect. Stand *exactly one step* south of the Gambler looking west on Route 8. This step is crucial. You need to be close enough that he sees you when you walk north, but not so close that the battle starts immediately. You should be standing on the tile that is directly south of his tile.
3. The Key Step: Press the ‘Up’ directional button to walk north, triggering the Trainer’s sight. *Simultaneously* press the ‘Start’ button to open the menu. The timing is, again, very tight and similar to the Nugget Bridge method. You want to open the menu *before* the battle starts, but *after* the Trainer has seen you.
4. Success Indicator: The exclamation point will appear above the Gambler’s head, but the menu will open instead of the battle starting.
5. Fly/Teleport Away: Use Fly or Teleport to leave Route 8. Preferably to Lavender Town.
6. Walking West: From Lavender Town, walk West to Route 8.
7. The Battle Trigger: As you approach Route 8 the ‘Start’ menu will pop up automatically. This is the sign that the glitch is working. Immediately press the ‘B’ button to cancel out of the menu.
8. Mew Appears: If everything has been done correctly, a battle will automatically start. This battle will be against Mew!
9. Catch Mew: Use your Poké Balls to catch Mew.

Troubleshooting:

• The Trainer Battle Starts Immediately: You are not pressing the start button fast enough. Try again, focusing on pressing both buttons (Up and Start) at the exact same time. If that isn’t the case, you are likely too close. Move one tile south and try again.
• Nothing Happens When Walking Towards Route 8: You likely didn’t trigger the Trainer’s sight properly. Make sure you are one step away and retry.
• The Game Freezes: Possible but rare. Reset and try again, making sure of saving before.

Why This Works:

The principle is the same as the Nugget Bridge glitch. You’re interrupting a Trainer battle with Fly/Teleport, causing the game to misinterpret the next battle trigger. The Gambler on Route 8 is coded in such a way that skipping his battle results in a Mew encounter. The ‘special’ stat is being manipulated by walking through the game, triggering different in-game events. The game gets ‘confused’ and spawns the secret Mew.

After Catching Mew:

Congratulations! You’ve successfully caught Mew using a glitch. Now what? Here are a few things to consider:

• Mew’s Stats and Moves: Mew has excellent base stats, making it a versatile addition to your team. It can learn almost any TM or HM, allowing you to customize its move set to fit your needs.
• Legitimacy Concerns: Keep in mind that Mew obtained through glitches isn’t considered ‘legitimate’ by official Pokémon standards (if that matters to you). However, it’s a fun and rewarding experience to catch it using these methods.
• Experimentation: The glitches used to catch Mew can also be used to trigger other interesting events in the game. Feel free to explore and see what other secrets you can uncover.

Additional Tips and Tricks:

• Practice the Timing: The timing of pressing the ‘Start’ button is the most challenging aspect of these glitches. Practice makes perfect. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away.
• Save Frequently: As mentioned earlier, save your game frequently to avoid losing progress if something goes wrong.
• Watch Videos: There are many videos online that demonstrate these glitches visually. Watching a video can be helpful in understanding the timing and positioning.
• Consider the Long-Range Trainer Glitch: While this guide focuses on the most reliable methods, there are other glitches that can be used to catch Mew, such as the Long-Range Trainer Glitch. This glitch is more complex and requires precise movements, but it can be a fun challenge for experienced players.

The Legacy of the Mew Glitch

The Mew glitch is more than just a way to catch a rare Pokémon. It’s a testament to the ingenuity of players and the enduring appeal of classic video games. The discovery of these glitches sparked a wave of exploration and experimentation, revealing hidden depths within the seemingly simple world of Pokémon Red and Blue. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most rewarding experiences are found not in following the rules, but in bending them.

The story of Mew itself contributes to its allure. The rumors surrounding its existence, the initial denial from Nintendo, and the eventual discovery of the glitch transformed Mew into a legendary figure within the Pokémon community. It became a symbol of the hidden potential within the game, a secret reward for those who dared to explore beyond the boundaries of the official narrative.

Even today, decades after the release of Pokémon Red and Blue, the Mew glitch remains a popular topic of discussion among fans. It’s a reminder of a simpler time, when video games were still shrouded in mystery and the spirit of discovery was alive and well. So, grab your Game Boy, load up your copy of Pokémon Red or Blue, and embark on your own quest to catch the elusive Mew. You might just discover something new along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some frequently asked questions about catching Mew in Pokémon Red and Blue using glitches:

Q: Is it safe to use glitches to catch Mew?

A: Generally, yes. The glitches described in this guide are well-documented and have been used by countless players without causing significant problems. However, there’s always a slight risk of unexpected behavior, so it’s recommended to save your game frequently.

Q: Which method is easier, the Nugget Bridge Glitch or the Gambler Glitch?

A: It depends on your preference. The Nugget Bridge Glitch is more widely known and has more readily available resources. However, the Gambler Glitch can be faster once you master the precise positioning.

Q: What if I already battled the Trainer on Nugget Bridge or the Gambler on Route 8?

A: Unfortunately, if you’ve already battled the specific Trainer or Gambler required for the glitch, you won’t be able to use that method in your current playthrough. You’ll need to start a new game or trade with someone who hasn’t battled them.

Q: Can I use this glitch in Pokémon Yellow?

A: Yes, the Nugget Bridge and Gambler glitches work in Pokémon Yellow as well. However, the Long-Range Trainer Glitch is more difficult to execute in Yellow due to differences in the game’s programming.

Q: Will catching Mew using a glitch affect my ability to trade or battle other players?

A: No. Mew obtained through glitches is treated the same as any other Pokémon in terms of trading and battling. However, some players may consider it ‘unethical’ to use glitch-obtained Pokémon in competitive battles.

Q: What if I can’t get the timing right for pressing the ‘Start’ button?

A: Practice, practice, practice! The timing is the most challenging part of these glitches. Try to focus on pressing both buttons simultaneously. Watching videos of the glitch being performed can also be helpful.

Q: I keep getting a different Pokémon instead of Mew. What am I doing wrong?

A: The Pokémon you encounter depends on the Trainer you skip. Double-check that you are skipping the correct Trainer (the last Trainer walking up towards Nugget Bridge or the Gambler looking West on Route 8). Also, make sure you haven’t already battled any other Trainers in the area that could be interfering with the glitch.

We hope this guide has helped you in your quest to catch Mew! Happy glitching!