Mastering Mewtwo: A Comprehensive Guide to Catching the Legendary Psychic in Pokémon GO

Mewtwo, the genetically engineered Psychic-type Pokémon, stands as one of the most iconic and powerful creatures in the Pokémon universe. In Pokémon GO, encountering and successfully capturing Mewtwo is a significant achievement for any Trainer. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various methods to encounter Mewtwo, the strategies to defeat it in battles, and the best practices for maximizing your chances of adding this legendary Pokémon to your collection. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the game, this guide will provide the insights you need to conquer the challenge of catching Mewtwo.

Understanding Mewtwo’s Presence in Pokémon GO

Mewtwo’s availability in Pokémon GO isn’t constant. It’s typically featured through specific events, making it crucial to stay informed about in-game announcements. Here are the primary ways Mewtwo makes its appearance:

• Raid Battles: This is the most common method for encountering Mewtwo. It usually appears in high-level (Tier 5) raids during special events or weekend periods.
• Special Research Tasks: Occasionally, Mewtwo might be a reward for completing certain Special Research storylines, often tied to major in-game events.
• GO Battle League Rewards: In some instances, reaching a specific rank in the GO Battle League may grant you an encounter with Mewtwo. This is less frequent but still possible.
• Shadow Mewtwo Raids (Rare): During special Team Rocket events, you might encounter Shadow Mewtwo in special raids, providing an extra challenge.

It’s crucial to follow the official Pokémon GO social media channels, the in-game news, and reputable Pokémon GO community resources (like Leek Duck or Serebii) to know when Mewtwo will be appearing.

Preparing for a Mewtwo Raid Battle

Before you even think about challenging a Mewtwo raid, meticulous preparation is key. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you need to do:

1. Assemble Your Raid Team

Mewtwo is a Psychic-type Pokémon, making it vulnerable to Bug, Ghost, and Dark-type attacks. However, Mewtwo’s own moveset can be varied, sometimes including Fighting or even Electric-type attacks which can create unexpected vulnerabilities within your counter team. Your team should consist of Pokémon that:

• Deal Super Effective Damage: Focus on Pokémon with strong Bug, Ghost, and Dark-type moves.
• Have High Attack Stats: Damage output is crucial to defeat Mewtwo before time runs out.
• Can Withstand Mewtwo’s Attacks: Select Pokémon with good defensive stats or advantageous typing.

Here’s a list of some excellent counters to Mewtwo:

• Mega Pokémon: Mega Gengar, Mega Houndoom, Mega Banette (if it has Ghost attacks), Mega Tyranitar all provide amazing damage. They should always be used if available.
• Dark-type Pokémon: Tyranitar (with Bite and Crunch), Hydreigon (with Bite and Dark Pulse), Darkrai (with Snarl and Dark Pulse), Yveltal (with Snarl and Dark Pulse), and Weavile (with Snarl and Foul Play) are all fantastic choices.
• Ghost-type Pokémon: Gengar (with Lick/Shadow Claw and Shadow Ball), Giratina (Origin Forme – with Shadow Claw and Shadow Ball or Shadow Force), Chandelure (with Hex and Shadow Ball).
• Bug-type Pokémon: Pinsir (with Bug Bite/Fury Cutter and X-Scissor), Scizor (with Fury Cutter and X-Scissor), Genesect (with Fury Cutter and X-Scissor). However, Bug types are risky due to Mewtwo having possible Fire Blast (be careful and only use them if the other types are unavailable).
• Shadow Pokémon: Shadow versions of the above-mentioned Pokémon (Shadow Tyranitar, Shadow Weavile, Shadow Gengar, etc.) will deal significantly more damage but are also more vulnerable. Use them carefully.
• Other Notable Options: Mewtwo itself (with Shadow Ball) is a viable counter, as well as some Fairy types (like Xurkitree with Disarming Voice).

Prioritize having a diverse team with at least a couple of your strongest counters, and make sure that they are powered up.

2. Power Up Your Counters

Boosting your Pokémon’s CP (Combat Power) is essential for taking down Mewtwo efficiently. You can power up your chosen counters by:

• Using Stardust: Collect Stardust by catching Pokémon, hatching Eggs, completing Research Tasks, and participating in battles.
• Using Candy: Acquire specific Candy for each Pokémon by catching more of the same species, using Pinap Berries, or through walking with your buddy.
• Using Rare Candy: Rare Candies can be converted into any Pokémon’s candy, making them useful for powering up Legendary Pokémon.

Aim to max out or get as close as possible to maximizing the CP of at least 6 Pokémon. This will make a huge difference in raid battles.

3. Select Optimal Movesets

Each Pokémon has a different set of Fast Attacks and Charged Attacks. Make sure your counter Pokémon have movesets that deal super effective damage and have high damage output. You can use TMs (Technical Machines) to change the attacks of your Pokémon.

• Fast TMs: Change Fast Attacks.
• Charged TMs: Change Charged Attacks.
• Elite Fast TMs: Choose a specific Fast Attack.
• Elite Charged TMs: Choose a specific Charged Attack.

Use online resources and guides to confirm your counter’s best movesets. Consider using Elite TMs on your most powerful counters if you have them. For example, a Shadow Ball on a Shadow Mewtwo is significantly better than many other Charge Attacks that you may get.

4. Gather Your Battle Items

Gather items that will boost your battle performance:

• Potions & Revives: After a raid, you’ll need to restore your Pokémon’s HP. Make sure you have plenty of Potions (regular, Super, Hyper) and Revives.
• Max Revives: These instantly restore a Pokémon with full HP, and can be critical for multiple battles.
• Mega Evolution Energy: If you plan to use a Mega Pokémon, ensure that you have enough mega energy for it and your Pokémon’s Mega Level is high.
• Weather Boosts: Try to fight Mewtwo during weather conditions that boost your counters’ types (Fog for Dark and Ghost, Rain for Bug). Weather will boost your attacking type, but also make Mewtwo stronger, so be aware of this.

5. Know Mewtwo’s Potential Movesets

Mewtwo can have a variety of moves, which can impact your strategy. Here’s a breakdown of its potential moves:

• Fast Attacks: Confusion (Psychic), Psycho Cut (Psychic).
• Charged Attacks: Psychic (Psychic), Psystrike (Psychic – legacy move, very powerful), Focus Blast (Fighting), Thunderbolt (Electric), Ice Beam (Ice), Flamethrower (Fire), Shadow Ball (Ghost).

Understanding these moves will help you prepare for different scenarios. For instance, if Mewtwo has Focus Blast, you should be careful with using Dark Types and prioritize using Ghost Types instead or Fairy types, and you may need to dodge more often.

6. Find a Raid Group (If Necessary)

While experienced high level trainers can solo Mewtwo raids, it’s usually easier to tackle it with a group. You can find raid groups through:

• In-person Raids: Connect with local Pokémon GO communities.
• Remote Raids: Use remote raid passes and connect with online communities through social media, or Discord servers.
• Pokémon GO Apps: Apps like Poke Genie allow you to find raids worldwide.

Always prioritize safety and follow the instructions of the raid leader when using these methods.

Engaging in the Mewtwo Raid Battle

With your team and items prepared, you’re ready to face Mewtwo. Here’s how to participate in the raid:

1. Locate the Raid

Keep an eye out for the Mewtwo egg on the map or through any alerts you may have on your online communities. When the egg hatches, it’ll transform into a Mewtwo raid.

2. Join the Lobby

Tap the raid gym to access the battle. You’ll need a Raid Pass or Remote Raid Pass. Wait for other trainers to join if you’re playing with a group.

3. Start the Battle

Once the countdown ends, the battle begins. Here’s how to maximize your performance:

• Dodge When Necessary: Swipe left or right to dodge Mewtwo’s Charged Attacks. This can be crucial to keep your counters alive longer.
• Use Charge Attacks Often: Unleash your charged attacks whenever they become available. Focus on landing super effective blows.
• Keep an Eye on Your Pokémon’s Health: If one of your Pokémon is knocked out, another one will be automatically selected, so it is essential to have many powerful counters.
• Use Mega Evolutions Wisely: Activate a Mega Evolution early in the battle for a damage boost and use it for as long as possible.
• Coordinate With Your Group: If you’re with a group, ensure everyone is using their optimal Pokémon and dodging effectively.

4. Defeating Mewtwo

If successful, Mewtwo will be defeated, and you will be presented with the opportunity to catch it. Keep in mind that the amount of damage you deal will often impact the number of premium balls you receive, so try to deal as much damage as possible!

Catching Mewtwo

After defeating Mewtwo, the real challenge begins—catching it. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Understanding the Catch Encounter

After defeating Mewtwo, you’ll enter a catch encounter screen with a finite number of Premier Balls. These are the only balls you can use for this encounter, and their number depends on various factors:

• Damage Contribution: Your damage contribution during the raid.
• Gym Control: If your team controls the gym.
• Friendship Bonus: Friendship level with other trainers in the raid.
• Team Bonus: Being on the same team as other trainers in the raid.

Maximize your chances by raiding with a high damage contribution and with friends and teammates.

2. Using Berries

Berries can increase your chances of catching Mewtwo:

• Golden Razz Berry: Significantly increases your catch rate. This is your go-to berry for Mewtwo.
• Silver Pinap Berry: Slightly increases the catch rate while also giving extra candy if caught. Use if you have enough of them and still feel confident that you can catch it.
• Razz Berry: Slightly increases your catch rate. Use them only if you are out of other berries.

Always use Golden Razz Berries on Mewtwo as it will dramatically improve your chances of capture.

3. Throwing Techniques

Proper throwing techniques can significantly improve your catch rate:

• Nice/Great/Excellent Throws: Aim for the center of the target circle. Excellent throws offer the highest catch bonus. You may need to practice your excellent throw.
• Curveballs: Spin the Poké Ball before throwing for an additional bonus. It may take some practice to get used to, but it is very useful.
• Timing Your Throws: Wait for Mewtwo’s attack animation to finish before throwing. This prevents the ball from being deflected.
• Patience is Key: Don’t get discouraged if you don’t catch it on the first try. Focus on executing precise throws and using Golden Razz Berries.

4. Dealing with Mewtwo’s Behavior

Mewtwo has a few behaviors that can make it challenging to catch:

• Attacking: Mewtwo will periodically attack you, preventing your ball from landing. Wait until after this attack before attempting a throw.
• Jumping: Mewtwo will sometimes jump or move from side to side, making it harder to hit. Pay attention to its movements and adjust your throws accordingly.
• Deflecting Balls: Mewtwo can deflect the ball with a special animation if you throw during the attack animation. Avoid this by waiting until the attack is done.

5. Don’t Give Up!

Even with perfect throws and Golden Razz Berries, Mewtwo is not guaranteed to be caught. It’s often luck-based. Persevere and keep trying until you run out of balls. Remember, you will have the chance to battle Mewtwo again!

Special Considerations for Shadow Mewtwo

Shadow Mewtwo is more challenging to obtain and is only available through specific Team Rocket events. Here are the specific considerations:

1. Shadow Raids

Shadow Mewtwo usually appears in 3-star raids or 5-star raids during special events. These raids require you to be physically present at the gym to battle.

2. Purified vs Shadow

Shadow Pokémon deal more damage but are also more vulnerable. Shadow Mewtwo will hit significantly harder than regular Mewtwo but will also be more of a glass cannon. Purifying it makes it into a more balanced version, so it is up to the player to decide if you want to take this risk.

3. Increased Difficulty

Shadow Mewtwo raids are more difficult than normal raids, so you will need an even more powerful raid team with strong counters that are powered up to the maximum. It’s highly recommended to bring a group of strong trainers to help.

4. Catching Shadow Mewtwo

Catching Shadow Mewtwo is similar to a normal Mewtwo raid, although the catch rate may be slightly lower. Utilize the same techniques – Golden Razz Berries, Excellent throws, and curveballs – and stay patient.

Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Your Success

• Be Patient: Mewtwo appearances are infrequent. Stay patient and wait for the next event.
• Conserve Resources: Don’t spend all your resources on every Mewtwo raid. Focus on ones where you have a better chance of winning and catching.
• Use Remote Raid Passes Wisely: Be selective when using Remote Raid Passes to ensure you’re not wasting them.
• Join Community Days: Community days will often boost stardust gain, allowing you to power up Pokémon faster.
• Take Advantage of Events: Pokémon GO events often offer increased spawns, bonuses, or research tasks.
• Level Up: Level up your player level, as higher level players will have access to more items and stronger Pokémon.
• Buddy Up: Walking with your buddy may sometimes yield useful items, such as candy or even rare candies.
• Use Premium Passes When You Have A Great Team: You may want to use free passes for testing your team to optimize your strategy. Only use premium passes when you are confident that you can win and that your counters are powered up.
• Study the Pokémon: Check the IVs of the Mewtwo you catch using various appraisal tools. Try to focus on catching high IV Mewtwo.
• Keep Evolving: Always collect new Pokémon that may potentially be a good counter. New Pokémon are introduced into the game quite often, so you will always want to be on the lookout for good counters.
• Take a Break When Needed: Sometimes, you just need to take a break! Don’t play when you are exhausted, as you won’t be playing efficiently.

Conclusion

Catching Mewtwo in Pokémon GO is a challenging but rewarding experience. It requires preparation, strategy, and a bit of luck. By following the detailed steps in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to face the challenge and add this legendary Pokémon to your roster. Stay informed about upcoming events, build your team carefully, and practice your throwing skills to increase your chances of success. Good luck, Trainer, and may your encounters with Mewtwo be victorious!

Remember to always prioritize safety, stay within legal boundaries, and have fun!