Mewtwo In Pokémon GO: How To Catch The Legendary

Hey, Pokémon trainers! If you're looking to add one of the most iconic and powerful Pokémon to your collection in Pokémon GO, then you've come to the right place. We're talking about Mewtwo, that genetically engineered psychic powerhouse that everyone wants to get their hands on. Catching Mewtwo isn't exactly a walk in the park, guys, but with the right strategy and a bit of luck, you'll be battling alongside this legendary creature in no time. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about encountering and catching Mewtwo in Pokémon GO, from understanding its raid battles to knowing its weaknesses and the best counters to bring.

Understanding Mewtwo: The Ultimate Psychic Pokémon

Mewtwo is a Legendary Pokémon that first appeared in the original Pokémon Red and Blue games. It’s known for its incredible psychic abilities, high attack power, and its compelling backstory as a clone of the mythical Pokémon Mew. In Pokémon GO, Mewtwo is typically available through EX Raid Battles or sometimes as a reward in special events. These EX Raids are invite-only, high-tier battles that require a significant amount of coordination and strength from a group of trainers. The fact that it’s usually locked behind these challenging raids is a testament to its status as a top-tier Pokémon. Its typing, pure Psychic, makes it strong against Fighting and Poison-type Pokémon but vulnerable to Bug, Ghost, and Dark-type attacks. This typing is crucial to remember when planning your strategy for raiding and battling.

The EX Raid System: Your Gateway to Mewtwo

So, how do you even get a shot at Mewtwo? For a long time, the primary method was through the EX Raid system. To get an EX Raid invitation, you first needed to participate and win a raid battle at a gym that is eligible to host an EX Raid. After a raid, if you've met the criteria, you might receive an invitation to an EX Raid for Mewtwo. These raids are exclusive and happen at specific times, often during working hours, which could be a challenge for some trainers. The introduction of the EX Raid system was Niantic's way of creating a more challenging and rewarding experience for dedicated players. Winning an EX Raid battle often requires a solid group of trainers, usually 5-10 or more, depending on their strength. The higher the level of the raid boss, the more trainers you'll need. For Mewtwo, which is a 5-star raid boss, you'll definitely want a full lobby of strong trainers. Don't underestimate the power of good communication and preparation before heading into an EX Raid. Having Pokémon with the right movesets and typing is absolutely key to success. The anticipation of receiving an EX Raid pass, the planning with your fellow trainers, and the ultimate showdown against Mewtwo – it’s a whole experience!

Preparing for the Mewtwo Raid Battle: Counters and Strategy

Now, let's talk strategy, guys. To beat Mewtwo in a raid battle, you need to bring the right team. Remember its Psychic typing? That means Bug, Ghost, and Dark-type Pokémon are your best friends here. Leading the charge are Pokémon like Gengar (especially with Shadow Claw and Shadow Ball), Chandelure (with its Ghost/Fire typing and Shadow Ball), and Giratina (Origin Forme is fantastic with Shadow Claw and Shadow Ball). Dark-types like Tyranitar (with Bite and Crunch) and Houndoom (with Snarl and Foul Play) are also solid choices. Don't forget about strong Bug-types like Scizor or Pinsir, though they might be a bit more fragile. It’s also worth considering Pokémon that resist Psychic-type attacks, like Machamp or Conkeldurr, though they won't deal super-effective damage. The key is to maximize your damage output while minimizing the damage you take. Using Pokémon with the appropriate Fast and Charged attacks is crucial. For instance, if you're using Gengar, ensure it has a Ghost-type fast move to benefit from STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus). Mewtwo itself has a diverse move pool, meaning it can learn attacks of various types, including Ice, Fire, Electric, and Psychic. This can make the battle tricky, as it might hit your super-effective counters with something they're weak to. Therefore, having multiple strong counters ready is a wise move. Don’t go in with just one type of Pokémon; diversify your attackers to cover more bases and increase your chances of survival and victory. The more powerful your team, and the better your coordination, the quicker you'll defeat Mewtwo and earn your chance to catch it.

Catching Mewtwo: The Art of the Premier Ball

After you've successfully defeated Mewtwo in the raid, the battle isn't over – it's time to catch it! You'll be presented with a limited number of Premier Balls, and how you use them is critical. Mewtwo is a notoriously difficult Pokémon to catch, often dodging and attacking to break out of your throws. The key here is to aim for Excellent throws. These give you the highest chance of capture. Wait for Mewtwo to finish its attack animation and then throw your ball. Try to curve your balls for an additional bonus. Curveballs increase your catch rate significantly. Don't be afraid to use Golden Razz Berries on your throws, especially for those crucial Excellent throws. These berries boost the catch rate considerably. If you have a high friendship bonus with another trainer who participated in the raid, that also increases your catch rate. Patience is a virtue here, trainers. Don't rush your throws. Observe Mewtwo's attack patterns, wait for the opportune moment, and make each throw count. Missing too many throws early on can leave you with too few balls to catch Mewtwo, leading to frustration. So, take a deep breath, focus, and make those balls count!

Mewtwo's Variations: Armored and Shadow

Mewtwo has appeared in Pokémon GO in different forms, making it even more desirable for collectors. We've seen Armored Mewtwo during special events, which has slightly different stats and is known for its defensive capabilities. More recently, Shadow Mewtwo has become available through the GO Battle League and Team GO Rocket events. Shadow Pokémon, in general, have a significant attack boost, making Shadow Mewtwo an absolute beast in battles, albeit with a lower defense. Catching a Shadow Mewtwo usually involves defeating a Team GO Rocket Leader or Giovanni, then having a chance to purify it. This process adds another layer of challenge and reward. Each form offers a unique advantage and aesthetic, so trainers often strive to collect them all. Armored Mewtwo was a limited-time event Pokémon, making it particularly rare. Shadow Mewtwo, with its raw power, is a fantastic addition to any offensive lineup. Understanding these variations and how to obtain them can be a game-changer for your battling strategies and collection goals.

Mewtwo's Impact on the Game

Mewtwo has always been a significant presence in the Pokémon GO meta. Its sheer attack power and Psychic typing make it a dominant force in raids and gym battles. Mewtwo is consistently one of the best attackers in the game, capable of dealing massive damage to a wide range of opponents. Its access to powerful moves like Psystrike (its signature move, often exclusive to Elite TMs or special events) and Shadow Ball makes it incredibly versatile. For trainers looking to tackle challenging raid bosses or dominate in PvP battles, having a strong Mewtwo is almost a necessity. Even if you don't have the absolute best counters, a well-trained Mewtwo can often carry your team. Its base stats are phenomenal, and with good IVs and the right moveset, it's a Pokémon that can truly define your Pokémon GO journey. The pursuit of Mewtwo is a rite of passage for many in the Pokémon GO community, representing a significant achievement in a trainer's progression.

Beyond Raids: Mewtwo in PvP and Gym Battles

While Mewtwo shines brightest in raids, it's also a potent force in Player vs. Player (PvP) battles, particularly in leagues like the Master League where its high CP is not a limiting factor. Its Psychic typing gives it an advantage against many common Pokémon in the Master League meta, and its diverse movepool allows it to surprise opponents. With moves like Psystrike (a powerful Psychic charge move), Shadow Ball (a strong Ghost charge move), and potentially Ice Beam, Fire Blast, or Thunderbolt (coverage moves), Mewtwo can threaten a wide array of opponents. It can serve as a potent lead Pokémon, a safe switch, or a powerful closer. In gym battles, Mewtwo’s high attack stat makes it excellent for quickly taking down defending Pokémon. Its sheer power can clear gyms efficiently, especially when paired with supportive Pokémon. However, its vulnerability to common gym defender types like Dark and Ghost means you still need to be mindful of your opponent's team composition when using it offensively. Mewtwo’s versatility makes it a staple in many competitive trainer's arsenals, proving its worth far beyond just raid encounters. Its legendary status is well-earned, and its presence on the battlefield is always felt.

Tips for Training and Maximizing Mewtwo's Potential

To truly maximize Mewtwo's potential, you'll want to focus on a few key aspects. First, IVs matter. While you can't change IVs easily, try to catch Mewtwo with the highest possible stats (Attack, Defense, Stamina) during raids. If you're lucky enough to get a high IV Mewtwo, it's worth investing in. Second, Powering Up is essential. Use Stardust and Candy to increase its CP and stats. This is where having a good amount of Stardust and Mewtwo Candy (or Rare Candy) comes into play. Third, Movesets are critical. As mentioned, Psystrike is Mewtwo's signature move and often considered its best Psychic-type charge move. If you can get it via an Elite Charged TM, do it. Shadow Ball is also an excellent Ghost-type charge move. For fast moves, Confusion is a standard and effective Psychic-type fast move. If you get a Shadow Mewtwo, its fast move (Confusion) is also boosted. Finally, consider using TMs to get the best possible moveset for your needs. For PvP, a Psychic move (Psystrike or Psychic) and a coverage move like Ice Beam or Thunderbolt can be very effective. For raids, double Psychic or Psychic/Ghost is often preferred. Don’t forget about Shadow Mewtwo’s unique boost; its attack power is significantly increased, making it incredibly potent, but its defense is lower. This means you’ll need to play it a bit more carefully in battles. Investing in a good Mewtwo is a long-term commitment, but the rewards in terms of battling power and overall game experience are immense. Guys, it’s all about smart investment and strategic planning to make your Mewtwo the ultimate force to be reckoned with!

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Mewtwo

Mewtwo remains one of the most sought-after and powerful Pokémon in Pokémon GO. Its journey from a mysterious genetic experiment to a legendary battler is a story that continues to captivate trainers worldwide. Whether you're aiming to conquer EX Raids, dominate in PvP, or simply complete your Pokédex, Mewtwo is a prize worth pursuing. Remember to focus on team composition, understand its weaknesses, and master the art of the Premier Ball. With dedication and the right approach, you too can wield the incredible power of Mewtwo. Keep training, keep battling, and good luck catching this legendary Pokémon, guys! Its legacy in the Pokémon universe is undeniable, and its place as a top-tier Pokémon in Pokémon GO is firmly cemented.