Mewtwo remains one of the most coveted Pokémon in Pokémon GO, known for its immense power and iconic status across the franchise. As a Legendary Psychic-type Pokémon, Mewtwo is typically available through special events, Raid Battles, or timed research, requiring trainers to stay updated on in-game announcements.
To maximize the chances of capturing Mewtwo, trainers should be prepared with strong Dark-, Bug-, and Ghost-type Pokémon, such as Tyranitar, Giratina, or Chandelure, which exploit its weaknesses. Using Golden Razz Berries and executing Excellent Curveball throws further increases the likelihood of a successful catch. Given its rarity and strength, Mewtwo is a valuable addition to any team, excelling in both PvP battles and Raid encounters, making it a goal worth pursuing for dedicated trainers.
Encountering and Catching Mewtwo

In Pokémon GO, Mewtwo remains one of the most powerful and sought-after Legendary Pokémon, known for its high attack stats and versatility in battles. It primarily appears as a Tier 5 Raid Boss, making these raids the best opportunity for trainers to encounter and capture it. However, Mewtwo raids are not on a fixed schedule, so staying updated on official announcements is crucial to avoid missing out on its return. Trainers should regularly check in-game news and event updates to know when Mewtwo will be available, as its appearances are often tied to special events or themed raid rotations.
Beyond the standard version, Pokémon GO also features Shadow Mewtwo, a more challenging variant that appears in Shadow Raids. Unlike traditional Legendary Raids, Shadow Raids require players to participate in person, as remote raid passes cannot be used. These battles come with an added layer of difficulty, as Shadow Mewtwo will enter an “enraged” state during combat.
When enraged, its resistance increases significantly, and it deals even greater damage, making the encounter much tougher than a regular Legendary Raid. To counter this mechanic, trainers must use Purified Gems, which are crafted from Shards obtained by defeating Team GO Rocket Grunts, Leaders, and Giovanni. Each player can use up to five Purified Gems per battle, and it typically takes around eight in total to subdue Shadow Mewtwo’s enraged state, giving trainers a better chance to defeat it.
Due to the high difficulty of Pokemon GO Mewtwo in Shadow Raids, careful preparation is essential. Even with a full lobby of up to 20 trainers, success is not guaranteed if the group lacks strong counters and optimized battle strategies. Trainers should focus on assembling teams of Dark-, Bug-, and Ghost-type Pokémon, such as Tyranitar, Giratina, and Chandelure, to exploit Mewtwo’s weaknesses.
Additionally, using Pokémon with high DPS (damage per second) and resistance to Mewtwo’s attacks will increase the chances of victory. After successfully defeating Shadow Mewtwo, trainers will have an opportunity to catch it, but they should be aware that Shadow Raid bosses attack frequently during the catch phase, making it harder to land accurate throws. Using Golden Razz Berries and executing Excellent Curveball throws can improve the chances of securing this powerful Pokémon.
For trainers aiming to add Mewtwo to their collection, persistence and strategy are key. Whether encountering its standard or Shadow form, having a well-prepared team, coordinating with other trainers, and understanding the mechanics of these raids will greatly improve the chances of success. Since Mewtwo remains a top-tier attacker in Pokémon GO, it is well worth the effort to catch and power up, making it a valuable asset in both PvP battles and high-level raids.
Strategies for Catching Mewtwo
Once you reach the catch phase after defeating Mewtwo in a raid, you will be given a set number of Premier Balls to attempt to catch it. The number of Premier Balls you receive is influenced by various factors, including the damage your team dealt, how quickly the raid was completed, and whether you participated with friends. In regular Legendary Raids, trainers can earn additional Premier Balls if the raid takes place at a gym controlled by their team. However, in Shadow Raids, this bonus does not apply since these raids occur at gyms under Team GO Rocket’s control. This means every Premier Ball counts, and making the most of each throw is essential.

To maximize your chances of capturing Mewtwo, always use Golden Razz Berries, as they provide the highest boost to the catch rate. While Silver Pinap Berries can also be used if you want extra Mewtwo Candy, they come at the cost of a slightly lower chance of capture. Since Mewtwo, especially its Shadow form, is a high-value Pokémon with strong battle potential, it is generally recommended to prioritize securing the catch with Golden Razz Berries rather than risking a loss for additional candy.
Mewtwo is known for its erratic movements and frequent attacks, making it a challenging Pokémon to catch. To improve accuracy and consistency, many experienced trainers use the circle lock method, a technique designed to ensure well-timed, precise throws. To execute this method, hold down the Poké Ball until the target circle shrinks to a size you are comfortable hitting.
A good reference is to aim for Mewtwo’s head, ensuring the circle is small enough to register an excellent throw but not so small that it becomes too difficult to hit consistently. Once the circle is locked at the desired size, release your finger but do not throw the ball immediately.
Instead, wait patiently for Mewtwo to perform its attack animation, which includes a quick swipe or a battle cry. As soon as the animation is about to end, throw your ball with a curveball motion, aiming to land it in the center of the locked circle. Since curveball throws provide an additional boost to the catch rate, combining this method with a Golden Razz Berry significantly increases your chances of securing Mewtwo.
It is important to remain patient and avoid the temptation to throw too quickly, especially against Shadow Mewtwo, which tends to attack frequently. Rushed or poorly timed throws may result in missed opportunities and wasted Premier Balls, ultimately reducing your chances of success. Instead, take a disciplined approach by practicing the timing of your throws, ensuring that each one is as effective as possible.
Since Mewtwo is one of the most valuable Pokémon in Pokémon GO, both in terms of strength and rarity, taking extra care during the catch phase is well worth the effort. With practice, the circle lock method becomes second nature, helping trainers consistently land excellent throws and improving their overall capture rates in future Legendary and Shadow Raids.
Understanding Mewtwo’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Mewtwo is a pure Psychic-type Pokémon, which grants it immense offensive capabilities but also makes it vulnerable to specific counters. Its Psychic typing means it takes 160% damage from Bug, Ghost, and Dark-type attacks, making Pokémon of these types the best choices when preparing for a Mewtwo raid. On the defensive side, Mewtwo resists Fighting- and Psychic-type attacks, reducing their effectiveness to 62.5% damage, so using Pokémon with those move types will not be as effective in battle. Trainers aiming to defeat Mewtwo efficiently should focus on assembling a team of high-DPS Pokémon with strong Bug, Ghost, or Dark-type moves that take advantage of the Same Type Attack Bonus, which further increases damage output.
Some of the best counters for Mewtwo include Necrozma – Dawn Wings, Mega Tyranitar, Shadow Tyranitar, Mega Gengar, Shadow Chandelure, and Mega Banette. These Pokémon not only have the right typing to exploit Mewtwo’s weaknesses but also possess powerful moves that can deal significant damage in a short amount of time. For example, Mega Gengar with Shadow Claw and Shadow Ball is an excellent Ghost-type counter, while Mega Tyranitar with Bite and Brutal Swing is a top-tier Dark-type option. Additionally, Shadow Chandelure and Mega Banette provide strong Ghost-type alternatives, with fast energy generation and powerful charged moves. Whenever possible, trainers should aim to use Pokémon with both the correct typing and strong moves to maximize damage output during the battle.
Beyond type advantages, Mewtwo also boasts impressive base stats, making it one of the strongest Pokémon in Pokémon GO. It has a base Attack stat of 300, which allows it to deal significant damage in battles, along with a Defense stat of 182 and Stamina of 214, giving it decent survivability. When powered up to level 50, Mewtwo can reach a maximum CP of 4,724, making it one of the highest CP Pokémon in the game. These stats make Mewtwo not only a formidable raid boss but also a top-tier attacker for both PvP battles and PvE raid encounters.
Shadow Mewtwo, introduced through Shadow Raids, takes Mewtwo’s offensive power even further. Due to the Shadow Pokémon damage boost, Shadow Mewtwo has one of the highest raw damage potentials in the game, making it an incredibly valuable asset despite potentially lower IVs. The IV floor for Shadow Pokémon caught in Shadow Raids is 6/6/6, meaning even a Shadow Mewtwo with average IVs can outperform many other Pokémon simply because of its boosted attack power. Trainers who successfully catch and power up a Shadow Mewtwo will have one of the most powerful Pokémon available in Pokémon GO, capable of dealing massive damage in raids and battles alike.
Best Movesets for Mewtwo
Mewtwo has one of the most versatile and powerful move pools in Pokémon GO, making it a top-tier choice for both PvE and PvP battles. Its access to a variety of Fast and Charged Moves allows it to adapt to different scenarios, counter a wide range of opponents, and consistently deal high damage. Understanding its best movesets and how they function in different battle formats is crucial for maximizing its potential.
For PvE battles, such as Gym battles and raids, Mewtwo’s best moveset is typically Confusion as its Fast Move and Psystrike as its Charged Move. Confusion deals high damage per second and benefits from the same type attack bonus (STAB), making it an effective choice for raw damage output.

Psystrike, an exclusive move that can only be obtained through Elite Charged TMs or during specific events when Mewtwo is available with this move, is one of the strongest Psychic-type attacks in the game. With a relatively low energy cost and high damage, Psystrike significantly increases Mewtwo’s effectiveness in raids against Fighting- and Poison-type Pokémon. If Psystrike is not available, Psychic is an alternative option, though it is not as powerful.
Mewtwo also has access to a variety of other Charged Moves, allowing it to counter different opponents. Flamethrower provides Fire-type coverage, making it useful against Steel-, Ice-, Bug-, and Grass-type Pokémon. Ice Beam is a strong option for dealing with Dragon-, Flying-, and Ground-type opponents, while Thunderbolt gives Mewtwo a way to counter Water- and Flying-type Pokémon. Focus Blast, a Fighting-type move, is effective against Dark-, Steel-, and Normal-type Pokémon, making it a situational but powerful choice.
Shadow Ball, which is only obtainable through an Elite Charged TM, is another excellent option, allowing Mewtwo to counter Ghost- and Psychic-type Pokémon effectively. When using high-energy Charged Moves like Focus Blast, Psycho Cut is often preferred as the Fast Move due to its superior energy generation, helping Mewtwo reach its Charged Moves more quickly.
In PvP battles, Mewtwo performs best with Psycho Cut as its Fast Move. Unlike Confusion, which deals more damage per hit, Psycho Cut generates energy at a much faster rate, allowing Mewtwo to access its powerful Charged Moves more frequently. In high-pressure battles, having faster access to Charged Moves can make a significant difference, as it enables Mewtwo to force opponents to use their shields early or deal quick bursts of damage.
Psystrike remains the best primary Charged Move in PvP due to its low energy cost and high damage output. This move allows Mewtwo to pressure opponents quickly and consistently. However, having a secondary Charged Move gives Mewtwo more flexibility in battle. Shadow Ball is one of the best options for coverage, allowing Mewtwo to deal super-effective damage to Ghost- and Psychic-type Pokémon, which would otherwise resist its Psychic attacks. Focus Blast is another strong choice, particularly useful against Dark-type Pokémon such as Yveltal and Tyranitar, which are common counters to Mewtwo. Ice Beam is another viable secondary Charged Move, helping Mewtwo deal with common threats like Dragonite, Garchomp, and Giratina.
While Mewtwo is an incredibly powerful attacker, it has relatively low bulk, meaning it can take significant damage from strong opponents. Its high Attack stat makes it a glass cannon, meaning it can deal immense damage but also requires careful play to avoid being knocked out too quickly.
In Master League battles, where Mewtwo is most commonly used, trainers should be mindful of when to use their shields, as Mewtwo’s relatively low durability makes it vulnerable to strong, fast-charging opponents. Its wide range of moves and excellent damage output make it a top-tier Pokémon in both PvE and PvP, and trainers who invest in building a strong Mewtwo will find it to be one of the most valuable assets in their roster.
The Possibility of Mega Mewtwo

While Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Mewtwo Y are not yet available in Pokémon GO, their eventual introduction is highly anticipated. These Mega Evolutions possess significantly boosted stats that would make them among the most powerful Pokémon in the game. Mega Mewtwo X gains a secondary Fighting typing in addition to its Psychic typing, allowing it to take advantage of Fighting-type moves and counter Dark-type Pokémon, which are normally strong against standard Mewtwo.
It has an astounding maximum CP of 7,339, an Attack stat of 412, a Defense of 222, and a Stamina stat of 235, making it a formidable offensive and defensive powerhouse. On the other hand, Mega Mewtwo Y remains a pure Psychic-type but boasts even higher stats, with a maximum CP of 7,690, an impressive 426 Attack, 229 Defense, and 235 Stamina. With these numbers, Mega Mewtwo Y is projected to be one of the strongest Pokémon in Pokémon GO upon release, potentially surpassing all others in raw CP and damage output.
Given the impact these Mega Evolutions will have on gameplay, their release is expected to be a major event. Niantic may introduce them during a large-scale event, such as Pokémon GO Fest or a special in-game celebration, similar to the way other powerful Mega Pokémon have been introduced in the past. Trainers looking to take advantage of Mega Mewtwo’s power should prepare in advance by stocking up on Mewtwo Candy and XL Candy to power it up once it becomes available. Additionally, ensuring that they already have a strong Mewtwo with optimal IVs and the best moveset will make the Mega Evolution even more effective in battles.
Other Ways to Obtain Mewtwo
Aside from Raids, there are limited ways to obtain Mewtwo in Pokémon GO. One alternative method is through trading with friends, but this comes with restrictions and high costs. Because Mewtwo is a Legendary Pokémon, it is classified as a Special Trade, meaning trainers can only trade it once per day. The Stardust cost for trading a Legendary Pokémon that has not been previously registered in a player’s Pokédex is extremely high, reaching up to one million Stardust if the friendship level is low.
However, if both players have Mewtwo registered in their Pokédex and have reached Best Friends status, the Stardust cost is significantly reduced, making it a more viable option for those looking to obtain a high-IV Mewtwo through trading.
Mewtwo has also been made available as a reward for completing certain research tasks. In the past, it was featured in Special Research quests, and players who completed high-level challenges, such as the Level 50 research, were able to obtain a guaranteed encounter with Mewtwo. While this method is rare and not currently active, there is always a possibility that Mewtwo may return in future research tasks or as part of special events. Trainers who want to ensure they do not miss out on such opportunities should stay updated with in-game announcements and event details to take advantage of any future chances to obtain Mewtwo outside of Raids.
A Note on Purifying Shadow Mewtwo

While purifying a Shadow Mewtwo is an option, it is generally not recommended for those looking to maximize its battle potential. Shadow Pokémon receive a 20% increase in attack at the cost of a 20% decrease in defense, making them some of the hardest-hitting attackers in the game. Because of this attack boost, even a Shadow Mewtwo with lower IVs often outperforms a purified or regular Mewtwo in raids and battles. While purifying Mewtwo will increase all of its IV stats by two points and reduce the Stardust and Candy cost for powering it up, the loss of the Shadow attack bonus means that purified Mewtwo typically does not perform as well in combat.
Upon purification, Mewtwo also gains access to the exclusive move Return, a Normal-type Charged Move. While Return can be useful on certain Pokémon in PvP due to its low energy cost, it is not considered optimal for Mewtwo, as its best moves are typically Psychic, Ghost, Fighting, or elemental-type attacks. Most trainers prefer to keep Shadow Mewtwo in its Shadow form to take advantage of its raw offensive power rather than purifying it for the sake of lowering power-up costs.
In conclusion, Mewtwo remains one of the most powerful and sought-after Pokémon in Pokémon GO. Its high attack stat, versatile moveset, and ability to counter a wide range of opponents make it a valuable asset in both PvE and PvP battles. Understanding its strengths, weaknesses, raid mechanics, and the best strategies for catching and using it will help trainers make the most of this legendary Pokémon.
Whether you are preparing for a standard Mewtwo raid, facing the challenge of a Shadow Mewtwo encounter, or looking ahead to the release of its Mega Evolutions, staying informed and well-prepared will ensure that you can add this iconic Pokémon to your collection and use it effectively in battle. Keep an eye on upcoming events, coordinate with fellow trainers for the best raid strategies, and practice excellent throws to maximize your chances of securing Mewtwo whenever it becomes available.
Search
Account
Discord