If you’ve been wondering how to get Mewtwo in Pokémon GO, you’re not alone, this is one of the most searched questions among trainers worldwide. Mewtwo is one of the strongest and most iconic Pokémon ever introduced in the game, but it’s not always easy, or currently even possible, to catch.
Many players assume it must be available somewhere in raids or Rocket battles, only to discover that Mewtwo rotates in and out of availability based on Niantic’s event schedule. Understanding when and how it returns is crucial, because every opportunity is time-limited and highly competitive.
In this guide, I’ll break down the real ways to obtain Mewtwo, what works right now, what doesn’t, and how to prepare for your next chance to capture this powerhouse Pokémon.
Start Here: Is Mewtwo Available Right Now?
As of November 2025, Mewtwo is not available in:
- current raid rotations
- Team GO Rocket encounters
- Special Research quests
Meaning: you can’t catch Mewtwo in the wild or raids at this moment.
So the true strategy now is preparation, timing, and monitoring Niantic event announcements.
1. Limited-Time Raids: The Most Common Path to Mewtwo
When Niantic brings back Mewtwo, it’s usually through:
- 5-star Legendary raids, or
- Shadow Mewtwo raids
Key facts
- Mewtwo last appeared in regular 5-star raids more than two years ago
- Shadow Mewtwo has appeared more recently but still rarely
- These events last only a few days or weeks
How to maximize your odds:
- Join local raid groups (Discord, Facebook groups, Campfire)
- Use Golden Razz Berries
- Aim for Excellent Curveball throws
- Use Psychic-resistant counters (e.g., Tyranitar, Hydreigon, Darkrai)
Pro tip: When Mewtwo returns, your window will be short. Don’t wait until the last day of the event— raid early and often.
2. Special Research: Historical Access to Mewtwo
Mewtwo has occasionally been a reward for completing specific Special Research tasks.
Notable examples:
- The previous Level 50 Challenge offered Mewtwo, but player reports indicate it’s no longer available.
- Certain Giovanni-related Special Research stories rewarded Shadow Mewtwo.
What to check
Go into:
- Pokémon GO → Today View
- Pokémon GO → Special Research Tab
If you have an unfinished Giovanni storyline, you may still be able to fight:
- Persian
- A team of Shadows
- Shadow Legendary
- and finally, Giovanni
But as of November 2025, Giovanni does not currently reward Mewtwo.
Still, Niantic often rotates his reward Pokémon, so Shadow Mewtwo could return in future Rocket events.
3. Trading: A Guaranteed Way—If You’re Willing to Pay the Stardust
You can obtain Mewtwo even while it’s unavailable by trading with another player who already has one.
Stardust cost depends on:
- Whether you have Mewtwo in Pokédex
- Your friendship level with the player
For example
| Friendship Level | Mewtwo in Pokédex? | Approx. Stardust Cost |
| Good Friends | No | 1,000,000 |
| Great Friends | No | 800,000 |
| Ultra Friends | No | 160,000 |
| Best Friends | No | 40,000 |
| Best Friends | Yes | 800 |
Key notes:
- Be prepared to meet in person for the trade
- Trading Legendary Pokémon counts as a Special Trade, limited to one per day
- Best friend status takes about 90 days of interaction
If you’re serious about getting Mewtwo, start leveling friendships now.
4. Building Your Strategy While Waiting for Mewtwo’s Return
Since Mewtwo is currently unavailable, here’s what you should be doing right now:
Build Stardust
You’ll need it for future trades or powering up Mewtwo later.
Raise Friendship Levels
Interact daily using:
- gifts
- raids
- PvP battles
- gym assists
Stockpile Premium Items
You’ll want:
- Golden Razz
- Silver Pinap
- Ultra Balls
Follow Event Announcements
Check:
- Official Pokémon GO news
- @PokemonGoApp Twitter
- PokémonGO Live blog
- Community Discords
When Mewtwo appears again, you don’t want to discover it on the final day.
5. Understanding Normal Mewtwo vs Shadow Mewtwo
If you’re new to the distinction:
- Normal Mewtwo
– easier to obtain historically
– balanced stats
– excellent in PvE and PvP - Shadow Mewtwo
– harder to get
– hits significantly harder due to Shadow damage bonus
– extremely powerful for raids
Shadow Mewtwo is sometimes called the strongest raid attacker in all of Pokémon GO.
6. What About Elite TMs and Psystrike?
Many trainers want Mewtwo specifically for:
- Psystrike
If you catch a Mewtwo without Psystrike:
- You can use an Elite Charged TM to teach it.
If Niantic brings back a Mewtwo raid event:
- They often provide Psystrike during the capture period
- So it may be available again without using an Elite TM
7. What About Shiny Mewtwo?
Shiny Mewtwo appears only during certain event rotations.
You can identify it by:
- Green tail instead of purple
When Mewtwo returns to raids, SHINY availability will be clearly listed in the event announcement.
FAQs: Common Questions About Getting Mewtwo
1. Is there any way to get Mewtwo right now?
No, not by catching—but you can trade for one from another player.
2. Will Mewtwo return to raids?
Yes. Historically, Niantic rotates Mewtwo back into circulation for:
- anniversary events
- themed Legendary cycles
- Psychic celebrations
It’s not a matter of “if,” but “when.”
3. Can I still get Shadow Mewtwo?
Not currently. Shadow Mewtwo is only available when Giovanni offers it as the final encounter in a Rocket storyline.
4. Is Mewtwo worth waiting for?
Absolutely. With Psystrike and high IVs, Mewtwo is one of the top raid attackers and a strong Master League competitor.
Smart Final Advice for Trainers
If you’ve been wondering how to get Mewtwo in Pokémon GO, you’re not alone, this is one of the most searched questions among trainers worldwide. Mewtwo is one of the strongest and most iconic Pokémon ever introduced in the game, but it’s not always easy, or currently even possible, to catch.
Many players assume it must be available somewhere in raids or Rocket battles, only to discover that Mewtwo rotates in and out of availability based on Niantic’s event schedule. Understanding when and how it returns is crucial, because every opportunity is time-limited and highly competitive.
In this guide, I’ll break down the real ways to obtain Mewtwo, what works right now, what doesn’t, and how to prepare for your next chance to capture this powerhouse Pokémon.
