Unlike in the anime and mainline entries, "Gotta catch 'em all" is a phrase you simply won't find on Pokémon GO, because such a feat is simply not possible.
Niantic has been somewhat slow, though earnest, about adding The Pokémon Company's huge roster of pocket monsters in Pokémon GO. The latest were the three Legendary birds — Zapdos, Moltres, and Articuno — pleasing fans who have long complained about the lack of Legendaries in the still wildly popular app.
This time, it's Mewtwo's turn to hit the game.
In a Pokémon GO Stadium event in Yokohama, Japan Monday, Aug. 14, players battled against perhaps the most sought-after Pokémon in the franchise. Thousands came, some successfully catching it. Niantic has now also confirmed that Mewtwo will be heading stateside via the Exclusive Raid Battle feature.
How To Catch Mewtwo In 'Pokémon GO'
Again, Mewtwo will only be catchable via Exclusive Raid Battles, which Niantic says will "periodically appear" at gyms worldwide. Exclusive Raids are slightly different from standard Raid Battles because the trainers must be invited to one first. There are other requirements: trainers must have successfully completed a raid recently, specifically by beating the Raid boss at the gym where the Exclusive Raid Battle will take place.
Niantic says it will offer trainers an advance warning regarding details about the Exclusive Raid Battle so trainers can coordinate among themselves before taking on the Raid boss.
The Exclusive Raid Battle will debut with Mewtwo, but Niantic confirms other Pokémon may also start to hatch from eggs found during such battles "over the next several weeks."
When Will Mewtwo Arrive?
Niantic says you can expect Mewtwo in the coming weeks. It's too early to offer tips on catching the Pokémon, but if the event in Japan is any indication, then Mewtwo might not be a difficult catch. It seems to have gone down fairly easily during the event, in fact. A 100 percent catch rate makes the final stretch of the Exclusive Raid Battle easier, of course. We'll see what happens when Mewtwo reaches stateside.
Meanwhile, the three Legendary Birds along with Lugia may still be caught until Aug. 31, so while waiting for Mewtwo, watch out for any of these Pokémon in a Raid Battle near you. That is, of course, if you still haven't managed to catch any of them.
Pokémon GO has certainly been making some noise these past couple of weeks, but not always favorably. Its anniversary event in Chicago was seen as a massive disaster, prompting Niantic to issue full refunds and multiple statements about what went wrong.
Thrilled about Mewtwo finally arriving in Pokémon GO? Tell us in the comments section below!
