Can You Get Mewtwo in Pokémon Emerald? A Definitive Guide
The short answer is: No, you cannot directly catch Mewtwo in Pokémon Emerald without trading or using exploits. Mewtwo is not a native legendary Pokémon of the Hoenn region, which is where Pokémon Emerald takes place. This iconic psychic powerhouse is exclusive to Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen in the third generation of Pokémon games. Therefore, you must obtain Mewtwo in one of those games and then trade it to your Pokémon Emerald game.
Mewtwo’s Absence in Emerald: A Generation Gap
While Pokémon Emerald is a fantastic game featuring many legendary Pokémon, it was designed to have its specific lineup. Mewtwo’s absence is not an oversight but a deliberate choice that adds to the overall diversity between the different Pokémon titles. This encourages players to explore other games in the series to complete their Pokédex. This limitation is a key aspect of the Pokémon franchise, encouraging trading and inter-game connectivity.
How to Obtain Mewtwo for Your Emerald Game
Since you can’t catch Mewtwo directly in Emerald, the only legitimate way to get one is through trading. Here’s how you would do it:
- Capture Mewtwo in Pokémon FireRed or LeafGreen: This involves progressing through the main storyline of those games until you reach the Cerulean Cave. Mewtwo resides at the end of the cave.
- Use the Trading System: Using a Game Boy Advance or Game Boy Advance SP, connect your Emerald and FireRed or LeafGreen games via link cable.
- Trade Mewtwo: Use the in-game trading system, located at any Pokémon Center, to transfer Mewtwo from FireRed/LeafGreen to Emerald.
Important Note: You will require the National Pokédex in both games to enable trading of Mewtwo.
Alternative (and less legitimate) Methods
There are methods to obtain Mewtwo in Emerald via glitches and cheat devices, however, these methods are not officially supported and can sometimes result in corrupted game files.
- Pomeg Berry Glitch: The “Pomeg Berry Glitch” is an exploit that can manipulate the game’s memory to encounter specific Pokémon, such as Mew, on Faraway Island. This can sometimes be used to encounter Mewtwo, however, it is extremely complicated, and more often will result in errors.
- Action Replay Devices: These devices allow you to input codes that can modify game data, enabling you to encounter or add Pokémon to your team that would otherwise be unavailable in the game. These are not supported by Nintendo and are often considered cheating.
These methods can provide the desired Pokémon, but they are generally frowned upon by the community and may cause unforeseen issues with your game.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mewtwo and Pokémon Emerald
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you further understand the situation regarding Mewtwo and other legendary Pokémon in Pokémon Emerald:
Q1: Can you catch Mew in Pokémon Emerald?
Yes, but it requires using the Pomeg Berry glitch or an Action Replay device. It cannot be caught in a normal playthrough. The glitch allows you to access Faraway Island where Mew can be encountered. This glitch is only functional in US versions of Pokémon Emerald.
Q2: What Legendary Pokémon can you catch in Pokémon Emerald natively?
The legendary Pokémon you can catch natively in Pokémon Emerald are: Latios, Latias, Regirock, Registeel, Regice, Groudon, Kyogre, and Rayquaza.
Q3: Can you catch all Legendary Pokémon in Emerald without trading?
No, you cannot. Many legendary Pokémon, such as Mewtwo, Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres, are not available without trading from other games.
Q4: What is considered the hardest Pokémon to catch in Emerald?
While subjective, Rayquaza is generally considered one of the hardest, not only due to its high level and difficulty, but due to the necessary steps needed to get to it. Feebas is also notoriously difficult due to the random location of its spawn points.
Q5: Can you catch Rayquaza before battling the Elite Four?
Yes, Rayquaza is available at the Sky Pillar before battling the Elite Four. You can capture it at this point in the story.
Q6: Does Mew evolve in Pokémon Emerald?
No, Mew is a mythical Pokémon and does not evolve.
Q7: Where is Deoxys in Pokémon Emerald?
Deoxys is only available on Birth Island, accessible through a special event in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen. It is impossible to get it in Emerald without trading from those games.
Q8: How do you get Lugia in Pokémon Emerald?
Lugia is not found in the wild in Emerald. It’s obtainable from FireRed or LeafGreen. You can access Lugia through a Mystic Ticket to reach the Sevii Islands on those games. This ticket was distributed via events and cannot be obtained normally in modern gameplay.
Q9: Which Pokémon cannot be caught natively in Emerald?
Some version-exclusive Pokémon are not in Emerald. These include Surskit, Masquerain, Meditite, Medicham, and Roselia.
Q10: What level is Rayquaza in Pokémon Emerald?
Rayquaza is level 70 when you encounter it in the Sky Pillar.
Q11: Can you get Articuno in Pokémon Emerald?
Yes, but only through trading. Articuno is found in Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, or FireRed/LeafGreen.
Q12: Can you get a Shiny Mew in Pokémon Emerald?
While extremely rare, it is possible to get a Shiny Mew in Pokémon Emerald if you have the Old Sea Map item, which was only available through events. The odds are still the standard 1/8192.
Q13: Does Mew appear in the wild?
No, Mew does not appear in the wild. It requires specific events or glitches.
Q14: What Pokémon games can you catch Mew in?
Mew can be caught in Pokémon Black and White, Pokémon X and Y, and Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. It can also be obtained in Pokémon GO and through a Poke Ball Plus device.
Q15: Should you use your Master Ball on Rayquaza?
While tempting, it’s generally recommended to save the Master Ball for roaming legendaries like Latios or Latias as Rayquaza is stationary. You can simply save your game in front of it and reload until you catch it with a regular Pokéball.
Conclusion
While Mewtwo is not directly obtainable in Pokémon Emerald, hope is not lost. With access to Pokémon FireRed or LeafGreen and a way to trade between your game, you can transfer Mewtwo and fulfill your Pokédex dreams. Even without Mewtwo, Emerald still offers a plethora of legendary Pokémon to catch, making it a memorable and enjoyable experience for any trainer. Remember to focus on the specific challenges and legendary encounters that Emerald provides, and you’ll find yourself engrossed in the adventures of the Hoenn region.