Is Shiny Mew Rare in Pokemon GO? The Definitive Answer and Comprehensive Guide
Yes, Shiny Mew is exceptionally rare in Pokémon GO. It is only obtainable through the paid Special Research storyline “A Mythical Discovery”, and even then, the encounter is guaranteed once you complete the questline. Its rarity stems not from a low encounter rate once the quest is complete, but from the limited availability and cost associated with accessing the quest itself. This makes it significantly rarer than many other Shiny Pokémon that can be encountered in the wild, raids, or through other means.
Understanding Shiny Pokémon Rarity in Pokémon GO
The world of Pokémon GO is filled with a diverse range of Pokémon, and amongst them, Shiny Pokémon stand out as particularly coveted prizes. These variants feature alternate color palettes, adding an extra layer of collectibility to the game. Rarity is a central aspect of Shiny Pokémon, and determining how rare a specific Shiny is involves several factors.
Factors Determining Shiny Rarity
- Base Encounter Rate: Some Pokémon are simply rarer to encounter in the wild than others. If the base form of a Pokémon is uncommon, its Shiny variant is automatically rarer.
- Shiny Availability: Not all Pokémon can be Shiny in Pokémon GO. Niantic introduces Shiny versions of Pokémon gradually, often tied to events or special releases.
- Event Bonuses: Community Days and other in-game events often increase the Shiny encounter rate for featured Pokémon.
- Research Tasks: Some research tasks offer guaranteed encounters with specific Pokémon, and sometimes, their Shiny form. However, tasks offering guaranteed Shiny encounters, like the one for Mew, are exceedingly rare.
- Raid Battles: Shiny Pokémon can sometimes be encountered as raid bosses, offering another avenue for acquiring them.
- Regional Availability: Some Pokémon are region-locked, which indirectly affects the rarity of their Shiny forms for players outside those regions.
Why Shiny Mew Stands Apart
Shiny Mew’s rarity isn’t determined by the usual Shiny odds. Instead, its scarcity is linked to the specific way it’s obtained:
- Paid Special Research: “A Mythical Discovery” isn’t a free quest; it requires purchasing a ticket, effectively creating a barrier to entry.
- Guaranteed Encounter: Unlike random Shiny encounters, once you complete the research tasks in “A Mythical Discovery,” your encounter with Shiny Mew is guaranteed. This means that every player who completes the questline will get a Shiny Mew.
- One-Time Availability: The Special Research is not always available for purchase. It’s typically offered during specific events or promotions, further restricting the opportunities to obtain a Shiny Mew.
Because of this specific combination of factors, Shiny Mew has become one of the most prestigious and sought-after Shiny Pokémon in the entire game. While not randomly rare, its controlled distribution and the hoops players must jump through to acquire it contribute to its high perceived value and scarcity.
Shiny Mew vs. Other Mythical Shiny Pokémon
While other Mythical Pokémon have received Shiny releases in Pokémon GO, the acquisition methods often differ, influencing their respective rarities. Some have been released through raids, research breakthroughs, or special events, each impacting their accessibility and prevalence within the player base. Comparing Shiny Mew to other Mythical Shiny Pokémon, such as Shiny Celebi or Shiny Jirachi, shows that while these also came through special research, the availability windows and entry barriers for acquiring those quests might be different, impacting their overall rarity relative to Shiny Mew.
Shiny Jirachi was only available during the Pokemon GO Fest 2021. The event required purchasing a ticket, similar to Shiny Mew. Shiny Celebi was available via a Special Research task during a limited-time event.
The Impact of Shiny Mew on the Pokémon GO Community
The release of Shiny Mew sparked considerable excitement and activity within the Pokémon GO community. Players eagerly shared their accomplishments and sought advice on completing the Special Research tasks. The rarity of Shiny Mew has contributed to its status as a symbol of dedication and achievement within the game. It also fuels a vibrant trading market (where trading is allowed and doesn’t violate Niantic’s terms of service), as players are often willing to offer valuable Pokémon in exchange for the prized Shiny Mew.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Shiny Mew in Pokémon GO
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Shiny Mew in Pokémon GO, providing additional valuable information for players:
1. Can I trade Shiny Mew in Pokémon GO?
No, Mythical Pokémon, including Shiny Mew, cannot be traded in Pokémon GO.
2. Is there any other way to get Shiny Mew besides “A Mythical Discovery” Special Research?
Currently, no. “A Mythical Discovery” Special Research is the only legitimate method to obtain Shiny Mew in Pokémon GO. Be wary of anyone offering to trade or sell a Shiny Mew outside of official game mechanics.
3. How long does it take to complete the “A Mythical Discovery” Special Research?
The time required varies depending on your play style and available resources. Some trainers can complete it in a few days, while others may take weeks or even months, as some tasks require specific catches or reaching certain trainer levels.
4. What are some of the most challenging tasks in the “A Mythical Discovery” Special Research?
Common challenges include: reaching a specific trainer level, completing a certain number of raid battles, and catching specific types of Pokémon.
5. Does Shiny Mew have any special advantages in battle?
No, Shiny Mew is functionally identical to regular Mew in terms of stats and movesets. The only difference is its appearance.
6. Can I change the moves of my Shiny Mew?
Yes, you can use TMs (Technical Machines) to change Shiny Mew’s moves, just like any other Pokémon.
7. Will “A Mythical Discovery” Special Research ever be available again?
Niantic occasionally re-releases Special Research storylines. Keep an eye on official Pokémon GO announcements for potential future opportunities to obtain “A Mythical Discovery.”
8. What is the best strategy for completing “A Mythical Discovery” quickly?
Focus on optimizing your gameplay. Stock up on items, plan your raid battles, and prioritize tasks that can be completed simultaneously. Utilizing online resources and community guides can also be beneficial.
9. Does the IV (Individual Values) of Shiny Mew change if I complete the research multiple times (hypothetically)?
Since the quest can only be completed once per account, it is impossible to acquire a Shiny Mew more than once. The IVs are fixed when the quest is completed for the first time.
10. Is Shiny Mew’s catch rate different from regular Mew’s?
The catch rate for Shiny Mew during the guaranteed encounter is the same as other Special Research encounters. It’s relatively easy to catch as long as you use berries and excellent throws.
11. Can Shiny Mew be used in Pokémon GO PvP battles?
Yes, you can use Shiny Mew in PvP battles, provided it meets the CP (Combat Power) requirements for the specific league.
12. What is the Community Day impact on Shiny Mew availability?
Community Days do not directly impact Shiny Mew availability, as it is not a wild encounter. Community Days increase the spawn rates of specific Pokemon.
13. Is it possible to spoof to get Shiny Mew?
Spoofing is against the Terms of Service and can lead to account suspension or ban.
14. What items should I stock up on before attempting to catch Shiny Mew?
Stock up on Razz Berries, Golden Razz Berries, Ultra Balls, and Pinap Berries to maximize your chances of catching Shiny Mew.
15. How to prepare for a possible re-release of the Shiny Mew Quest?
Conserve your in-game resources such as stardust and coins, stay updated on all the latest news from Pokemon GO, and be ready to purchase the quest as soon as it is available again.
Conclusion
Shiny Mew’s rarity in Pokémon GO is undeniable, stemming from its limited availability through the paid Special Research “A Mythical Discovery.” Its scarcity, combined with its desirable appearance, makes it a highly prized possession for collectors and dedicated players. While obtaining Shiny Mew requires dedication and investment, the rewards are well worth the effort for those seeking to add this unique and prestigious Pokémon to their collection.