Decoding Mew: Your Ultimate Guide to Catching the Elusive Genetic Pokémon in Pokémon GO
Yes, you can catch Mew in Pokémon GO! However, don’t expect to stumble upon it in the wild like a Pidgey. Catching Mew requires dedication, patience, and the completion of a specific Special Research quest called “A Mythical Discovery.” This questline, given by Professor Willow, is designed to guide you through various tasks and challenges, ultimately leading to an encounter with the elusive Mythical Pokémon. Let’s dive into the depths of capturing Mew!
The “A Mythical Discovery” Quest: Your Path to Mew
The “A Mythical Discovery” quest is the only way to get a Mew in Pokemon GO. It’s a multi-stage quest involving several tasks, requiring players to complete the following:
- Spinning PokeStops: A common yet essential part of the game, spinning PokeStops nets you valuable items.
- Catching Pokémon: Embrace the game’s core mechanic: catching various types of Pokémon.
- Evolving Pokémon: Utilizing candies, you’ll need to evolve specific Pokemon.
- Visiting Gyms: Gym battles and raids are part of your journey.
- Battling in Raids: Team up with others to take down powerful raid bosses.
- Reaching Certain Levels: Leveling up your trainer is a continuous goal.
The quest line consists of 8 stages in total, with each stage requiring you to complete at least 3 objectives before you can proceed to the next. The objectives generally involve actions you should be doing as you play the game so completing it is just a matter of time and persistence.
Understanding Mew’s Capture Mechanics
100% Capture Rate
Luckily, once you’ve reached the final encounter with Mew through the “A Mythical Discovery” quest, you don’t have to worry about accidentally failing the catch. Mew has a 100% capture rate and a 0% flee rate during this encounter. So, even if you fumble your throws, you’ll eventually add Mew to your Pokedex.
No Shiny Mew in Initial Encounter
Keep in mind that the initial Mew encounter from the “A Mythical Discovery” quest will not be a Shiny Mew. However, there is another way to get a Shiny Mew in Pokemon GO. More on this below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mew in Pokémon GO
Here are 15 frequently asked questions (FAQs) to further enhance your understanding of capturing Mew and related topics in Pokémon GO:
1. Can I find Mew in the wild in Pokémon GO?
No, you cannot find Mew in the wild. The only way to encounter it is by completing all the steps of the “A Mythical Discovery” Special Research quest. Ignore any rumors of Mew appearing through random spawns; it simply doesn’t happen that way.
2. Is there a way to fail catching Mew once I reach the encounter in the Special Research?
No, once you reach the encounter with Mew at the end of the “A Mythical Discovery” quest, you cannot fail the catch. It has a 100% catch rate and 0% flee rate.
3. Can I get a Shiny Mew in Pokémon GO?
Yes, you can get a Shiny Mew in Pokemon GO. Players who shell out $5 can now unlock Shiny Mew, via buying a pass from the Pokémon Go shop for the “All-in-One #151” Masterwork Research.
4. How do I start the “A Mythical Discovery” Special Research quest?
The “A Mythical Discovery” quest should automatically appear in your Special Research tab (accessed via the binoculars icon) once you reach a certain Trainer Level (typically Level 5 or higher). If you don’t see it, ensure your game is updated to the latest version.
5. What are some tips for completing the tasks in “A Mythical Discovery” more quickly?
- Stock up on Poke Balls: Ensure you have a sufficient supply of Poke Balls, Great Balls, and Ultra Balls.
- Use Incense and Lure Modules: These items attract more Pokemon, helping you complete catch-related tasks faster.
- Plan your evolutions: Hold onto common Pokemon that require few candies to evolve until you need to complete an evolution task.
- Join a local Pokémon GO community: Connect with other trainers to coordinate raid battles and share tips.
6. What happens after I catch Mew?
After catching Mew, Professor Willow will shower you with additional rewards. Mew will be added to your Pokedex, and you can use it in battles, Gyms, and Raids.
7. Is Ditto a failed Mew clone?
The origin of Ditto has always been an interesting subject for many Pokémon lovers. It’s possible that Ditto was originally intended to be a failed Mew clone, but the idea was scrapped somewhere during the original games’ development process. At this time, The Pokémon Company has not given a direct answer that either supports or disproves these claims.
8. Can Mew evolve into Mewtwo in Pokémon GO?
No, Mew does not evolve into Mewtwo, and Mewtwo does not evolve into Mew. They are separate Pokémon, with Mewtwo being created through genetic experimentation on Mew. They also can’t be bred.
9. Where can I find Mewtwo in Pokémon GO?
Mewtwo is typically available in Raids, particularly five-star Raids, or through special events. Keep an eye on Pokémon GO announcements for upcoming Raid schedules and event details. Shadow Mewtwo will appear in five-star Shadow Raids from Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. to Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 8:00 p.m local time.
10. What is the rarest Pokémon in Pokémon GO?
While rarity can fluctuate with events and updates, some of the rarest Pokémon in Pokémon GO include:
- Regional Pokémon: Azelf, Mesprit, and Uxie (each spawning in specific regions).
- Shiny Pokémon: Certain Shiny Pokémon, especially those from limited-time events, are extremely rare.
- Unown: Unown forms are infrequent and can be difficult to find.
11. What is the best moveset for Mew in Pokémon GO?
Mew is unique in that it can learn any Fast Attack and Charged Attack in the game through Technical Machines (TMs). This makes its best moveset highly customizable. The best moveset for Mew depends on its usage (PvP or Raids) and your team composition. Experiment with different movesets to find what works best for you.
12. Does Mew have any special abilities in Pokémon GO?
Mew doesn’t have any unique abilities that are specifically coded into Pokémon GO beyond its flexibility with move choices. However, its wide movepool makes it a versatile Pokémon capable of filling various roles.
13. What are Mew’s strengths and weaknesses in battles?
Mew is a Psychic-type Pokémon, making it strong against Fighting and Poison-type Pokémon. It’s weak against Bug, Ghost, and Dark-type Pokémon. Its versatile movepool allows it to cover some of its weaknesses and exploit opponent vulnerabilities.
14. Can I trade Mew in Pokémon GO?
No, Mythical Pokémon, including Mew, cannot be traded in Pokémon GO. This is to maintain the integrity and rarity of these Pokémon.
15. What is the significance of Mew in Pokémon lore?
Mew is considered the ancestor of all Pokémon in the Pokémon universe. It possesses the DNA of every Pokémon, which is why it can learn any move. Mew’s discovery led to the creation of Mewtwo, making it a pivotal character in the Pokémon storyline. The relationship between games and learning can be more fully explored through such interactive engagement, and you can find more information at the Games Learning Society website.
By understanding these details and following the steps outlined above, you’ll be well on your way to capturing Mew in Pokémon GO and adding this legendary Pokémon to your collection. Good luck, Trainer!