Step-by-Step Guide on How to Catch a Mew in Pokémon GO in 2026

September 17, 2026Maya Bennett

Capturing Mew in Pokémon GO has always been considered one of the most thrilling experiences for Trainers, especially considering Mew's mystery and rarity as well as its psychic powers. If you want to know how to capture a Mew in Pokémon GO, the method tends to be special and different from regular Pokémon captures. Many players also confuse Mew with Mewtwo, another iconic psychic Pokémon. So we’ll also guide you on where to catch a Mewtwo in Pokémon GO and explain how the two truly differ. Whether you're completing research tasks or using tools to support exploration, this guide walks you through everything step by step.

Catch a Mew in Pokémon GO

Part 1. Can You Catch a Mew in Pokémon GO

Mew is one of the rarest and most mysterious Pokémon in Pokémon GO. Known as the “New Species” Pokémon, it’s a Mythical Pokémon that trainers dream of adding to their collection. Unlike regular Pokémon that spawn in the wild, Mew isn’t something you stumble upon randomly. It can be encountered by completing Special Research tasks. This makes it an exciting challenge for players looking to prove their skills.

On the other hand, where can I catch a Mewtwo in Pokémon GO? Mewtwo appears mainly through Legendary Raids and sometimes special events. Successfully catching a Mewtwo in Pokémon GO often requires a group effort, good Premier Ball management, and sometimes the use of berries to increase catch chances. With patience and strategy, both Mew and Mewtwo can become prized additions to any trainer’s collection.

Part 2. How to Catch a Mew in Pokémon GO

Mew can be obtained by completing the A Mythical Discovery Special Research in Pokémon GO. The research has eight stages, each with several tasks to complete. Once you complete Stage 7, you'll unlock an encounter with Mew.

Complete A Mythical Discovery Special Research

Stage Tasks
Stage 1 of 8 Spin 5 PokéStops or Gyms; Catch 10 Pokémon; Transfer 5 Pokémon
Stage 2 of 8 Earn 2 Candies by walking with your Buddy; Make 10 Great Throws; Hatch 3 Eggs
Stage 3 of 8 Reach Level 15; Battle in 2 Raids; Battle in a Gym 2 times
Stage 4 of 8 Earn a Silver Kanto Medal; Evolve 20 Pokémon; Earn 5 Candies by walking with your Buddy
Stage 5 of 8 Catch a Ditto; Catch 10 Ghost-type Pokémon; Make 20 Great Throws
Stage 6 of 8 Reach Level 25; Evolve a Magikarp; Battle in 10 Raids
Stage 7 of 8 Use 50 Berries to help catch Pokémon; Earn a Gold Kanto Medal; Make an Excellent Curveball Throw
Stage 8 of 8 Catch Mew

After completing Stage 7, you'll receive a Mew encounter. Complete Stage 8 by catching Mew to finish A Mythical Discovery.

Complete Mythical Discovery Special Research

How Long Does It Take to Catch Mew?

There is no fixed time limit for completing A Mythical Discovery. Some tasks can be finished quickly, while others, such as earning Kanto Medals, reaching certain Trainer Levels, and completing multiple Raids, may take longer. Your progress depends on your current level and how frequently you play Pokémon GO.

Can a Location Changer Help With Pokémon GO?

You do not need a location changer to catch Mew. Mew is obtained through Special Research, so changing your GPS location does not replace or bypass the research requirements.

However, if you use Pokémon GO for other location-based activities and have difficulty traveling to a particular area, a tool such as Aiseesoft AnyCoord can simulate GPS movement from a computer. AnyCoord supports features such as simulated movement and route planning, which is useful for location-based gameplay activities. You can use it to:

AnyCoord

Downloads

AnyCoord

  • Search for a destination on the map and set it as your phone's virtual location.
  • Use One-stop Mode or Multi-stop Mode to plan a route between multiple locations.
  • Use Joystick Mode to control the virtual movement with your mouse or keyboard.
  • Customize the simulated movement speed based on your needs.
  • Keep frequently used destinations and routes for easier access later.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Catch Mew

Step 1.
Download Aiseesoft AnyCoord to your computer and run it. To fully use the tool, log in, then enter your email and the registration code.
Log In the Code
Step 2.
To begin, click Start, then plug your phone into your desktop using a USB cable.
Click to Start
Step 3.
Choose the One-stop mode, and the map will appear on the screen.
Choose One Stop Mode
Step 4.
Enter the starting and ending routes for locations where special research or events are active, then click Use this site to confirm the changes.
Hit Use This Site
Step 5.
You can move your phone's location along a simulated path by clicking the Start Moving button.
Click Start Moving

Use the Joystick Mode if you need to move short distances to trigger encounters or complete tasks.

Step 6.
Once all research tasks are finished, Mew will appear, use Poké Balls, berries, and careful throws to catch it. With this method, you can maximize your chances of catching Mew and efficiently complete challenges without missing out on rare spawns.

Pro Tip: While using AnyCoord, you can also plan for Legendary Raids to learn how to catch a Mewtwo in Pokémon GO efficiently!

Part 3. What's The Difference Between Mew and Mewtwo

Mew and Mewtwo may sound similar, but they are very different in Pokémon GO.

• Mew is a Mythical Pokémon, small, cute, and extremely rare. It’s mostly a collector’s Pokémon and cannot be found in the wild. You can only encounter it by completing Special Research tasks. Its stats are balanced, making it versatile, but it’s not the strongest in battles.

• Mewtwo, in contrast, is classified as a Legendary Pokémon. It is significantly larger, more imposing in stature, and has very high battle strength. Trainers frequently use Mewtwo in raids, player-versus-player battles, and gym challenges, in part because of its extremely high attack stats.


How to Catch a Mewtwo in Pokémon GO

1. Check Raid Schedules - Mewtwo appears in Legendary Raids, either at specific Gyms or during special events.

2. Gather a Team - You’ll usually need multiple players to beat Mewtwo in raids. Strong attackers like Tyranitar, Metagross, or Garchomp work best.

3. Join the Raid Battle - Use your best Pokémon and focus on dodging Mewtwo’s charged moves to survive the fight.

4. Use Premier Balls Wisely - After defeating Mewtwo, you’ll get a limited number of Premier Balls. Use Razz Berries or Golden Razz Berries and aim for excellent curveball throws to maximize catch chances.

5. Repeat During Events - Mewtwo occasionally returns in raids and special events, so keep an eye on announcements to try again if you miss it.

Both Mew and Mewtwo are iconic, but while Mew is about completing research and collection, Mewtwo is all about teamwork, strategy, and raw power in battles.

Part 4. FAQs about Catching a Mew in Pokémon GO

Can Mew be traded between players in Pokémon GO?

No, Mew is a Mythical Pokémon, and Mythicals cannot be traded in Pokémon GO. You can only obtain it by completing Special Research tasks yourself.

Does Mew have different forms or costumes in Pokémon GO?

Occasionally, Niantic releases events where Mew can wear special hats or costumes, but it normally appears in its classic pink form.

Are there any location restrictions to catch Mew?

No, Mew can be caught globally as long as you complete the required Special Research, regardless of your real-world location.

Is a ticket required to meet Mew?

No, unlike some Pokémon events, Mew is only accessible through Special Research and does not require a paid ticket.

Can multiple trainers see the same Mew encounter?

No, interactions with Mews are private. Each trainer must complete their own Special Research to encounter it.

Conclusion

Catching Mew in Pokémon GO is one of the biggest milestones every trainer wants to achieve. With Special Research tasks, careful planning, and sometimes with help from tools like Aiseesoft AnyCoord, you can finally say that you have caught a Mythical Pokémon. Mew focuses more on completing objectives and collecting, whereas Mewtwo is exciting because it is involved in Legendary Raids and authentic battles. If you are trying to complete your Pokédex or just enjoy a rare encounter, knowing strategies to make the event easier is ultimately helpful. Can you catch a Mew in Pokémon GO? The answer is absolutely yes, as long as you have patience, dedication, and the effort to put in.

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Aiseesoft AnyCoord can help you hide, fake, or change your GPS location to any other place with ease. You can even plan a moving route if needed.

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