Mew, the mythical Psychic-type Pokemon, is one of the rarest and most special Pokemon in Pokemon GO. Unlike legendary Pokemon, Mew can only be obtained through a specific special research quest available to all trainers.
Quick Answer: To get Mew, you must complete the "A Mythical Discovery" special research quest, which consists of 8 stages. It's available to all trainers level 15 and above with no time limit.
A Mythical Discovery Special Research
Mew is obtained exclusively through the "A Mythical Discovery" special research quest, which has been available since March 30, 2018. This quest is permanent and has no time restrictions—you can complete it at your own pace.
Important: This is currently the ONLY way to obtain Mew in Pokemon GO. It cannot be found in raids, caught in the wild, or obtained through trading (Mew is a Mythical Pokemon and cannot be traded).
Special Research Overview
The quest consists of 8 stages, each with multiple tasks you must complete before moving to the next stage:
Stage 1/8 Tasks
- Spin 5 PokeStops or Gyms
- Catch 10 Pokemon
- Transfer 5 Pokemon
Rewards: 10 Poke Balls, 1 Incubator, 1 Premium Raid Pass
Stage 2/8 Tasks
- Earn 2 Candies walking with your Buddy
- Make 10 Great Throws
- Hatch 3 Eggs
Rewards: 20 Poke Balls, 2,000 Stardust, 3 Incense
Stage 3/8 Tasks
- Reach level 15
- Battle in a Gym 2 times
- Battle in 2 Raids
Rewards: 1 Fast TM, 1 Charged TM, 2 Star Pieces
Stage 4/8 Tasks
- Earn the Silver Kanto Medal
- Evolve 20 Pokemon
- Earn 2 Candies walking with your Buddy
Rewards: 4,000 Stardust, 3 Lure Modules, 20 Great Balls
Stage 5/8 Tasks
- Catch a Ditto
- Make 20 Great Throws
- Catch 10 Ghost-type Pokemon
Rewards: 5,000 Stardust, 20 Ultra Balls, 5 Rare Candy
Stage 5 Challenge: Catching Ditto is often the most difficult task. See our
complete Ditto guide for current disguises and catching tips!
Stage 6/8 Tasks
- Reach level 25
- Battle in 10 Raids
- Evolve a Magikarp
Rewards: 6,000 Stardust, 1 Premium Raid Pass, 3 Incense
Stage 7/8 Tasks
- Earn the Gold Kanto Medal (register 100 Kanto Pokemon)
- Catch 50 Pokemon using a Berry
- Make an Excellent Curveball Throw
Rewards: 8,000 Stardust, 10 Ultra Balls, 1 Metal Coat
Stage 7 Challenge: The Gold Kanto Medal is the hardest requirement. You need to catch and register 100 different Kanto Pokemon species to your Pokedex. With newer generations available, this can take time!
Stage 8/8 - Final Tasks
- Catch Mew (encounter reward from completing Stage 7)
Rewards: 10,000 Stardust, 1 Super Incubator, 20 Mew Candy
Tips for Completing A Mythical Discovery
Here are some strategies to help you complete the research efficiently:
Essential Tips
- Take Your Time - There's no time limit! Complete tasks at your own pace
- Save Magikarp Candy - You'll need 400 candies to evolve Magikarp in Stage 6. Start collecting early!
- Focus on Ditto Early - Catch potential Ditto disguises throughout your journey. Check our Ditto guide for current disguises
- Participate in Events - Many tasks are easier during special events (Community Days, Raid Hours, etc.)
- Join Raid Groups - Use Discord or Facebook groups to find raid partners
- Catch Kanto Pokemon - Prioritize Kanto species for the medal requirements
- Practice Excellent Throws - Use larger Pokemon like Wailmer to practice curveball throws
Catching Mew
After completing all seven stages, you'll encounter Mew in Stage 8. This encounter is special:
- Guaranteed Catch - Mew has a 100% catch rate
- Unlimited Poke Balls - You won't run out of balls
- Cannot Flee - Take your time and enjoy the moment
- Fixed IVs - Mew's stats are predetermined (usually 10/10/10 minimum)
- Level 15 - Mew will be at trainer level 15
Pro Tip: Take AR photos of your Mew encounter! This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment in your Pokemon GO journey. Use AR+ mode for the best photo opportunities.
About Mew
Mew is a mythical Psychic-type Pokemon with unique characteristics:
- Type: Psychic
- Max CP: 3,265
- Best Moveset: Shadow Claw (Fast), Psychic (Charged)
- Unique Trait: Can learn almost any move through TMs
- Usage: Versatile in Great League and Ultra League PvP
- Weaknesses: Bug, Ghost, and Dark-type moves
- Special: Cannot be traded to other players
Can You Get Shiny Mew?
Shiny Mew is extremely rare and was only available through specific events:
- Kanto Tour Special Research - Required ticket purchase for Pokemon GO Tour: Kanto (February 2021)
- GO Fest 2022 - Limited availability for ticketed players
- Not Available from A Mythical Discovery - The regular special research gives non-shiny Mew
Shiny Status: As of 2025, Shiny Mew is one of the rarest Pokemon in the entire game. It may return in future paid events, but it's not guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trade for Mew?
No, Mew is a Mythical Pokemon and cannot be traded. Every trainer must complete "A Mythical Discovery" themselves.
How long does it take to get Mew?
It varies by player, but typically takes 2-4 weeks of active play. The longest tasks are usually catching Ditto and earning the Gold Kanto Medal.
Can I catch multiple Mews?
No, you can only catch one Mew per account through "A Mythical Discovery." However, Shiny Mew was available through separate paid events.