Ethan Crossfield 
Pokemon GO players have a limited-time opportunity to add a perfect IV Mewtwo to their collection without entering a Mega Raid. The anniversary Timed Research is available now and asks for only two straightforward tasks, but the reward expires on September 6, 2026. Anyone who wants the guaranteed 2387 CP encounter should log in and finish the research before the deadline.
What changed in Pokemon GO
The 10th Anniversary Celebration Timed Research runs from August 12 at 4:00 PM PDT through September 6 at 11:59 PM local time. Completing it awards an encounter with Mewtwo at 2387 CP, which corresponds to perfect IVs according to the event details. This is also a particularly valuable version of the Legendary Pokemon: it has the third Mega Level unlocked for Mega Mewtwo Y, one of the strongest Psychic-type options in the game, and comes with a special Earth-themed background. The reward gives players another route to Mewtwo after the Pokemon featured prominently in GO Fest: Global 2026.
How to claim the free Mewtwo
Players only need to complete two objectives: catch 10 Pokemon and power up Pokemon 10 times. The research also provides one Master Ball and 500 Mega Mewtwo Energy, making the reward useful even before the Mewtwo encounter is claimed. There is no Mega Raid requirement for this offer. The research is available to all players, although those who attended the July 9 in-person event in Times Square will receive a Mewtwo with random stats and different rewards instead. That group can still complete the new research.
What is coming after the anniversary reward
The free Mewtwo is part of a broader run of Pokemon GO content during the Forever Forward season. Mega Starmie is scheduled to debut on August 22, while the Kalos starters are set to arrive during GO Fest: Mega Finale on September 5 and 6. The developer has also announced dates for the next three Community Days, beginning with a Community Day Classic on September 12, although the featured Pokemon for those monthly events have not been identified in the available information. Players who miss the current research will not have the same guaranteed opportunity before its stated expiration.
What players should know
- The research is available from August 12 at 4:00 PM PDT until September 6 at 11:59 PM local time.
- Catch 10 Pokemon and power up Pokemon 10 times to complete the required objectives.
- The reward includes a 2387 CP Mewtwo, one Master Ball, and 500 Mega Mewtwo Energy.
- The Mewtwo has the third Mega Level unlocked for Mega Mewtwo Y and an Earth-themed background.
- Times Square event attendees receive different research rewards and a Mewtwo with random stats.
Expert View
This is one of Pokemon GO's most accessible high-value rewards: the tasks are simple, and the Mewtwo combines perfect IVs with useful Mega Mewtwo Y progress. The main drawback is the hard expiration date, so players should not assume the research will remain available after September 6. Those who already received the special Times Square version should also check their results carefully, since this offer does not provide them with another guaranteed perfect Mewtwo.
