Pokémon GO Offers Free 100% IV Mewtwo Through Sept. 6 for 10th Anniversary

Q: What hidden catches might players face in this 10th-anniversary event despite the promise of a free legendary reward?

The “free” Mewtwo is real, but the main catch is that it is not automatic: players must finish the Timed Research and claim every reward before the deadline. If they miss the expiration window, the encounter and the Mega reward are gone. Another likely catch is the time commitment. Niantic has not detailed every task in the research in the material provided, so players do not yet know whether it will require raiding, spinning stops, catching specific Pokémon, or other activity that may be difficult for rural, casual, or time-limited players. In Pokémon GO, “free” often still means substantial playtime. There is also a gameplay catch tied to the bonus itself. The reward unlocks the third Mega Level for Mega Mewtwo Y, but that benefit only matters if players can actually use Mega Mewtwo Y in the first place, which may still depend on having the form and enough relevant Mega Energy or prior participation in related raid events. Broader player concerns around Pokémon GO suggest additional friction points. Longtime players have criticized stronger monetization and reduced Remote Raid access, so if any research steps indirectly push raid participation or movement-heavy play, some users may see the event as less accessible than the headline suggests. The safest reading is that the reward is generous, but players should expect deadline pressure, potentially demanding tasks, and a bonus that may be most valuable to already engaged players.

3 articles · Updated · Pokémon GO Hub · Aug 13

Pokémon GO opened a free Timed Research worldwide that rewards a guaranteed 100% IV Mewtwo with a Special Background and Mega Level 3 already unlocked for Mega Mewtwo Y.
The event runs from Aug. 12 at 4 p.m. PDT until Sept. 6 at 11:59 p.m. local time, and players must finish the tasks and claim rewards before the deadline.
The research requires just 2 tasks—catch 10 Pokémon and power up Pokémon 10 times—making the anniversary reward broadly accessible.
Niantic said players who caught Mewtwo at the July 9 Times Square event will receive different stats and rewards, while that Times Square background will return later.